U.S. Pat. No. 9,092,114

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary implementations may facilitate effectuating modifications within an instance of a virtual space presented via multiple disparate client computing platforms responsive to detection of a token associated with a single client computing platform. In some implementations, a physical accessory may depict a character in the virtual space. By way of non-limiting example, the physical accessory may include a toy figurine resembling the character. A detectable token (i.e., a physical object) may be removably attached to the physical accessory. According to some implementations, responsive to the physical accessory being detected along with the removably attached token, a modification within the virtual space may be effectuated. In some implementations, detection of the token alone may effectuate such a modification.

FIG. 1illustrates a system configured to effectuate modifications within an instance of a virtual space presented via multiple disparate client computing platforms responsive to detection of a token associated with a single client computing platform, in accordance with one or more implementations. The system100may include one or more virtual space platforms102. In some implementations, virtual space platform(s)102may be one or more servers (e.g., server(s)104) configured to communicate with one or more client computing platform (e.g., client computing platforms106) according to a client/server architecture. According to some implementations, virtual space platform(s)102may be one or more client computing platforms (e.g., client computing platforms106). In some implementations, virtual space platform(s)102may communicate with other virtual space platform(s)102according to a peer-to-peer architecture. The users may access system100and/or the virtual space via the virtual space platform(s)102and/or client computing platform(s)106.

A token108may be configured to be detected to effectuate modifications within an instance of the virtual space, in accordance with one or more implementations. The token108may be a standalone physical object. Examples of token108may include one or more of a toy figurine, a toy accessory, a coin, a disk, a card, and/or other form factors suitable to be tokens as described herein. The token108may be configured to depict a given character and/or a given virtual item. By way of non-limiting example, the given character may be Captain Jack Sparrow, the fictional character and protagonist of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. The given virtual item may be an accessory associated with Captain Jack Sparrow, such as a sword. The token108may be a toy figurine embodying the appearance of Captain Jack Sparrow and/or the sword. The token108may include an image of Captain Jack Sparrow and/or the sword. The token108may include an emblem associated with Captain Jack Sparrow and/or the sword.

The token108may be configured to be detectable by a token reader110. In some implementations, detection of token108may be based on a shape of a portion of token108and/or an overall shape of token108. In some implementations, token108may be detectable based on a signal conveying information associated with token108. The information associated with token108conveyed by the signal may be devoid of virtual space content (described further herein). Detection of token108may be facilitated by electronics embedded within or otherwise included in token108. For example, token108may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip configured to emit radio-frequency electromagnetic fields responsive to token108being disposed in a proximity of token reader110. As another example, token108may include an integrated circuit configured to transfer information associated with token108responsive to token108being placed in contact with a portion of token reader110.

According to some implementations, virtual space content associated with one or more of a character, a virtual item, the virtual space, a modification to the character, a modification to the virtual item, a modification to the virtual space, and/or other virtual space content may be stored at a location other than token108. That is, token108may not store virtual space content. The token108may store information used to detect token108. In some implementations, token108may not store information other than what may be used to detect the given token. Virtual space content may include information used to affect views and/or gameplay of the virtual space. Such virtual space content may be stored by virtual space platform(s) and/or by one or more other components of the system described in connection withFIG. 1.

The physical accessory112may be a standalone physical object. Examples of physical accessory112may include one or more of a toy figurine, a toy accessory, a coin, a card, and/or other form factors suitable to be a physical accessory as described herein. The physical accessory112may be configured to depict one or both of a character and/or a virtual item. By way of non-limiting example, a given character may be Buzz Lightyear, the fictional character and deuteragonist of the Toy Story film series. A given virtual item may be the handheld “Blaster” used by Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story film series.

In some implementations, physical accessory112may itself be a token that is the same as or similar to token108. For example, physical accessory112may be detectable.

The token108may be configured to be removably attached to physical accessory112. In some implementations, token108must be attached to physical accessory112for the modification to one or more of a character, a virtual item, and/or one or more aspects of the virtual space to be effectuated. By way of non-limiting illustration, token108may be removably attached to a bottom surface of physical accessory112. Responsive to token108and physical accessory112being detected together, a modification may be made to one or both of (1) the character depicted by physical accessory112or (2) a virtual item associated with the character depicted by physical accessory112. As another example, where physical accessory112depicts Captain Jack Sparrow and token108depicts the Blaster of Buzz Lightyear, detection of token108and physical accessory112may effectuate a modification of Captain Jack Sparrow's sword such that the sword takes on some characteristics of the Blaster (e.g., shooting laser beams).

