U.S. Pat. No. 9,457,263

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a system100configured to unlock virtual items in a virtual space responsive to physical token detection, provide a common virtual item repository in a virtual space, and/or facilitate customization of a virtual space based on accessible virtual items, in accordance with one or more implementations. In exemplary implementations, virtual items may be unlocked in the virtual space responsive to physical token detection. A common virtual item repository may be provided in the virtual space. Once unlocked, a given virtual item may be accessible to multiple characters in the virtual space via the virtual item repository. Customization of a virtual space may be facilitated. The customization may be based on the virtual items accessible via the virtual item repository.

A given token may 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 given token may be a toy figurine embodying the appearance of Captain Jack Sparrow and/or the sword. The toy figurine may be configured to be detected by a token reader. In some implementations, the toy figurine may be disposed upon the token reader in order for it to be detected. The sword may be made accessible in the virtual space responsive to the toy figurine being detected.

According to some implementations, responsive to the toy figurine being detected, the sword may be made accessible to multiple characters in the virtual space via the virtual item repository. That is, access to the sword via the virtual item repository may be granted to one or more characters associated with users other than the one that possesses the detected token corresponding to the sword. In some implementations, modifications may be made to the virtual space based on the virtual items accessible via the virtual item repository. Such modifications may be made automatically and/or may be based on user input. For example, a given modification based on the accessibility of the sword may include a modification to the theme of the virtual space so that it includes elements of the Pirates of the Caribbean theme.

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.

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 module108, a space module110, a token detection module112, a virtual item unlocking module114, a virtual item repository module116, a space modification module118, and/or other modules.

The user module108may 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 module110may 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 module110is not intended to be limiting. The space module110may 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 module110, 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 module110).

The token detection module112may be configured to detect tokens based on signals received from a token reader120. A given token (e.g., token122) may be a standalone physical object. The given token may be associated with a given character and/or a given virtual item. The given virtual item may be associated with the given character. In some implementations, the given virtual item may be associated with the given character based on a theme shared by the given virtual item and the given character. By way of non-limiting example, the given character may be Buzz Lightyear, the fictional character and deuteragonist of the Toy Story film series. The given virtual item may be the handheld “Blaster” used by Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story film series. The character Buzz Lightyear and the virtual item Blaster share the theme of the Toy Story film series. Two different virtual items may have different themes. For example, the sword associated with Captain Jack Sparrow has a different theme than the Blaster associated with Buzz Lightyear. In some implementations, the given token may be configured to depict the given character and/or the given virtual item. The given virtual item may be accessible in the virtual space responsive to the given token being detected. Examples of the given token may include one or more of a toy figurine, a toy accessory, a coin, and/or other form factors suitable to be tokens as described herein.

Individual tokens may be configured to be detectable by token reader120. In some implementations, detection of a given token may be based on a shape of a portion of the given token. In some implementations, a given token may be detectable based on a given signal conveying information associated with the given token. Detection of a given token may be facilitated by electronics embedded within or otherwise included in the given token. For example, the given token may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip configured to emit radio-frequency electromagnetic fields responsive to the given token being disposed in a proximity of token reader120. As another example, the given token may include an integrated circuit configured to transfer information associated with the given token responsive to the given token being placed in contact with a portion of token reader120.

According to some implementations, virtual space content associated with virtual items and/or other virtual space content may be stored at a location other than one or more of the tokens. That is, a given token may not store virtual space content. A given token may store information used to detect the given token. A given token may not store information other than what may be used to detect the given token. Virtual space content may be information used by space module110to affect views and/or gameplay of the virtual space. Such virtual space content may be stored by the virtual space platform(s) and/or by one or more other components of system100.

The token reader120may be configured to provide signals associated with individual tokens. For example, a given signal associated with a given token may convey information associated with the given token. In some implementations, token reader120may 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. According to some implementations, token reader120may be a peripheral device configured to be communicatively coupled with one or more components of system100. In some implementations, token reader120may be integrated so as to form a singular device with a component of system100(e.g., a given virtual space platform102).

The virtual item unlocking module114may be configured to unlock individual ones of a plurality of virtual items responsive to individual tokens being detected. Where the plurality of virtual items include the first virtual item and a second virtual item, the first virtual item may be unlocked responsive to the first token being detected and the second virtual item may be unlocked responsive to the second token being detected. The plurality of virtual items may include one or more of an accessory, a virtual good, and/or other virtual items. A previously-locked virtual item may become accessible to one or more characters responsive to being unlocked. That is, until a given virtual item is unlocked, it may not be accessible to any characters. In some implementations, a given character accessing a given virtual item may include the given character utilizing the given virtual item. For example, Captain Jack Sparrow may grab the sword and use it in a duel, or Buzz Lightyear may take hold of the Blaster and use it against a foe.

In some implementations, the plurality of virtual items may include a third virtual item. The third virtual item may be unlocked responsive to two or more tokens (e.g., the first token and the second token) being detected. The two or more tokens may be detected by the same token reader120and/or by token readers120associated with different virtual space platforms102. The third virtual item may embody a combination of a first theme of the first character and a second theme of the second character. By way of non-limiting example, the third virtual item may be an accessory that combines certain features of the sword and the Blaster.

