U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,655

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Source Geographic Database

The embodiments disclosed herein relate to computer games that depict real or imaginary geographic locales as part of the play scenarios of the computer games. For example, the play scenarios may involve a car chase through the streets of Miami, Fla., a treasure hunt through the countries of Europe, a flight simulator game over Texas, and so on. Game play scenarios may also involve imaginary places, such as a southern California-style city. In the embodiments disclosed herein, geographic data used in the computer games is obtained from a map data developer. In these embodiments, the map data developer collects, confirms, updates, processes and distributes geographic data for other, non-game related purposes, such as navigation-related purposes, but also provides geographic data for use in computer games.

FIG. 1shows a master or source version of a geographic database100. The master version of the geographic database is owned and developed by a geographic database developer101(also referred to as a “map developer”, a “map data developer” or the like). (Although only one source database and geographic database developer are shown, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to only a single source database or a single geographic database developer.) The master version of the geographic database100contains data102(also referred to a “geographic data” or “spatial data”) that represent geographic features in a coverage area104. The coverage area104may correspond to an entire country, such as the United States. Alternatively, the coverage area104may correspond to several countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico, or France, Germany, and Italy, and so on. According to another alternative, the coverage area104of the master version of the geographic database100may represent only a single region within a country, such as the West Coast or the Midwest of the U.S. Although the master version of the geographic database100includes data that represent geographic features in the entire coverage area104, there may be parts of the coverage area104that contain geographic features that are not represented by data in the geographic database, or for which the representation of geographic features is sparse.

The master version of the geographic database100includes data about a road network120located in the coverage area104. The data about the road network120include various kinds of information, such as the geographic coordinates of positions of the roads, street names of the roads, addresses ranges along the roads, turn restrictions at intersections of roads, and so on. The master version of the geographic database100also includes data about points of interest in the covered area104. Points of interest may include hotels, restaurants, museums, stadiums, offices, automobile dealerships, auto repair shops, etc. The master version of the geographic database100may include data about the locations of these points of interests. The master version of the geographic database100may also include data about places, such as cities, towns, or other communities, and other geographic features, such as bodies of water, mountain ranges, etc. The master version of the geographic database100may include other kinds of information.

There are different ways used by the geographic database developer to collect data. These ways include obtaining data from other sources, such as municipalities. In addition, the geographic database developer may employ field personnel to travel by vehicles along roads throughout the geographic region to observe features and record information about them. The data collected by the geographic database developer are stored in the master version of the geographic database100.

The geographic database developer101continues to collect data that represent the features in the geographic coverage area104on an ongoing basis. One reason that the geographic database developer continues to collect data is that the features in the coverage area104change over time. Accordingly, the geographic database developer collects data about the same features in order to update or confirm the previously collected data about the features. Another reason that the geographic database developer continues to collect data is to expand the coverage and/or detail of the master version of the geographic database100. For example, at one point in time the master version of the geographic database100may include data that represents only a portion of the entire coverage area104. After that point in time, the geographic database developer collects data about features in areas that were not previously represented in order to expand the coverage of the master version of the geographic database100.

The master version of the geographic database100is maintained as the copy that has the most up-to-date data relating to the coverage area104. Accordingly, the master version of the geographic database100is updated, expanded, and/or otherwise modified on a regular and continuing basis. To facilitate these operations, the master version of the geographic database100is stored in a format that facilitates updating, maintenance, and development. For example, the data in the master version100may be uncompressed. Examples of suitable formats include the Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) format and the geographic Data Files (GDF) format, although other kinds of formats, both proprietary and non-proprietary, may be suitable. In general, the format of the master database100is not suitable for use in navigation systems.

A copy of the master version of the geographic database100is physically located at a first location114. In one embodiment, the master version of the geographic database100is stored on one or more hard drives, tapes or other media, and accessed with an appropriate computer116. Any suitable computer may be used, such as a mainframe computer, a plurality of networked microcomputers, etc.

Referring toFIG. 2, the master version of the geographic database100is used to make database products110for navigation purposes and database products118for computer games. The database products110and118are made using a compiler111. The compiler111is a software program run on an appropriate computer platform. In the present embodiment, the database products118used for computer games are made using the same compiler used to make the database products110used for navigation purposes. In alternative embodiments, separate compilers are used to make the map database products110used for navigation purposes and the map database products118used for computer games. Processes for using a compiler to make database products are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,974,419, 5,953,722, 5,968,109 and 6,047,280, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The database products110and118may include only portions of all the data in the master version of the geographic database100. For example, the database products110and118may include data that relate to only one or more specific sub-areas within the coverage area104of the master version of the geographic database100. Further, the database products110and118may include fewer than all the data attributes that describe geographic features represented in the master version of the geographic database100.

