U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,751

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to computer games, and in particular to computer-based platform games. In one embodiment, a game character navigates a game level that may include a game environment having elements evocative of a physical pop-up book.

In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the invention. Furthermore, although embodiments of the invention may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a block diagram illustrates a client-server view of a computing environment100, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, computing environment100includes client computers120, a network160and a server system140. In one embodiment, the environment100may include existing computer systems, e.g., desktop computers, server computers, laptop computers, tablet computers and the like. The computing environment100illustrated inFIG. 1, however, is merely an example of one computing environment. Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented differently, regardless of whether the computer systems are complex multi-user computing systems, such as a cluster of individual computers connected by a high-speed network, single-user workstations or network appliances lacking non-volatile storage. Further, whileFIG. 1illustrates a client-server model, other models are contemplated such as a peer-to-peer model.

As shown, each client computer120includes a processing unit122, which obtains instructions and data via a bus121from a client memory130and client storage123. Processing unit122is a programmable logic device that performs instruction, logic and mathematical processing, and may be representative of one or more CPUs and/or GPUs. Client storage123stores application programs and data for use by client computer120.

The memory130is any memory sufficiently large to hold the necessary programs and data structures. Memory130could be one or a combination of memory devices, including Random Access Memory, nonvolatile or backup memory (e.g., programmable or Flash memories, read-only memories, etc.). In addition, memory130and storage123may be considered to include memory physically located elsewhere; for example, on another computer coupled to the client computer120via bus121.

Client storage123includes hard-disk drives, flash memory devices, optical media and the like. Client computer120is operably connected to the network160. Client memory130includes an operating system (OS)131and a gaming program132. Operating system131is the software used for managing the operation of the client computer120. Examples of OS131include UNIX, a version of the Microsoft Windows® operating system, and distributions of the Linux® operating system.

In one embodiment, each client is a dedicated gaming console, such as a Sony PS3®, Nintendo Wii® or Xbox 360®, capable of executing the gaming program132. In another embodiment, each client is a general purpose computer configured to run any variety of gaming and non-gaming software. The game may be viewed on a display device170, such as an LCD, LED or CRT monitor display, and controlled using input devices180which may be, e.g., a keyboard, mouse and/or a controller.

As shown, the server system140includes the same basic hardware elements as the client computers120. Specifically, the server system140includes a processing unit142(representative of one or more CPUs and/or GPUs), a memory144and storage143connected via a bus141. The server system140may be operably connected to the network160, which generally represents any kind of data communications network. Accordingly, the network160may represent both local and wide area networks, including the Internet. In one embodiment, the server system140hosts an on-line gaming environment to which one or more of the client computers120connect. In this case, server-side gaming software146may be located in memory144of the server system140and cooperates with client-side gaming software (e.g., game program132) located on the respective client computers120.

The following embodiments of the invention are described with reference to a platform game in which a game character may navigate a game level to reach a predetermined end point. In one embodiment, the game software (e.g., game program132), wherever located, is a platform video game that allows one or more users to control a game character using a controller. The video game includes predefined game levels having game elements evocative of a pop-up book. In one embodiment, the elements may have a three-dimensional appearance suggesting that a player may directly physically manipulate them. The player may use a pointing controller to point at and select the pop-up element with the level. The player may then use the pointing controller to perform a movement gesture as if to directly manipulate the pop-up element. In response to the selection and movement, the platform game modifies the game environment according to the manipulation of the pop-up element. The game character may then interact with the modified game environment to further navigate the game level.

FIG. 2illustrates a sequential diagram of an exemplary game level200according to an embodiment of the invention. The game level200may have the appearance of a three-dimensional pop-up book having interactive features. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the game level200may include a pop-up element202. In this example, the pop-up element202generally includes a platform204, a tab206and an articulation groove208. The tab206generally has a three-dimensional appearance suggesting the tab is graspable. The tab206may have signage suggesting a direction of movement. For example, the tab may include an up-down arrow suggesting the pop-up element may be articulated upwards and downwards. The articulation groove208suggests the path the platform204may take when moved by the user. As shown inFIG. 1, the articulation groove208is a vertical line through the platform, indicating that the pop-up element202may be articulated upwards and downwards.