The token reader110may be configured to detect token108. The token reader110may be configured to provide signals associated with individual tokens (e.g., token108). For example, a given signal associated with a given token may convey information associated with the given token. In some implementations, token reader110may be configured to provide a first signal responsive to one or more of (1) a first token abutting a portion of the token reader, (2) the first token being disposed in a proximity of the token reader, and/or other actions configured to facilitate detection of the first token. In some implementations, token108may be configured to be removably attached to a surface of token reader110.

According to some implementations, token reader110may be a peripheral device configured to be communicatively coupled with one or more components of the system described in connection withFIG. 1. In some implementations, token reader110may be integrated so as to form a singular device with a component of the system described in connection withFIG. 1.

The virtual space platform(s)102may be configured to execute one or more computer program modules. The computer program modules may include one or more of a user module114, a space module116, a token detection module118, a virtual space modification module120, and/or other modules.

The user module114may be configured to access and/or manage one or more user profiles and/or user information associated with users of system100. The one or more user profiles and/or user information may include information stored by virtual space platform(s)102and/or other storage locations. The user profiles may include, for example, information identifying users (e.g., a username or handle, a number, an identifier, and/or other identifying information) within the virtual space, security login information (e.g., a login code or password), virtual space account information, subscription information, virtual currency account information (e.g., related to currency held in credit for a user), relationship information (e.g., information related to relationships between users in the virtual space), virtual space usage information, demographic information associated with users, interaction history among users in the virtual space, information stated by users, purchase information of users, browsing history of users, a client computing platform identification associated with a user, a phone number associated with a user, and/or other information related to users.

The space module116may be configured to implement the instance of the virtual space executed by the computer modules to determine views of the virtual space. In some implementations, the views may then be communicated (e.g., via streaming, via object/position data, and/or other information) from server(s)104to client computing platform(s)106for presentation to users. The view determined and presented to a given user may correspond to a user character being controlled by the given user. The view determined and presented to the given user may correspond to a location in the virtual space (e.g., the location from which the view is taken, the location the view depicts, and/or other locations), a zoom ratio, a dimensionality of objects, a point-of-view, and/or view parameters. One or more of the view parameters may be selectable by the user.

The instance of the virtual space may comprise a simulated space that is accessible by users via virtual space platform(s)102and/or clients (e.g., client computing platform(s)106) that present the views of the virtual space to a user. The simulated space may have a topography, express ongoing real-time interaction by one or more users, and/or include one or more objects positioned within the topography that are capable of locomotion within the topography. In some instances, the topography may be a 2-dimensional topography. In other instances, the topography may be a 3-dimensional topography. The topography may include dimensions of the space, and/or surface features of a surface or objects that are “native” to the space. In some instances, the topography may describe a surface (e.g., a ground surface) that runs through at least a substantial portion of the space. In some instances, the topography may describe a volume with one or more bodies positioned therein (e.g., a simulation of gravity-deprived space with one or more celestial bodies positioned therein). The instance executed by the computer modules may be synchronous, asynchronous, and/or semi-synchronous.

The above description of the manner in which views of the virtual space are determined by space module116is not intended to be limiting. The space module116may be configured to express the virtual space in a more limited, or richer, manner. For example, views determined for the virtual space may be selected from a limited set of graphics depicting an event in a given place within the virtual space. The views may include additional content (e.g., text, audio, pre-stored video content, and/or other content) that describes particulars of the current state of the place, beyond the relatively generic graphics. For example, a view may include a generic battle graphic with a textual description of the opponents to be confronted. Other expressions of individual places within the virtual space are contemplated.

Within the instance(s) of the virtual space executed by space module116, users may control characters, objects, simulated physical phenomena (e.g., wind, rain, earthquakes, and/or other phenomena), and/or other elements within the virtual space to interact with the virtual space and/or each other. The user characters may include avatars. As used herein, the term “user character” may refer to an object (or group of objects) present in the virtual space that represents an individual user. The user character may be controlled by the user with which it is associated. The user controlled element(s) may move through and interact with the virtual space (e.g., non-user characters in the virtual space, other objects in the virtual space). The user controlled elements controlled by and/or associated with a given user may be created and/or customized by the given user. The user may have an “inventory” of virtual goods and/or currency that the user can use (e.g., by manipulation of a user character or other user controlled element, and/or other items) within the virtual space.