The database products110and118are used on various kinds of computing platforms. The computing platforms112used for navigation purposes include in-vehicle navigation systems, hand-held portable navigation systems, personal computers (including desktop and notebook computers), and other kinds of devices, such as personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, pagers, telephones, cell phones, etc. The compiled database products110are also used on networked computing platforms and environments, including systems connected to the Internet.

The database products110that are used for navigation purposes are stored on suitable media in their respective computing platforms. For example, the database products110may be stored on CD-ROM disks, hard drives, DVD disks, flash memory, or other types of media that are available now or that become available in the future.

On the computing platforms112used for navigation, the database products110are used by various software applications. For example, the database products110may be used by software applications that provide navigation-related functions, such as route calculation, route guidance, vehicle positioning, map display, and electronic yellow pages, as well as other kinds of functions.

As stated above, in addition to producing database products110for use in computing platforms used for navigation, the geographic database developer101produces database products118for use in computer games. The database products118are provided to one or more computer game developers130(only one of which is shown inFIG. 2). The database products118used by the computer game developer130may be the same or similar to the database products110used for navigation. The database products118used by the computer game developer130may be provided on a suitable media, such as one or more CD-ROM disks, DVD disks, or hard drives. Alternatively, the database products118used by the computer game developer130may be provided over a network connection.

The computer game developer130uses data from the geographic database products118, along with other data and components (as explained below), to create one or more computer games132. The computer games132created by the computer game developer130may include some or all the data from the database products118. Alternatively, the computer games132may include data derived from or based on the data from the database products118. The geographic data in the computer game132may be in a different format than the data contained in the database products118.

The computer games132created using the data from the database products118provide for representing geographic features located in geographic locales in play scenarios of the computer games. The geographic features represented in the computer games132produced using the database products118include features located in the respective coverage areas of the database products118. These geographic features may include some or all the road networks represented by the geographic database products118. The computer games132are installed on appropriate computer platforms134. The computer platforms134on which the computer games132are installed may include personal computers, game consoles, PDAs, handheld game devices, mobile phones, networked computers, and so on. Users access the computer games132on the computer platforms134to play.

II. Computer Game Structure and Operation

A. Components

FIG. 3shows components of an embodiment of the computer game132produced by the computer game developer130ofFIG. 2. InFIG. 3, the computer game132includes a game shell150, game engines160, a geographic database170, a road models database190, a 3D models database200, a geographic API210and geographic data tools220. In alternative embodiments, the computer game132may include additional components or may include fewer components.

The game shell150is a data component (e.g., a data structure and/or object or program) that includes the basic logic, rules, strategy, characters, vehicles, etc., for the game. Different game shells define different games. For example, different game shells are used for a road rally game, a police chase game, a location quiz game, a “bot” fighter game, a flight simulator game, a “first-person-shooter” game, an auto theft game, an urban development simulator game, etc.

The computer game132also includes game engines160. The game engines160are software programs (i.e., routines, applications, and/or associated libraries, etc.) that are part of the computer game. In general, the game engines are software programs (and/or their associated libraries) that perform specific, regularly performed tasks and that operate on an as-needed basis (e.g., continuously) during game play. For example, a game engine program may run continuously waiting to receive some input (e.g., from another program, from a game player, etc.) and, in response to the input, may change some output. Examples of game engines include audio engines, logic engines, rules engines, animation engines, graphics engines, user interface engines, physics engines, and so on. The game engines may also include one or more navigation engines or applications that make specific use of the geographic data for certain purposes, such as a route calculation application that determines a route that is used as part of a play scenario of the game.

The geographic database170in the computer game132is formed from the database product118provided by the map database developer101to the game developer130(inFIG. 2). The geographic database170in the computer game132may be the same as the database product118provided by the map developer101or may be derived from the database product118provided by the map developer101. The geographic database170in the computer game132may be in the same format as the database product118provided by the map developer101or may be in a different format. In the computer game product, the geographic data may be integrated into the code base or may exist separately.