At210, a game character212may reach a point in the game level where the game character is unable to navigate a game element, which may be a pop-up element202. For example, the game character212may reach a point where a next platform is too high and too far to reach with a normal jump action.

At220, a user may use a pointing controller to “reach” into the game level200to select the tab206. The pointer position is indicated with a star222inFIG. 2. The user may select the tab26by pointing the controller at the tab206, and pressing and/or holding a button on the controller. The tab206may change appearance or display an animated sequence upon selection.

At230, the user may use the controller to pull the tab206to a new location, causing the platform204to move along with the tab206. The user may perform a movement gesture with the controller, while selecting the tab. For example, the user may perform a downward motion with the controller to indicate to the game to articulate the game element downward. The platform element may now be in a position navigable by the game character212.

At240, the user may control the game character212to jump onto the relocated platform. At250, the user may select the tab206again to manipulate the platform204upwards. At260, the user may control the game character to continue through the game level, having navigated a game element that was un-navigable without direct intervention using the pop-up elements.

Manipulating pop-up book elements and controlling a game character may involve using a game controller.FIG. 3illustrates an exemplary controller300according to an embodiment of the invention. The controller300is shown as a rectangular device inFIG. 3. However, in alternative embodiments, the controller300may have any reasonable shape. For example, in some embodiments, the controller may be ergonomically shaped to facilitate gripping with human hands. The controller300may be a wired or a wireless controller configured to connect with a client computer120. In one embodiment, the controller may be a joystick-based controller comprising one or more directional pads or joysticks and one or more buttons. In another embodiment, the controller may be a pointing wand. Examples of input device180include a Nintendo Wii-mote®.

In general, the controller300may include one or more buttons, joysticks, switches, trackballs and the like. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the controller31may include a direction pad302, one or more joysticks304, a start button306and one or more functional buttons308. The start button306may be configured to power the controller300. If the controller300is a wireless controller, pressing the start button306may cause the controller to establish a wireless connection with a respective client computer120.

The direction pad302may include a plurality directional buttons, e.g., up (U), down (D), left (L), and right (R), as illustrated inFIG. 3. In one embodiment, the direction pad310may be used to control the game character in a platform game. For example, the left (L) and right (R) buttons may be used to move a game character laterally across the game level, the up button (U) may be used to cause the game character to jump and/or climb upwards, and the down button (D) may be used for causing the game character to slide and/or crouch. In one embodiment, an alternative joystick304may also be used to control the game character. For example, an upward push of the joystick corresponds to pressing the up button.

At least one of the functional buttons308may be used by a user to control the game character's set of actions. For example, in one embodiment, pressing a functional button308may cause the game character to jump. In some embodiments, pressing a functional button308may correspond to a generic “interact” action by the game character whose function corresponds to different contexts. For example, the “interact” action to grab an item, when near an item, or to actuate a switch when near a switch, or use an item from an inventory of items.]

At least one of the functional buttons308may also be used by a user in conjunction with the signal emitting components310(described below) to select a game element. For example, a user may point the controller at a game screen and press and/or hold a functional button308to indicate a selection of the game element pointed at.

The controller300may further include one or more sensors (not shown) for detecting changes in movement and orientation, and one or more signal emitting components310for pointing. The movement and orientation sensors are capable of detecting changes in horizontal and vertical orientation and changes in pitch and awe. The movement and orientation sensors may be further capable of detecting an acceleration of the controller300. For example, if the controller300is swung like a baseball bat, the movement and orientation sensors may detect the speed of the swing, the angle at which the swing is made, and orientation of the controller during the swing The signal emitting components310may be configured to direct a signal at a receiver indicating a direction at which the controller300is being pointed at. The receiver (not shown) may be configured to receive the signal and determine as coordinate and position which the controller is pointed. For example, the controller300may be pointed at a target displayed on a video screen. A nearby receiver detects the position pointed to by the controller300and relays that position to the video game system.