The users may participate in the instance of the virtual space by controlling one or more of the available user controlled elements in the virtual space. Control may be exercised through control inputs and/or commands input by the users through virtual space platform(s)102and/or clients (e.g., client computing platform(s)106). The users may interact with each other through communications exchanged within the virtual space. Such communications may include one or more of textual chat, instant messages, private messages, voice communications, and/or other communications. Communications may be received and entered by the users via their respective virtual space platform(s)102and/or client(s) (e.g., client computing platform(s)106). Communications may be routed to and from the appropriate users through virtual space platform(s)102(e.g., through space module116).

The token detection module118may be configured to detect tokens (e.g., token108) based on signals received from token readers (e.g., token reader110) associated with individual ones of client computing platforms106. For example, a first token may be associated with a first client computing platform, whereas a second token may be associated with a second client computing platform. Detecting token108may include receiving a signal conveying information associated with token108. Such information may be utilized to identify token108, a character associated with token108, a virtual item associated with token108, and/or other information associated with token108.

The virtual space modification module120may be configured to effectuate a first modification within the instance of the virtual space responsive to detection of the first token (e.g., token108). The first modification may be observable via multiple ones of client computing platforms106. The observability of the first modification via the multiple ones of client computing platforms106may occur immediately upon detection of the first token, or at a later time. The first modification may include one or more of (1) a modification to a first character within the virtual space, (2) a modification to a first virtual item within the virtual space, (3) a modification to one or more aspects of the virtual space, and/or other modifications.

A character (e.g., the first character) may be a user-controlled character or a non-user-controlled character. A modification to the character may include a modification to one or more of a behavior of the character, an ability of the character, an appearance of the character, a relationship of the character, and/or other modifications associated with the character. By way of non-limiting example, a modification to a behavior of the character may include a modification to how the character acts when idle and/or other behavior modifications. A modification to an ability of the character may include a modification to a speed at which the character can run and/or other ability modifications. A modification to an ability of the character may include addition of abilities (e.g., flying). A modification to an appearance of the character may include a change to apparel worn by the character and/or other appearance modifications. A modification to a relationship of the character may include becoming friends with another character and/or other relationship modifications. In some implementations, a character modification may include introducing a new character to the instance of the virtual space.

A modification to a virtual item (e.g., the first virtual item) may include a modification to one or more of a function of the virtual item, an effectiveness of the virtual item, an appearance of the virtual item, and/or other modifications associated with the virtual item. By way of non-limiting example, a modification to a function of the virtual item may include extending a range of shots fired by the virtual item and/or other function modifications. A modification to a function of the virtual item may include addition of functions (e.g., shooting laser beams in addition to normal shots). A modification to an effectiveness of the virtual item may include decreasing the number of shots from the virtual item required to defeat a foe and/or other effectiveness modifications. A modification to the appearance of the virtual item may include a change to the color or size of the virtual item and/or other appearance modifications.

Aspects of the virtual space may include one or more of objectives associated with the virtual space, an environment of the virtual space, a theme of the virtual space, and/or other aspects of the virtual space. A given objective may be a purpose or goal that efforts or actions within the virtual space are intended to attain or accomplish. By way of non-limiting example, a modification to an objective may include a modification to a set of actions that must be performed by a user character in order to advance to a next level of gameplay in the virtual space.

The environment of the virtual space may be an aggregate of surroundings and conditions of the virtual space. By way on non-limiting example, a modification to the surroundings of the virtual space may include a modification to one or more of the appearance of the virtual space, a color scheme of the virtual space, a sound and/or soundtrack associated with the virtual space, and/or other aspects of the surroundings of the virtual space. A modification to the conditions of the virtual space may include a modification to one or more of laws of nature (e.g., gravity) of the virtual space, weather depicted in the virtual space, and/or other aspects of the conditions of the virtual space. Modifying the environment may include modifying one or both of the surroundings or the conditions of the virtual space.

The theme of the virtual space may be a unifying subject associated with the virtual space. A given character may be one of a plurality of characters associated with a given theme. By way of non-limiting example, where the character is Captain Jack Sparrow, the theme may relate to Pirates of the Caribbean. A modification to the theme of the virtual space may include a modification to one or more attributes of the theme of the virtual space. Examples of such attributes may include one or more of objects, designs, symbols, color schemes, music, and/or other attributes that identify the theme of the virtual space.

According to some implementations, detection of a token (e.g., token108) associated with the first client computing platform in combination with detection of one or more other tokens associated with the first client computing platform may effectuate another modification within the instance of the virtual space. In some implementations, detection of both a first token associated with a first character and a second token associated with a second theme may effectuate a modification to the first character based on the second theme. By way of non-limiting example, where the first character is Captain Jack Sparrow and the second theme relates to the Toy Story film series, the first character may be modified such that Captain Jack Sparrow sings the theme song of Toy Story.