The geographic database170includes representations of geographic features in a locale. The types of geographic features that are represented include, for example, the road network, points of interest, lakes, administrative boundaries, and other geographic features. The locale represented by the geographic database170may include a metropolitan area (such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Paris), a country, a state, or any other geographic area. The geographic database170may represent pedestrian walkways, bicycle paths, and/or aircraft runways. The geographic database may also represent an imaginary locale, such as a locale that is similar to a real locale. Processes for forming a geographic database that represents an imaginary locale are described in the copending application entitled “GEOGRAPHIC AREA TEMPLATES FOR COMPUTER GAMES”,bearing application Ser. No. 10/798,632 filed Mar. 11, 2004 the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

In the computer game132, the road models database190includes data representations used for visual appearance and rendering of road-related things, such as road colors, road pavement, lane stripes, curbs, sidewalks, signs, lampposts, lane dividers, traffic signals, speed bumps, crosswalks, and so on. According to one embodiment, the road model database190includes several different data models for some types of road-related things. For example, the road models database190includes several different types of traffic signal configurations. These different types of traffic signal configurations are used to provide variety and to make the representation of the road network appear more realistic, i.e., so that all the traffic signal configurations do not look the same. The data representations of road-related things in the road models database are also used for providing other properties of the represented things, such as the physical and audio properties. For example, causing a simulated vehicle to move over a simulated curb causes the simulated vehicle to “bump.” Similarly, a simulated vehicle “hitting” a simulated lamppost causes a simulated crashing sound.

The 3D models database200includes data representations used for visual appearance and rendering of cityscape and landscape-related things, such as buildings, fences, trees, shrubbery, lawns, fences, clouds, scenery, and so on. The data representations of cityscape and landscape-related things in the 3D models database are also used for providing the other properties (e.g., physical and audio) of the represented things. For example, causing a simulated vehicle to strike a simulated building causes the simulated vehicle to stop and make a crashing sound. As another example, a simulated vehicle can drive over a simulated shrub, but not a simulated tree.

B. The Geographic Data API and Geographic Data Tools Programs

1. The Geographic Data API

The geographic data API210is used by a requesting game engine160to obtain needed geographic data from the geographic database170. In general, the geographic data API210provides a structured, relatively high-level interface by which the game engines160can request geographic data from the geographic database170. In one embodiment, the geographic data API210provides a set of function calls and queries in a programming language, such as C, by which the game engines160can request geographic data. In one embodiment, the geographic data API210is similar or identical to the interface layer described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,280, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Among the functions provided by the geographic data API210is a spatial query function212. The spatial query function212returns data records of a specified type (e.g., data that represent road segments) based on location criteria included in the query. For example, a spatial query may request all the data records that represent road segments that are within 5 km of a given latitude and longitude. Another spatial query may request all the data records that represent restaurants that are within a rectangular area having specified geographic boundaries. The spatial search function212in the geographic data API210returns to the requesting component (e.g., a game engine) the data records that meet these criteria.

2. The Geographic Data Tools

In addition to the geographic data API210, one or more sets of geographic tools220are also included in the computer game132. The geographic data tools220are used in combination with the geographic data API210to manage and process geographic data accessed from the geographic database170. Included among the geographic tools are a 3D conversion function226, a smoothing function230, an integration function240, a spatial filtering and caching function242and program hooks244. There may be more geographic tools in addition to these.

a. 3D Conversion

The 3D conversion function226supports conversion of the data obtained the geographic database170so that it can be displayed as a 3D (perspective view) image. The 3D image may represent a portion of the geographic locale from the point of view of the game player or may be from the point of view of another, e.g., a spectator. The 3D image, in general, would include the features that a human person could observe from a specific location in the locale. The view may be an overhead view. The 3D image, in general, would include the features that a human person could observe from a specific location in the locale.

In one embodiment, the 3D conversion function226allows the computer game to simulate travel along roads from a driver's perspective. For example, a driving game could provide a simulation of a race along a route from Chicago to St. Louis.

b. Smoothing

The smoothing function230modifies the way geographic features that are represented in the geographic database179are depicted on a display of a computer game. In the geographic database170, a linearly extending feature, such as a road segment, is represented using discreet points that indicate the end points of the feature with the understanding that the geographic feature extends between these points. A curved road segment (or other feature) is represented using a series of discreet points that indicate positions along the road segment with the understanding that the road segment passes through these points. The smoothing function230provides for a realistic-looking representation of geographic features, such as road segments, by calculating a curve through the points that represent the road segment. The smoothing function230is also applied to other geographic features that are represented using a series of straight points.

c. Integration

As mentioned above, in the computer game132, the integration function240provides for associating representations of road-related things from the road model database190and the 3D models database200with data from the geographic database170that represents the road network. The data in the geographic database170is (or was derived from) a representation of a road network used for navigation purposes. As such, the data in the geographic database170may not indicate what roads, or things associated with a road, look like. For example, in the geographic database170, a data representation of a road may indicate the locations (e.g., geographic coordinates) of intersections, and possibly the locations of points along a road segment between intersections, the legal (and illegal) connections between roads, the names of roads, the addresses ranges along roads, the type of road surface, and so on. However, in the geographic database170, a data representation of a road may not contain information that indicates the actual visual shapes, colors, dimensions, etc., of these road-related things. For example, in the geographic database170, a data representation of a road may not indicate the colors of a road, curbs, sidewalks, what a sign looks like, and so on. The road model database190is used to provide these types of information.