The controller300is shown inFIG. 3for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting on the invention. Any reasonable type and shape of controller, for example, key pads, key boards, mouse, trackballs, and the like may be used in alternative embodiments to play the platform game, as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the platform game may be played in a controller-free environment. In such embodiments, the gaming system, e.g., client120, may be configured to detect gestures of one or more players, wherein the gestures may be used to manipulate the pop-up elements and control the game character in the platform game.

It is acknowledged that with respect to the pop-up game elements described herein, language such as “select,” “grab,” “grasp,” “hold,” “point,” “take,” and similar words may be used with respect to the action of pointing a pointing controller at a desired pop-up game element and pressing and/or holding a functional button on the controller to signal a selection. It is further acknowledged that language such as “pull,” “push,” “yank,” “twist,” “pivot,” “slide,” “twirl,” “spin,” “swing,” “turns,” “tug,” “nudge,” and similar words may be used with respect to performing a movement gesture with the pointing controller while selecting a pop-up game element to suggest a manner in which to articulate the selected pop-up game element. “User” and “player” are considered synonymous and interchangeable, whereas “game character” refers to a virtual game figure or virtual character representing the player within the game level. Where game characters are described to “jump,” “climb,” or perform any action, it is assumed that the user or player is controlling that game character to perform that action.

FIG. 4illustrates a sequential diagram of another exemplary game level400according to one embodiment of the invention. At310, a game character212has reached a point in the game level400wherein the game character212is unable to cross a river. A user may select and grasp a tab attached to a platform404. At420, the user may pull the platform across and close to the game character, wherein the game character may then jump onto the platform404. At430, the user may then re-grasp the tab to pull the tab and platform404over to the opposite bank of the river. At440, the game character may jump off the platform404and continue to navigate the game level400.

It is acknowledged that the tab need not be attached directly to the platform or the game element to be articulated. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the game character is at a point in the game level500where the game character is unable to cross using game character actions alone. At510, the user may select the tab placed proximate a pivot point504of a drawbridge feature506. At520, the user may pull and pivot the tab along an articulation groove508. The articulation of the tab causes the drawbridge506to rotate down towards the game character. As such, the game character may then jump onto the drawbridge and continue to navigate the game level.

In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 6, a pop-up element may be a hidden “flap” which, when selected and manipulated by a user, may open to reveal items, such as power-ups, gold coins or even surprise enemy characters. At610, the user may encounter a flap602. The flap602may be hidden and may only be revealed using a pointer controller. A user may use the pointer controller to pass the pointer over the flap602. When the pointer passes over the flap602, the game may generate a feedback indicating a flap602has been found. For example, the pointer controller may vibrate, or the flap may shimmer, or generate another tell which shows the flap position more clearly to the user. At620, the user may press a button on the controller, such as an “interact” button, followed by a flicking the controller upward to pop the tab602open. At630, the tab may open to produce an item606. The produced item606may be a treasure item, a power-up, or even surprise enemy characters. The produced item may be predetermined or may be randomly selected from a range of possible items.

In yet another embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7, a pop-up element may comprise a tab702which, when selected and manipulated by a user, may reveal additional game elements with a “shutter-like” effect. At710, a game character may come across a large chasm. The game character is unable to cross it by jumping because the chasm is far too long. The user may grab the tab702to reveal an image underneath folds704. At720, the user may slide the tab laterally. A transition-effect may be observed as the game level changes to reveal additional elements. In this example, the shutter706reveals a bridge708. At730, the transition effect is completed and the user has produced a bridge708. The game character may walk across the bridge and cross the chasm safely. It is acknowledged that the tab may be reversed and the bridge may be shuttered away, for example, to prevent enemies from following the game character.