According to some implementations, virtual item unlocking module114may be configured to unlock individual ones of the plurality of virtual items responsive to a performance of one or more game mechanisms associated with the virtual space. A game mechanism may include an action, a mission, a quest, a task, and/or other game mechanism. In some implementations, unlocking a given virtual item may require both a given token being detected and a given game mechanism being performed.

The virtual item repository module116may be configured to provide a virtual item repository within the virtual space. The virtual item repository may be configured to facilitate and/or provide access by a plurality of characters to a plurality of virtual items. Where the plurality of characters include the first character and the second character, the plurality of virtual items may include a first virtual item associated with the first character and a second virtual item associated with the second character. The first virtual item may be accessible to the second character via the virtual item repository. The second virtual item may be accessible to the first character via the virtual item repository.

In some implementations, the virtual item repository may be visually represented at a location within the virtual space. By way of non-limiting example, the virtual item repository may be visually represented as a toy box within the virtual space. In some implementations, a given character may be required to be located proximally with the visual representation of the virtual item repository in order to access individual ones of the plurality of virtual items. For example, the given character may be required to stand next to, enter, and/or otherwise be located proximally with the visual representation of the virtual item repository in order to access a given virtual item.

According to some implementations, individual ones of the plurality of virtual items made accessible by the virtual item repository may be accessible to a given character via an inventory associated with the given character. The inventory may be accessible via a menu and/or other interface associated with the virtual space.

Accessibility of virtual items via the virtual item repository may vary according to different implementations. In some implementations, the virtual item repository may be configured such that a given virtual item is accessed by two or more characters at a given time. In some implementations, the virtual item repository may be configured such that a given virtual item is accessed by one single character at a given time. The one single character may be required to relinquish the given virtual item in order for the given virtual item to be accessed by another character.

The space modification module118may be configured to facilitate modifications to one or more aspects of the virtual space. The one or more aspects of the virtual space may include 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. Generally speaking, 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, an objective may include 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 may be an aggregate of surroundings and conditions of the virtual space. By way on non-limiting example, the surroundings of the virtual space may include 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. The conditions of the virtual space may include 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 given plurality of characters associated with a given theme. By way of non-limiting example, where the first character is Captain Jack Sparrow and the second character is Buzz Lightyear, the first theme may relate to Pirates of the Caribbean and the second theme may relate to Toy Story. Modifying the theme of the virtual space based on the given theme may include incorporating one or more attributes of the given theme in 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 a given theme.

Modifications to the virtual space may be based on individual ones of the plurality of virtual items made accessible by the virtual item repository. For example, in some implementations, a given virtual item having a given theme may be required to be accessible via the virtual item repository in order for a thematic modification to the virtual space based on the given theme to be effectuated. The modifications to the virtual space may be made automatically based on individual ones of the plurality of virtual items made accessible by the virtual item repository.

In some implementations, space modification module118may be configured such that modifications made to one or more aspects of the virtual space are associated with individual characters. That is, a first modification associated with the first character may cause the virtual space to be perceived in a first manner by the first character. A second modification associated with the second character may cause the virtual space to be perceived in a second manner by the second character. The first manner may be different from the second manner. By way of non-limiting example, the first character may perceive the virtual space at nighttime, while the second character may perceive the virtual space in the daytime. The first character may perceive the virtual space in the first manner responsive to accessing a given virtual item. The second character may perceive the virtual space in the second manner responsive to accessing another given virtual item.

The space modification module118may be configured to provide a space editor interface. The space editor interface may be configured to receive user input associated with the one or more aspects of the virtual space. Modifications to the virtual space may be based on the user input. In some implementations, the user input may be restricted based on individual ones of the plurality of virtual items made accessible by the virtual item repository. The user input provided by a given user may be restricted based on one or more virtual items accessed by a given character, where the given character is associated with the given user.

FIG. 2illustrates a space editor interface200, in accordance with one or more implementations. The space editor interface200may be presented via virtual space platform(s)102and/or client computing platform(s)106. As depicted inFIG. 2, user selection interface200may include one or more of a virtual item selection field202, an objective field204, an environment field206, a theme field208, and/or other fields and/or information. The depiction of user selection interface200inFIG. 2is not intended to be limiting as one or more of fields202,204,206, and/or208may be omitted or combined with another field.

The virtual item selection field202may be configured to provide, for presentation, information associated with virtual items accessed by a given character. In some implementation, virtual item selection field202may facilitate selection of one or more virtual items to be accessed by a given character. The virtual item selection field202may be provided by, or in conjunction with, a virtual item repository module that is the same as or similar to virtual item repository module116, in accordance with one or more implementations.

The objective field204may be configured to receive user input associated with the objectives effectuated in the virtual space. In some implementations, the user input as to objectives may be restricted based on (1) which virtual items are made accessible by the virtual item repository and/or (2) which virtual items are accessed by a given character. The objective field204may be provided by, or in conjunction with, a space modification module that is the same as or similar to space modification module118, in accordance with one or more implementations.