The integration function240associates road model data from the road model database190with specific locations along a road segment (as represented by data from the geographic database170) or with lengths along a road segment. As an example, the integration function240may provide for showing curbs (using a model for what a curb looks like from the road model database190) along all side streets (represented by data from the geographic database170. In another example, the integration function240may provide for showing barriers along all the sides of expressways (using a model for barriers from the road model database190) as represented by data from the geographic database170. The integration function240may also provide for associating data models for traffic signals at intersections.

The computer game132uses the integration function240in the geographic tools programs220to combine data from the road model database with data from the geographic database170to provide a realistic appearing road network. The road model database190is not necessarily intended to represent actual road-related things, such as the exact locations of signs, the exact text on signs, the exact configuration of traffic signals, etc. Neither the geographic database170nor the road model database190may contain information that represents the actual location of signs or the exact configuration of traffic signals. However, the road model database190provides data for visually representing these road-related things in a manner that would be typical for the geographic locale. Therefore, for a residential neighborhood, the road model database190would include models for sidewalks, cross walks, stop signs, etc., which would be associated with appropriate locations along the road network as defined by the geographic database170. The integration function240and the road model database190provide for both the density (how many signs per mile or how many lampposts per block) and the style (shape, height, sign text wording) of these road related things.

Different road models databases may be used in computer games that depict different locales because the road-related things in different locales may have different appearances. For example, a road models database for London will include data models for the way road signs look in London, whereas a road models database for New York will includes data models for the way road signs look in New York. Similarly, a road models database for an aircraft simulator game will include models for the way airports look from overhead, whereas a road models database for a pedestrian game will include data models for the way an airport looks on foot.

The integration function240is also used to combine data from the 3D model database200with data from the geographic database170to provide a realistic appearing road network. Like the road models, these 3D model representations are associated with locations along the road network data as represented by data from the geographic database170. Furthermore, like the road models database, there are different 3D models databases for different types of locales. For example, a 3D models database for Paris will include 3D data models for the way buildings look in Paris, whereas a 3D models database for Texas will include data models for the way buildings look in Texas.

The integration function240provides for rendering of road related things and 3D models at the rate needed by the computer game. If the game is intended to depict high-speed travel along a road, the integration function operates to render the road related things and 3D models appropriately.

FIGS. 4A,4B and4C illustrate operation of some of the geographic tools functions220.FIG. 4Aillustrates an example of data in the geographic database170used to represent a road segment. InFIG. 4A, a data record represents a road segment by indicating the latitude and longitude of the end points of the road segment. Because the road segment is curved, additional data is included. This additional data is in the form of a series of points (referred to as shape points). The shape points indicate positions, e.g., latitude and longitude, of points located along the road segment between the end points.FIG. 4Billustrates graphically the data inFIG. 4A. As shown inFIG. 4B, the road segment is depicted as consisting of a series of straight line pieces connecting the shape points and end points.FIG. 4Cillustrates the how the road segment represented inFIGS. 4A and 4Bwould be depicted graphically in a computer game using the data tools220. The 3D function226is used to provide a driver's perspective view of the represented road segment and the smoothing function230is used to smooth out the piecewise shape of the road segment as represented in the geographic database170. In addition, the integration function240is used to add road model representations of lanes, pavement color, and lane stripes.

FIGS. 5A,5B and5C further illustrate operation of some of the geographic tools functions220.FIG. 5Aillustrates another example of data in the geographic database170. InFIG. 5A, four data records represent four road segments that meet at an intersection. As inFIG. 4A, a data record represents a road segment by indicating the latitude and longitude of the end points of the road segment.FIG. 5Billustrates graphically the four road segments represented by the data inFIG. 5A. As shown inFIG. 5B, the road segments are depicted as consisting of straight line pieces.FIG. 5Cillustrates the how the intersecting road segments represented inFIGS. 5A and 5Bwould be depicted graphically in a computer game using the data tools220. The 3D function226is used to provide a driver's perspective view of the represented road segments. The integration function240is used to add road model representations of lanes, pavement color, and lane stripes. In addition, the integration function240is used to add 3D models of buildings and trees along the road segments.