In still another embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, a pop-up element may comprise a folded “flower”802comprising petals804which may be selected and unfolded by the user. Upon unfolding the petals804, the flower may provide a teleportation port for game characters. As illustrated inFIG. 8, at820, the user encounters a folded paper “flower”802. The flower802comprises one or more petal elements804circumscribing the flower802. At820,830,840,850, the user may use the pointer controller to manipulate and unfold each petal element in the arcuate manner subscribed by the arrow806. At860, each petal element804of the flower802has been unfolded to reveal a transportation gate808. The game character may jump inside to teleport to a different location. Upon doing so, the game may display an animation comprising the flower closing and the player teleporting to a new location.

In another embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 9, a pop-up element may comprise an “accordion”-like element which, when selected and manipulated by a user, may be expanded to reveal a pathway for game characters. At910, the game character may reach a point in the game level wherein the next platform912is at an unreachable point above the game character. The user may grab the tab902. At920,930, the user may pull the tab902downward to reveal an expandable pathway904. The expandable pathway904may have the three-dimensional appearance of a “concertina” or an accordion906that may expand to reveal the pathway or compress to hide the pathway. The expandable pathway904may comprise additional platform elements908which a game character may interact with and navigate. At940,950,960, the game character climbs up the expanded pathway904with a series of jumps to reach the previously unreachable high platform912.

The pop-up element may also be a wheel element which a user may rotate by selecting and manipulating the wheel at a point along the circumference of the wheel. This property has a number of applications as described below.

FIG. 10illustrates a sequential diagram of an exemplary game level having a pop-up wheel1002. As shown, the pop-up wheel1002may be rotatable and may comprise platform elements1004affixed to the pop-up wheel, the platforms rotating along with the wheel. At1010, the game character reaches a point across a chasm that is un-navigable using jumps alone. The game character may jump onto one of the platform elements. The user may grasp the edge1006of the wheel. At1020, the user may swing the pointer controller in a circular motion to cause the wheel to turn. This causes the platform1004to move around the wheel's circumference like a Ferris wheel. The platform1004reaches a point proximate to the opposite side of the chasm. The game character may jump off the platform and onto the opposite side of the chasm, and may continue to further navigate the game level.

FIG. 11illustrates another scenario for a pop-up element. In this example, a pop-up wheel1102may also be coupled to a game object such as a boulder1104which may rotate and translate as the wheel “rolls.” As shown at1110, the game character may encounter a large un-navigable pit1106. Proximate to the pit is a rotary pop-up wheel element1102with a boulder1104painted on its surface. The user may grasp the edge of the wheel and begin to spin it. At1104, as the user turns the wheel, the wheel element rolls along an articulation groove1108. The user may continue to turn the wheel until the boulder1104descends into the pit1106and occupies the pit1106. The game character may now jump onto the boulder1104to cross the pit1106and further navigate the game level.

FIG. 12illustrates another embodiment of the wheel element. As shown, a pop-up wheel1202may be a “codex” mechanism which includes one or more windows1204cut-out from the wheel1202, exposing an underlying layer1206and/or secret choices. Rotating the wheel1202relative to the underlying layer1206reveals game elements such as hidden platforms or information. As illustrated inFIG. 12, at1202, the game character may reach an un-navigable chasm. The user may encounter only a small part of an exposed rotary wheel1202. The codex element may comprise one or more cut-out windows1204. At1220, the user may turn the exposed wheel1202and an underlying layer1206of platforms and/or other information moves relative to the cut-out windows, revealing themselves. The user may continue to articulate and rotate the wheel1202to select a platform configuration of their choice and/or to gain other information via this codex element. The game character may then cross the chasm safely using revealed platforms1208.