The environment field206may be configured to receive user selections associated with modifications to the environment of the virtual space. In some implementations, the user input as to the environment may be restricted based on (1) which virtual items are made accessible by the virtual item repository and/or (2) which virtual items are accessed by a given character. The environment field206may be provided by, or in conjunction with, a space modification module that is the same as or similar to space modification module118, in accordance with one or more implementations.

The theme field208may be configured to receive user selections associated with the theme of the virtual space. In some implementations, the user input as to the theme may be restricted based on (1) which virtual items are made accessible by the virtual item repository and/or (2) which virtual items are accessed by a given character. The theme field208may be provided by, or in conjunction with, a space modification module that is the same as or similar to space modification module118, in accordance with one or more implementations.

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 reader120, and/or external resources124) 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 resources124, 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 resources124, 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 resources124may 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 resources124may be provided by resources included in system100.

The virtual space platform(s)102may include electronic storage126, one or more processors128, 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 storage126may comprise electronic storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage126may 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 storage126may 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 storage126may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). Electronic storage126may store software algorithms, information determined by processor(s)128, 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)128may be configured to provide information processing capabilities in virtual space platform(s)102. As such, processor(s)128may 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)128is shown inFIG. 1as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s)128may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same device, or processor(s)128may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operating in coordination. The processor(s)128may be configured to execute modules108,110,112,114,116,118, and/or other modules. The processor(s)128may be configured to execute modules108,110,112,114,116,118, 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)128.

It should be appreciated that although modules108,110,112,114,116, and118are illustrated inFIG. 1as being co-located within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s)128includes multiple processing units, one or more of modules108,110,112,114,116, and/or118may be located remotely from the other modules. The description of the functionality provided by the different modules108,110,112,114,116, and/or118described herein is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of modules108,110,112,114,116, and/or118may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of modules108,110,112,114,116, and/or118may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of modules108,110,112,114,116, and/or118. As another example, processor(s)128may be configured to execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of modules108,110,112,114,116, and/or118.

FIG. 3illustrates a method300,FIG. 4illustrates a method400, andFIG. 5illustrates a method500, in accordance with one or more implementations. The operations of method300, method400, and/or method500presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method300, method400, and/or method500may 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 method300, method400, and/or method500are respectively illustrated inFIG. 3,FIG. 4, and/orFIG. 5and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, method300, method400, and/or method500may 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 method300, method400, and/or method500in 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 method300, method400, and/or method500.

The method300, illustrated inFIG. 3, is for unlocking virtual items in a virtual space responsive to physical token detection, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation302, the virtual space may be implemented to determine views of the virtual space. Operation302may be performed by a space module that is the same as or similar to space module110, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation304, one or more tokens may be detected based on signals received from a token reader. A given token may be associated with a given character and/or a given virtual item. The given virtual item may be associated with the given character. Operation304may be performed by a token detection module that is the same as or similar to token detection module112, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation306, individual virtual items may be unlocked responsive to individual tokens being detected. Operation306may be performed by a virtual item unlocking module that is the same as or similar to virtual item unlocking module114, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation308, a virtual item repository may be provided within the virtual space. The virtual item repository may be configured to facilitate access by characters to the unlocked virtual items. Operation308may be performed by a virtual item repository module that is the same as or similar to virtual item repository module116, in accordance with one or more implementations.

The method400, illustrated inFIG. 4, is for providing a common virtual item repository in a virtual space, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation402, the virtual space may be implemented to determine views of the virtual space. Operation402may be performed by a space module that is the same as or similar to space module110, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation404, a virtual item repository may be provided within the virtual space. Operation404may be performed by a virtual item repository module that is the same as or similar to virtual item repository module116, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation406, access by a plurality of characters to a plurality of virtual items may be provided via the virtual item repository. Operation406may be performed by a virtual item repository module that is the same as or similar to virtual item repository module116, in accordance with one or more implementations.

The method500, illustrated inFIG. 5, is for facilitating customization of a virtual space based on accessible virtual items, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation502, the virtual space may be implemented to determine views of the virtual space. Operation502may be performed by a space module that is the same as or similar to space module110, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation504, a virtual item repository may be provided within the virtual space. The virtual item repository may be configured to provide access by a plurality of characters to a plurality of virtual items. Operation504may be performed by a virtual item repository module that is the same as or similar to virtual item repository module116, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation506, a space editor interface may be provided. The space editor interface may be configured to receive user input associated with the one or more aspects of the virtual space. The modifications to the virtual space may be based on the user input. Operation506may be performed by a space modification module that is the same as or similar to space modification module118, in accordance with one or more implementations.

At an operation508, modifications may be facilitated to one or more aspects of the virtual space. The modifications may be based on individual ones of the plurality of virtual items made accessible by the virtual item repository. Operation508may be performed by a space modification module that is the same as or similar to space modification module118, 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.