d. Spatial Filtering and Caching

As mentioned above, the geographic tools220include spatial filtering and caching functions242. The filtering function selectively filters data from the geographic database170, the road models database190and the 3D models database200. This filtering function may receive inputs from one or more of the game engines160. As an example, if a game engine indicates that a game scenario is simulating a fast moving vehicle, the filtering function242may selectively filter (suppress) some of the data accessed or processed from the geographic database170, the road models database190and the 3D models database200so that the simulated speed can be maintained. The caching function may receive input from a game engine that indicates a simulated vehicle direction of travel. The data needed to represent geographic features located in the simulated direction of travel are identified and cached in memory to improve game performance.

e. Program Hooks

The geographic tools220may also include program hooks244. The program hooks244include conditional statements included in certain routines. When one of the hooks is run, it checks for a certain condition and may modify operation of the computer game depending on the result of an evaluation of the condition. As an example, a program hook may be used to incorporate real-time traffic or weather conditions into a computer game. According to this example, a computer game that simulates driving a vehicle through a locale can obtain real-time traffic or weather information relating to the locale, which can be used to modify the driving simulation accordingly. Program hooks can also be used in multi-player games. In a multi-player game, program hooks check for, and then incorporate, the actions of other players.

III. Alternatives

Some embodiments provide for on-line game play. In one alternative, on-line game play is facilitated with an Internet display function in the geographic data tools: The Internet display functions allow incremental updates of displays for game play. For example, a first display screen shows full detail of a certain geographic area in 2D or full 3D. Further updates to the screen only include necessary information to indicate changes to the current display. This method of sending only changes allows faster updates necessary for game play over the Internet. A function like this allows a set of gamers in different places connected only by Internet connections to play competitive games based on geographic data with each other in real-time.

The embodiments disclosed herein can be used on various different types of computer platforms, including client-server platforms and peer-to-peer platforms. The embodiments disclosed herein can be used with streaming or other technologies.

The embodiments disclosed herein describe use of geographic data in computer games. The embodiments disclosed herein can be adapted for using geographic data for other non-navigation-related purposes. Among these other, non-navigation purposes are simulations and movie making. For example, the embodiments disclosed herein can be adapted for using geographic data for simulation systems. Simulation systems that can use geographic data include systems that simulate emergency operations (such as evacuation procedures or emergency vehicle deployment and routing), driver education systems, etc.

The embodiments disclosed herein can also be used in movie making. Many movies use computer-generated images of real (or imaginary) locations, instead of actual images. The embodiments disclosed herein can be adapted for creating realistic-looking geographic locations, including features such as road networks, for use in movie making. When using any of the disclosed embodiments for movie making, a relatively high visual accuracy may be required and therefore attributes that provide for relatively high visual accuracy may be needed. However, fewer attributes of some types may be required.

The embodiments disclosed herein may also be used for games that use geographic data obtained from multiple sources, e.g., more than one source geographic database. In these embodiments, the data from the multiple source geographic databases may be combined by the game developer or by another party.

In another alternative embodiment, end users may be provided with the tools (e.g., software program, etc.) to make their own maps (geographic databases) that can then be used in their computer games. The geographic databases made by end users may represent actual, real world places or imaginary places. The tools provided to the end users for this purpose would allow end users to create geographic databases that would be accessed by the geographic data APIs in their computer games in the same manner as geographic databases from the map developer or the computer game developer are accessed.

IV. Examples

The following are examples of different types of computer games and/or applications that can be developed using the disclosed embodiments. (Note that some of the games are new and some are updates and/or improvements of prior games.)

A. City Development Simulation Game

Geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales can be used in a type of computer game in which players simulate growth of an urban (or other regional) environment. In this kind of game, players simulate building cities or other places (such as towns, countries, rural areas) by designing roads, utilities (e.g., electrical, sewage, water) and other infrastructure elements for a geographic area. Then, the computer game allows a virtual city to develop based on the designs. The virtual cities can be detailed including individual zoning requirements (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, etc.), crime layers (i.e., that can be changed by implementing police stations), traffic, unemployment and other realistic features.

Geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales can be used in this type of game to provide a high level of realism thereby allowing game players to build cities based on real world city models. In this type of game, players may choose a specific city model (e.g., Paris), and attempt to improve or replicate it. The inclusion of real time traffic, weather, points of interest (periodically updated or real time) and other real world content would serve to increase the realism of such a virtual city. This improvement could add realism, player loyalty, recognition, and an alternative goal to this popular type of game.

B. Virtual Person Development Simulation Game

Geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales can be used in a type of computer game in which game players simulate development of a virtual person (e.g., a “sim”). In this kind of computer game, players build a virtual person by managing that virtual person's habits, tendencies, house, family, job and interactions with other virtual people. In prior simulation games of this type, the locales in which virtual people live were non-specific. In prior simulation games of this type, the locales were modeled from the view of the player's virtual house and may have included some features specific to the game manufacturer.