In some implementations, client computing platforms106may include a second client computing platform. The tokens may include a second token associated with the second client computing platform. The second token may be similar to token108. The second token may be detectable based on a second signal conveying information associated with the second token. The information associated with the second token conveyed by the second signal may be devoid of virtual space content. The virtual space modification module120may be configured to effectuate a second modification within the instance of the virtual space responsive to detection of the second token. The second modification may be observable via multiple ones of client computing platforms106including the first client computing platform and the second computing platform.

In some implementations, two or more components of system100(e.g., virtual space platform(s)102, server(s)104, client computing platform(s)106, token reader110, and/or external resources122) may be operatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. For example, such electronic communication links may be established, at least in part, via a network such as the Internet and/or other networks. It will be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scope of this disclosure includes implementations in which two or more components of system100may be operatively linked via some other communication media.

A given server104may include one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The computer program modules may be configured to enable an expert or user associated with the given server104to interface with system100and/or external resources122, and/or provide other functionality attributed herein to server(s)104.

A given client computing platform106may include one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The computer program modules may be configured to enable an expert or user associated with the given client computing platform106to interface with system100and/or external resources122, and/or provide other functionality attributed herein to client computing platform(s)106. By way of non-limiting example, the given client computing platform106may include one or more of a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a NetBook, a Smartphone, a gaming console, and/or other computing platforms.

The external resources122may include sources of information, hosts and/or providers of virtual environments outside of system100, external entities participating with system100, and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to external resources122may be provided by resources included in system100.

The virtual space platform(s)102may include electronic storage124, one or more processors126, and/or other components. The virtual space platform(s)102may include communication lines, or ports to enable the exchange of information with a network and/or other computing platforms. Illustration of virtual space platform(s)102inFIG. 1is not intended to be limiting. The virtual space platform(s)102may include a plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together to provide the functionality attributed herein to virtual space platform(s)102. For example, virtual space platform(s)102may be implemented by a cloud of computing platforms operating together as virtual space platform(s)102.

Electronic storage124may comprise electronic storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage124may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with virtual space platform(s)102and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to virtual space platform(s)102via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage124may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. The electronic storage124may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). Electronic storage124may store software algorithms, information determined by processor(s)126, information received from one or more other components of system100, and/or other information that enables virtual space platform(s)102to function as described herein.

The processor(s)126may be configured to provide information processing capabilities in virtual space platform(s)102. As such, processor(s)126may include one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although processor(s)126is shown inFIG. 1as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s)126may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same device, or processor(s)126may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operating in coordination. The processor(s)126may be configured to execute modules114,116,118,120, and/or other modules. The processor(s)126may be configured to execute modules114,116,118,120, and/or other modules by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor(s)126.

It should be appreciated that although modules114,116,118, and120are illustrated inFIG. 1as being co-located within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s)126includes multiple processing units, one or more of modules114,116,118, and/or120may be located remotely from the other modules. The description of the functionality provided by the different modules114,116,118, and/or120described herein is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of modules114,116,118, and/or120may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of modules114,116,118, and/or120may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of modules114,116,118, and/or120. As another example, processor(s)126may be configured to execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of modules114,116,118, and/or120.

FIG. 2illustrates a method200for effectuating modifications within an instance of a virtual space presented via multiple disparate client computing platforms responsive to detection of a token associated with a single client computing platform, in accordance with one or more implementations. The operations of method200presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method200may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method200are respectively illustrated inFIG. 2and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, method200may be implemented in one or more processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices executing some or all of the operations of method200in response to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the operations of method200.

At an operation202, an instance of a virtual space may be implemented to determine views of the virtual space. The instance of the virtual space may be presented via a plurality of separate and distinct client computing platforms. The plurality of client computing platforms may include a first client computing platform. Operation202may be performed by one or more processors configured to execute a space module that is the same as or similar to space module116, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation204, one or more tokens may be detected based on signals received from token readers associated with individual ones of the plurality of client computing platforms. A given token may be a standalone physical object. The tokens may include a first token associated with the first client computing platform. The first token may be detectable based on a first signal conveying information associated with the first token. The information associated with the first token conveyed by the first signal may be devoid of virtual space content. Operation204may be performed by one or more processors configured to execute a token detection module that is the same as or similar to token detection module118, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation206, a modification may be effectuated within the instance of the virtual space responsive to detection of the first token. The first modification may be observable via multiple ones of the plurality client computing platforms. Operation206may be performed by one or more processors configured to execute a virtual space modification module that is the same as or similar to virtual space modification module120, in accordance with one or more implementations.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.