In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 13, a pop-up element1302, when selected and manipulated by a user, may cause a portion of the game level1300to stand up or fall-down. The pop-up element1302may include a “pull-up” tab1304and a pop-up card1306. The pop-up card1306may have a three-dimensional appearance of an object laying flat down within the game level1300. The pop-up card1306may be attached behind the tab1304. At1310, a game character212may reach a large chasm or other obstacle. The user may grab the tab1304with the pointing controller. At1320, the user may yank or pull the pointing controller towards themselves. In one embodiment, this movement gesture may be described as pulling a rope towards oneself. As the user pulls the tab, the pop-up card1306stands up. The pop-up card1306may display a transition having a three-dimensional appearance of standing up from a previously flat orientation. In one embodiment, the tab1304may have an elongated appearance as if it is being pulled out of the game level1300, normal to the game screen. At1330, having raised the pop-up card1306, the game character may interact with the pop-up card1306to cross a portion of the game level1300. In one embodiment, the game character1312may jump on top of the pop-up card1306and cross the chasm. It is acknowledged that pull-up tab1304may be reversed, causing the pop-up card to fall down. It is further acknowledged that the corresponding movement gestures may be reversed. In other words, in one embodiment, the pull-up tab may be configured to lower a portion of the game level when the tab is pulled, and raise a portion of the game level when the tab is pushed.

In another embodiment, a pop-up element may be subject to an internal force that changes the position of the pop-up element. The internal force generally may be over-powered by manipulations by a user. For example,FIG. 14illustrates a pop-up element1402, after being displaced by a user, returning to its initial position (i.e., springing back) after the user has de-selected the pop-up element1402. As shown, the pop-up element1402may include a platform1404, a “spring” tab1406and an articulation groove1408. The spring tab1406may have signage indicating the pop-up element1402may be subject to a spring-like force. In the example shown, the spring tab1406includes a “spring” icon. Turning to the sequence diagram illustrated inFIG. 14, at1410, a game character212may seek to reach a high platform out of reach of a normal jump action. The platform1404is positioned towards the top of the articulation groove1408. At1420, the user may use the pointing controller to grasp the spring tab1406(as illustrated by a dashed star over the spring1406.) At1430, while grasping the spring tab1406, the user may motion the pointing controller downwards to pull the platform1404downwards along the articulation groove1408. While the platform1404is held down, the game character212may jump onto and board the platform1404.

At1440, the user may release their grasp of the spring tab1406. With the user's manipulations no longer felt on the pop-up element1402, an internal force of the pop-up element causes the platform1404to return to its initial position at the top of the articulation groove1408. The internal force generally may mimic a property of physics and may be pre-determined for each pop-up element. In the example illustrated, the pop-up element1402is subject to a spring-like force which urges the platform1404upward. In one aspect, the amount of force asserted on the platform1404may be directly proportional to the distance by which the platform is displaced from its initial position (i.e., in physics terminology, its equilibrium position). As shown at1440, when the user releases the spring tab1406, the platform1404shoots upwards, launching the game character212to a high platform. One skilled in the art would recognize that different pop-up elements1402may be configured to have internal forces of different strengths (i.e., spring constants). One skilled in the art would further recognize that pop-up elements may be configured to be subject to other physical forces, including, but not limited to, gravitational forces, magnetic forces, and electrostatic forces.

FIG. 15is a flow diagram of exemplary operations that may be performed by a gaming program, according to an embodiment of the invention. The operations may begin in step1502by receiving a selection input indicating a pop-up element in a predetermined game level has been selected. In step1504, a movement input may be received indicating a direction and speed by which to articulate the pop-up element. In step1506, the gaming program may modify the game level and the pop-up element based on the inputs, wherein the modified game level and pop-up element are interactive with a user-controlled game character.

The aforementioned operations to be performed by a gaming program provides a platform gaming experience that advantageously provides an additional method of direct interaction with gaming elements with an improved user experience. While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.