Data from a source of geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales can be used in this type of game to provide a high level of realism, thereby allowing players to build virtual characters in models of real cities, with models of actual real-world points of interest, streets, landmarks and neighborhoods. When starting this type of game, which has been enhanced by the addition of geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales, a player chooses a real world city. Once the city has been chosen, neighborhoods from the city become available for the player to select (e.g., Chicago's Gold Cost, Lincoln Park, Rogers Park, River North, or specific suburbs). Once the player selects a neighborhood, the player's virtual person would be able to simulate visits to virtual attractions based on real world local attractions, e.g., go to popular restaurants and bars, work in local businesses, and reflect how life is lived in that specific area almost as if he/she were living there.

C. “Bot-fighter” Game

Geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales can be used as a backbone for a “bot-fighter”-type game. This enhances the bot-fighter-type game by incorporating detailed spatial data that represents real world locales. A “bot-fighter”-type game can be played on mobile phones. In this game, players build “warrior robots” on their mobile phones using credits (e.g., virtual money) from battles won against other players. All firing between warriors is done via SMS messaging over the mobile phones. With mobile phone technology, a player may be given rough coordinates to his or her player-enemies or be warned when a player-enemy has entered his/her area or turf via mobile phone positioning technology.

The addition of geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales can give this type of game greater appeal. Specific route data and location details or spotting could be provided instead of simple proximity alerts. The addition of geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales would enable this type of game to support more precise boundaries. Further, with the addition of geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales, a game player's weapons could be given more accurate range limitations, rather than rough limitations available with existing games.

In addition, game credits (e.g., virtual money) could be spent on routes, enemy interception (based on known movements or historical patterns) courses, or enemy spotting locations.

D. Traffic Management Game/application

In this computer game/application, data that represents the road network in the real world is used in combination with traffic feeds and models in order to simulate a real city with its existing traffic patterns. Once a model of an actual city with its road network and traffic patterns is created, predictive modeling and comparisons to other cities allow the user to tweak, re-model, or re-design traffic architecture to improve the road network with the objective to create the most efficient traffic system or to make the most improvements to an existing system.

This computer game/application can include a vehicle fleet management feature. According to this feature, the game player is given a virtual fleet of vehicles (e.g., starting with two trucks) in an initially chosen city and an overlay of existing traffic conditions. The goal of the game with the fleet management feature would be to provide service to a customer base (i.e., based on real world businesses represented in the real world geographic database and some zoning data). Time of day for delivery, fleet routing, fuel expenditures, pickup points and schedules etc., would all be managed by the game player.

Traffic flow, incidents, bottlenecks and other traffic data would be displayed. Wired or live devices would also have the ability to add live or updated data. Traffic would be made up from individual vehicles, following typical vehicle movement patterns (e.g., gapers, cars driving down the shoulder, etc.) or could be built from scratch.

E. Emergency Services and Law Enforcement Games

Geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales can be used in emergency services scenario-type games or law enforcement scenario-type games. These games include themes related to fire fighting, medical emergency services (e.g., ambulance, search and rescue), police chases, etc. Game developers who make these kinds of games can use the disclosed embodiments to provide realistic looking locales, possibly with the addition of location-based content (e.g., actual buildings, businesses etc.), traffic, weather, points of interest, etc., as part of the playing scenarios of these games.

F. Location Quiz Game

Geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales can be used in a location quiz-type of computer game. In this type of game, game players are provided with clues about a game character's secret location and attempt to determine the secret geographic location. Using geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales adds a measure of realism to this type of game and increases its educational value.

One feature of this game is the ability to personalize the game to a player's locale. Players would be able to search for the secret location in their own city or neighborhood. For example, parents could use the game to teach their children how to get around in their own neighborhoods. According to this example, parents could set up the game to include the route that their child takes to and from school. Also, if a family moves to a new neighborhood, the parents could obtain up-to-date digital map data that represents the new neighborhood in order to teach their children about the new neighborhood.

Adding digital map data to the game would also provide the capability to play it anywhere the player is located. For example, a child from Chicago who is on vacation in Paris could search for the game character in Paris and thereby learn about the city.

G. Children's Atlas

Another computer game/application that can use geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales is a children's atlas game/application. This computer game/application can be used by families on long car trips. In one embodiment, this game/application could be used to answer children's questions such as “Are we there yet?” or “Where are we?” with distances and times to destinations.

One version of this game includes a communications feature that allows a child to communicate with other children who have games with the same feature. Another version of this game/application allows a game player to create a virtual travelogue that describes and records travels in real time.

In one embodiment, a children's atlas game/application would be developed as a travel companion game that obtains location information from an in-vehicle navigation system or remote server. As a car in which the child is a passenger drives through a specific locale (e.g., a town or attraction) or a more general area (e.g., a state), the children's atlas application would display images and use voice narration to provide facts about the area. The children's atlas game/application would also provide well-known stories or legends about an area (e.g., Johnny Appleseed as the child is traveling through the Appalachians).

In another alternative embodiment, the children's atlas includes a travel pal feature. This feature allows a child traveling through an area to connect online with other children who located in the area. In one version of this feature, children can communicate with other traveling children or with other children located in the area a child is passing through using instant messaging. A buddy list may be formed and used for this purpose. Children could access this service while traveling or at home. For example, children could exchange information about their travels or play games. Children passing through a particular place could instant message with children living in the area and ask questions about the area, e.g., what do the locals think about the best places to eat, what is the best radio station, etc.

According to another alternative embodiment, the children's atlas application includes a virtual travelogue feature. The virtual travelogue feature allows a child to collect, store, and send information about his or her travels as a trip is taking place. The child could take information provided by the atlas game/application, annotate it with personal experiences and observations, and send it to friends and relatives, or to a home website that eventually turns into a scrapbook of the entire trip (or perhaps a report on a school field trip), complete with maps, pictures and postcards from the area, voice narration, and any other data collected along the way.

The virtual travelogue feature could also catalogue and automatically store every place the child has traveled. The child could then display or print out a map that shows all the places he or she has been and how he or she got there.

H. Simulated Tour

Another application that can use geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales is a simulated tour application. This simulated tour application uses geographic data, POI data, 3D modeling, and other data, such as weather, traffic, crime statistics, and restaurant guides, to build a realistic view of a city or other locale for virtual touring. The simulated tour application could be used by people considering moving to a new area, or could be hosted by realtors, or used by travelers, or simply used by individuals to learn more about different locations.

With this application, one can learn, understand, explore, or market a specific area. This application would portray an area visually, textually, and possibly even audibly. Smells (e.g., heavy fog, chocolate factory nearby—pervasive) could be provided using appropriate technology or described textually.

One use for this application is to provide a way for a person to become familiar with driving in an unfamiliar city. Some cities may have driving conventions that are unfamiliar to some people. For example, speed limits are painted on the road in California and Hawaii whereas they are located on little signs in Illinois. According to another example, traffic is particularly aggressive in Rome and lanes are viewed as guidelines, not rules etc.

I. Car Rally Challenge Game

Another computer game that can be improved using geographic data that represents real world places is a car rally challenge-type game. This game can be played in single player or multi-player versions. In this type of game, teams of game players travel actual routes that are sent to them from a central server. The server would store a number of car rally routes and attribute scenarios (e.g., points of interest as checkpoints) for a specific area (e.g., state, city, neighborhood, etc.), and these virtual rally instructions would be sent to the participating drivers and navigators.

An organizer's kit could also be offered that would cater to amateur car rally organizations or clubs. The kit would allow an individual or organization to create a customized car rally specific to a city or area. The rally information could be created on the rally organizer's personal computer within a program, or via download from a website. It could then be printed out and handed to the racers or downloaded to a device such as a PDA.

The difference between the game and the kit is that the game would send out pre-determined routes and rally features. The routes and features might change regularly but the players would not have a hand in planning or creating the rally scenarios. The kit would provide the basic tools and content to create a rally, thereby allowing the user to add local flavor, degrees of difficulty, or to even recreate a well-known rally course.

J. Location-based Virtual Monopoly Game

Geographic data that represents real world places can be used in a computer game based on the Monopoly board game. In one version of this game scenario, a game player's positions and movements in the real world are tracked, using positioning equipment such as GPS, cell phone triangulation, etc. These movements would be used to define game routes for that player. Then, the routes would be used to identify properties (e.g., actual or fictional) along that route the game player could virtually purchase, rent, etc., as in the classic board game. Real world conditions, such as traffic restrictions, road construction, tolls, etc., would be factored into the game play scenario.

K. Promotional Games and Contests

Geographic data that represents real world places can be used for promotional concepts (e.g., contests, sales events, and so on). Businesses, such as retailers or restaurant franchises, frequently use special promotions or contests to attract business. Adding location-based data and services to these promotions would allow businesses to better target, reach, and track potential customers, and also add an extra dimension. Promotional tie-ins to location-based data could be developed using a variety of approaches.

L. Spatial Simulator for Exercise

Data that represents actual, real world places can be used with sports or exercise-related events or equipment. For example, geographic data can be used to enhance simulators (e.g., monitors) used on or with exercise equipment. Geographic data that represents real places can be used with a treadmill or exercise bicycle to simulate the experience of running or biking along a route. The route would be projected on a monitor or screen in front of the person on an exercise machine such as a treadmill or exercise bicycle.

Use of data that represents actual, real world places could allow users to feel as if they were running through the streets of a major city, e.g., along a marathon or 10K route, or biking the route of the Tour de France. The simulator could also be used to keep track of long-term training goals, such as running virtually across the entire United States.

A basic simulation would consist of a display of a basic overview map based on a route. For example, the user would ask for a route within a city and a basic map would be displayed showing the streets of the city with a mark on the map indicating the virtual position of the runner or bicyclist. The runner's progress along the route would be based on the runner's pace. The degree or category of simulation offered could vary depending on the level of realism desired. For example, details such as road elevation could be added to the simulation. This would allow the person exercising to experience the feeling of running or biking in the Rocky Mountains or through the plains of Nebraska.

A detailed simulation would use 3D data and give a full picture on a monitor of the buildings and landmarks along the route. This would give the runner or bicyclist a realistic feeling of running or biking along the route.

M. Classic Computer Games

Geographic data that represents actual, real-world locales can be advantageously used to make new versions of classic computer games like Snake and Pacman. In these new versions of these games, game players assume the identities of characters in the game. A player uses positioning equipment that determines the player's actual physical position in the real world. The player also has equipment that provides for wireless communication with a central database. This player becomes a virtual player in a classic game such as PacMan or Snake. The games would be played in either an online competitive mode or a single player (player versus machine) mode. In either case, the player acts as a character in the game. The distance and speed moved by the player would be translated to movement and speed in a virtual world, where the player may accomplish goals within the game or defeat other players. The system would be set up in translated “virtual boards” where a game would consist of an area regulated by the speed of transportation (a “board” for a vehicle can be significantly larger than one for a pedestrian).

N. Location Based Cannonball Run Car Racing Game

Another computer game that can use embodiments of the disclosed system and method for providing geographic data is a “cannonball run” car racing game. This game may be played in multi-player or single player mode. The multi-player mode game may be played online. In the game playing scenario, players compete against each other to race vehicles (e.g., cars, bikes, etc.) across a geographical area. Data that represent actual, real-world places would be used to add realism to the game, e.g., actual legal and physical restrictions. Alternative features include the addition of real-time traffic and weather conditions.

One scenario for a multi-player online version of the game would feature a community where players start out with a specific mode of transportation. This version of the game would provide an online culture and goal of being with the best group and driving the best vehicle. Players would start with a certain amount of virtual cash and a basic vehicle. Some races would be pre-defined events, whereas other races would be random city races with a user defined start and end points. The selection of routes for races would be based on real map data. The game would be based on winning virtual money by winning races, but winning a race could cost the player due to traffic tickets, illegal traffic maneuvers or other expenses. All fines would be based on legal restriction data and statistics of the percentage of drivers caught. Suggested routes would be provided in all races, and the amount of virtual cash used to buy a route would vary the quality or speed of the route.

Game players would have the option of racing through their hometowns, or through the streets of their favorite cities or countries all over the world. These would attract a larger demographic, and interest the casual game player as well.

O. Virtual Trip Planner and Simulation

Data that represents actual, real world places can be used for a computer simulation application that would allow a user to preview a trip or specific route by virtually driving it on his or her personal computer or game console. The simulation would be based on a representation of the geographic database that included 3D renderings of buildings, signs, topographical features, and other related attributes. The simulation software could be provided on media, through an online vendor, or rented to users on an as-needed basis. Users would enter a route request via their personal computers or consoles and could use gaming steering wheels, joysticks, voice commands, or keyboards to drive the routes. A fast forward function could be used to skip the obvious or mundane sections of the trip or to speed up the pace.

To make the simulation more realistic, traffic features, such as vehicles coming and going on the route, could be included. These could perhaps even be based on actual traffic patterns or real-time traffic for a selected time of day.

A feature of this simulation application would be as a form of trip planner. The planner would provide information about an area to which one is traveling, such as local history, area specific trivia games, and point of interest descriptions and recommendations. Users would have the option of using this information while driving the area in advance (e.g., using the simulation application, described above), printing out the planner in advance as a reference, or loading it onto a device and accessing it during an actual trip (e.g., going on a long trip and using the planner interactively to keep children amused and informed). For example, if a family was traveling on vacation from Chicago to Miami by car, the parents could research and preview the attractions, hotels, and restaurants at which the family may want to stop along the way. They could also preview the route and create their own form of trip ticket to plan the best route. The parents could then set up an itinerary that would include games, information, quizzes etc., that would occupy the children throughout the trip.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention.