U.S. Pat. No. 9,550,122

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a system10configured to host a virtual space for access by users. The virtual space may be a game space in which users control one or more characters (or sets of characters) to achieve game objectives. The system10may be configured such that the travel paths within the virtual world are determined dynamically. This may provide for travel which may have dynamic aspects at a lower cost than providing full interactivity between destinations.

In some implementations, system10may include one or more servers12, and/or other components. The system10may operate in communication and/or coordination with one or more external resources14. Users may interface with system10and/or external resources14via client computing platforms16. The components of system10, servers12, external resources14, and/or client computing platforms16may 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 servers12, external resources14, and/or client computing platforms16may be operatively linked via some other communication media.

A given client computing platform16may include one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The computer program modules may be configured to enable one or more users associated with the given client computing platform16to interface with system10and/or external resources14, and/or provide other functionality attributed herein to client computing platforms16. By way of non-limiting example, the given client computing platform16may 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 resources14may include sources of information, hosts and/or providers of virtual environments outside of system10, external entities participating with system10, and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to external resources14may be provided by resources included in system10.

The server12may be configured to provide, or cooperate with client computing platforms16, to provide a virtual space to users. This may include hosting, serving, and/or otherwise providing the virtual space. The virtual space may be associated with a videogame which is played by the users via client computing platforms16. The server12may include electronic storage18, one or more processors20, and/or other components. The server12may include communication lines, or ports to enable the exchange of information with a network and/or other computing platforms.

Electronic storage18may comprise electronic storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage18may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with server12and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to server12via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage18may 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. Electronic storage18may store software algorithms, information determined by processor20, information received from server12, information received from client computing platforms16, and/or other information that enables server12to function properly.

Processor(s)20is configured to provide information processing capabilities in server12. As such, processor20may 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 processor20is shown inFIG. 1as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor20may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same device, or processor20may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operating in coordination.

As is shown inFIG. 1, processor20may be configured to execute one or more computer program modules. The one or more computer program modules may include one or more of a user module22, a destination node module24, a dynamic node module26, a travel interface module28, a path module30, and/or other modules. Processor20may be configured to execute modules22,24,26,28, and/or30by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor20.

It should be appreciated that although modules22,24,26,28, and30are illustrated inFIG. 1as being co-located within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor20includes multiple processing units, one or more of modules22,24,26,28, and/or30may be located remotely from the other modules. The description of the functionality provided by the different modules22,24,26,28, and/or30described below is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of modules22,24,26,28, and/or30may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of modules22,24,26,28, and/or30may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of modules22,24,26,28, and/or30. As another example, processor20may be configured to execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed below to one of modules22,24,26,28, and/or30.

It will be appreciated that the illustration of modules22,24,26,28, and/or30being executed solely on processor20separate from client computing platforms16is not intended to be limiting. For example, in some implementations, the client computing platforms16may be configured to provide locally at least some of the functionality attributed above to one or more of modules22,24,26,28, and/or30. Similarly, one or more of modules22,24,26,28, and/or30may be executed locally on individual client computing platforms16while others are executed on server12.

The user module22may be configured to access and/or manage one or more user profiles and/or user information associated with users of the system10. The one or more user profiles and/or user information may include information stored by electronic storage18, one or more of the client computing platforms16, and/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 environment account information, subscription information, virtual currency account information (e.g., related to currency held in credit for a user), friend information (e.g., information related to friends of a user), 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 destination node module24may be configured to instance destination nodes within the virtual space. The destination nodes may be arranged in the virtual space in accordance with a virtual map. The destination nodes may be instanced as separate “places” within the virtual space. As such, a user character controlled by a user (e.g., via client computing platform16) may not be able to move freely between the destination nodes without traveling along a path (e.g., as described below). The destination node module24may be configured to implement the instances of the destination nodes to determine views of the destinations nodes. The views may then be communicated (e.g., via streaming, via object/position data, and/or other information) from subject12to client computing platforms16for presentation to users. The view determined and transmitted to a given client computing platform16may correspond to a user character being controlled by a user via the given client computing platform16.

Places within the virtual space formed by the destination nodes may individually comprise simulated spaces (e.g., similar to a physical space) that is accessible by users via clients (e.g., client computing platforms14) that present the views of the virtual space to a user. The simulated space of a given destination node (or dynamic node discussed herein) may have a topography, express ongoing real-time interaction by the user, 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 destination node, and/or surface features of a surface or objects that are “native” to the destination node. In some instances, the topography may describe a surface (e.g., a ground surface) that runs through at least a substantial portion of the destination node. 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 above description of the manner in which views of a destination node are determined by destination node module24is not intended to be limiting. The destination node module24may be configured to express one or more of the destination nodes of the virtual space in a more limited manner. For example, views determined for a given destination node may be selected from a limited set of graphics depicting an event in the given destination node. The views may include additional content (e.g., text, audio, prestored video content, and/or other content) that describes particulars of the current state of the destination node, 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 destination nodes (and/or dynamic nodes) are contemplated.

Within the destination nodes instanced by destination node module24, user characters may be controlled by the users to interact with the virtual space. 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 characters 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 character associated with a given user may be created and/or customized by the given user. The user character may be associated with an “inventory” of virtual goods and/or currency that the user can use (e.g., by manipulation of the user character and/or the items) within the virtual space.

The users may participate in the virtual space by controlling user characters in the destination nodes (and/or the dynamic nodes discussed herein). Control may be exercised through control inputs and/or commands input by the users through client computing platforms14.

The dynamic node module26may be configured to execute instances of dynamic nodes within the virtual space. The dynamic node module26may implement the instances of the dynamic nodes to determine views of the dynamic nodes for presentation to the user via dynamic node module26. Similar to operation of destination node module24in instancing the destination nodes, dynamic node module26may be configured such that the dynamic nodes are separate “places” within the virtual space.

The travel interface module28may be configured to receive selection or entry of travel commands from the users (e.g., via client computing platforms16) indicating user characters should travel between destination nodes. As was mentioned above, the destination modes may be arranged within the virtual space in accordance with a virtual map. By way of illustration,FIG. 2illustrates a virtual map32representing the distribution of destination nodes within a virtual space. The destination nodes include a first destination node34, a second destination node36, a third destination node38, and a fourth destination node40. The destination nodes34,36,38, and40may be connected by potential paths42. As can be seen inFIG. 2, from a given one of the destination nodes34,36,38, and40, a subset of the other nodes34,36,38, and40may be reachable via potential paths42.

One or more of the potential paths42may be unlocked by a user based on gameplay, purchase, availability of a virtual good or object, and/or other criteria. Unlocking one of potential paths42based on gameplay may require performance of an objective within the virtual space, obtaining a skill or skill level, obtaining a relationship with another character or characters in the virtual space (e.g., an alliance or friendship), and/or other gameplay. Unlocking one of potential paths42based on purchase may require payment of a fee in real world currency, payment of a fee in virtual currency, purchase of a virtual item, object, or equipment, and/or other purchases. Unlocking one of potential paths42based on availability of a virtual good or object may require use of a virtual object that provides a power or skill, use of a virtual mount, use of a virtual good or object that acts as a key or pass, and/or use of other virtual goods or objects.

Returning now toFIG. 1, travel interface module28may be configured such that reception of travel commands is achieved via a travel interface presented to the users through client computing platforms16. The travel interface may be configured to receive entry or selection of travel commands. The travel commands may be to destination nodes identified in the travel commands. By way of illustration,FIG. 3depicts a travel interface44. The travel interface44may be presented to a user via a client computing device. For example, the travel interface44may be presented as a graphical user interface on an electronic display associated with the client computing platform. The travel interface44may include one or more of a destination field46, a mode of travel field48, a travel initiation field50, and/or other fields. The destination field46may be configured to receive selection or entry by a user of a destination node to which a user character is to travel. The mode of travel field48may indicate a mode of travel that should be used to convey the user character to the selected destination node. The travel initiation field50may be configured to receive an indication from the user that travel of the user character toward the destination node should be initiated. The fields46,48, and50illustrated inFIG. 3may include one or more of a pull-down menu, a field for manual entry, a selectable button, and/or other interface features for entering and/or selecting commands.

Turning back toFIG. 1, the travel interface module28may be configured such that the travel interface presented to a user may reflect the subset of destination nodes available for travel from a current destination node. The subset of destination nodes may be the destination nodes for which potential paths exist with the current destination mode.

The path module30may be configured to dynamically determine paths between the destination nodes. Dynamically determining a path between destination nodes may include determining a set of one or more dynamic nodes to include the path between the destination nodes. A path from a first destination node to a second destination node may be determined by path module30responsive to reception of a travel command indicating a user character should travel from the first destination node to the second destination node. This determination may be dynamic in that the set of dynamic nodes to be included between the first destination node and the second destination node may vary based on one or more parameters. The parameters may include one or more of a parameter related to the user character, one or more temporal parameters, item(s) possessed by that character, skills gained by that character, levels or ranks attained by that character, an existing or prior relationship with other characters, membership in a character association(s), progress through the game, game specific timing or event conditions surrounding the storyline of the game, modifications or changes to the game environment as part of the game's ongoing storyline, discovery of new path parameters by character's as alternate routes versus existing known node paths, and/or other parameters. A parameter related to the user character may include one or more of skill level, attribute, character type or class, progress in the game, virtual item or object owned or used, previous paths between the first destination node and the second destination node, and/or other parameters. A temporal parameter may include a time of day, a day of the week, a day of the month, a month, and/or other temporal parameters. The dynamic determination of the set of dynamic nodes may be at least partially random.

One or more of the dynamic nodes may be unlocked by a user based on gameplay, purchase, availability of a virtual good or object, and/or other criteria. Unlocking one of the dynamic nodes based on gameplay may require performance of an objective within the virtual space, obtaining a skill or skill level, obtaining a relationship with another character or characters in the virtual space (e.g., an alliance or friendship), and/or other gameplay. Unlocking one of the dynamic nodes based on purchase may require payment of a fee in real world currency, payment of a fee in virtual currency, purchase of a virtual item, object, or equipment, and/or other purchases. Unlocking one of the dynamic nodes based on availability of a virtual good or object may require use of a virtual object that provides a power or skill, use of a virtual mount, use of a virtual good or object that acts as a key or pass, and/or use of other virtual goods or objects.

Inclusion of a set of dynamic nodes in the path between the first destination node and the second destination node may result in the user character arriving at the dynamic nodes prior to arriving at the second destination node. By way of illustration,FIG. 4illustrates a virtual map52representing a path54between a first destination node56and a second destination node58. The path54may include a first dynamic node60, a second dynamic node62, and/or other dynamic nodes. As a user character travels along path54, nodes60,62, and finally58, the virtual space may be non-interactive between the nodes.

As used herein, the term “non-interactive” may refer to areas of the virtual space in which interaction of the user with the virtual space via the user character may be inhibited, restricted, and/or removed. For example, control over the visible expression of the user character (e.g., with respect to movement, direction of travel, interaction with other characters, and/or other aspects of control) may be inhibited, restricted, and/or removed. As another example, experience, points, virtual currency, and/or other rewards for performing tasks may be restricted and/or removed between nodes. This may disincentivize users from controlling user characters to deviate from travel between the nodes. The inhibition, restriction, and/or removal of interactivity between nodes may reduce the processing and/or storage cost of expressing the virtual space to users while the user characters are travelling. In some implementations, travel between nodes may be instantaneous, or may take only the amount of time it takes to determine and distribute a view of the next node.

The dynamic determination of the path may result in paths between the destination nodes56and58still providing a somewhat dynamic travel experience for the user character even with the inhibited, restricted and/or removed interactivity between nodes. This may enhance the replay and/or continuous play of the virtual space without increasing the processing and/or storage requirements of travel through regions of the virtual space between nodes56and58to the extent required by maintaining the full interactivity during travel. For example, dynamic determination of the dynamic nodes (e.g.,60and62) between nodes56and58may result in the path between nodes56and58providing different experiences for different trips.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the path module30may be configured such that the path from one destination node to another destination node may include one or more intermediate nodes that are not included based on a dynamic determination of the path. Such intermediate nodes may be included in the path between the destination nodes on every trip of the user character between these nodes (and/or for each trip in the same direction).

The dynamic node module26may be configured such that one or more of the dynamic nodes require performance of an objective in order for a user character to continue along a path. Performance of an objective may include, for example, collection of an item or items, defeat of an opponent or opponents, solving a puzzle, acquiring a skill, interacting with a character, or object(s), construction of one or more objects, use of specific language, removal/damaging/destruction/loss of one or more items, specific timed moments in the game story to coincide with game based events, gaining high enough advancement within the game, finding an item(s) or information, and/or performance of other objectives.

FIG. 5illustrates a method64of hosting a virtual space to a client computing device for interaction by a user. The operations of method64presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method64may 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 method64are illustrated inFIG. 5and described below is not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, method64may 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 method64in 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 method64.

At an operation66, an instance of a first destination node in the virtual space is executed. In some implementations, operation66may be performed by a destination node module that is the same as, or similar to, destination node module24(shown inFIG. 1and discussed herein).

At an operation68, the instance of the first destination node may be implemented to determine a view of the first destination node for presentation to a user via a client computing device. Operation68may be performed responsive to a user character associated with the client computing device being located at the first destination node in the virtual space. In some implementations, operation68may be performed by a destination node module that is the same as, or similar to, destination node module24(shown inFIG. 1and discussed herein).

At an operation70, a travel request may be received from the user. The travel request may be received through a travel interface presented to the user by the client computing device. The travel request may indicate the user character should travel from the first destination node to a second destination node that is separate from the first destination node in the virtual space. In some implementations, operation70may be performed by a travel interface module that is the same as, or similar to, travel interface module28(shown inFIG. 1and discussed herein).

At an operation72, a path of the user character from the first destination node to the second destination node may be determined dynamically. Dynamic determination of the path may include dynamically determining a set of one or more of the dynamic nodes to be included in path of the user character between the first destination node and the second destination node. Operation72may be performed responsive to reception of the travel request at operation70. In some implementations, operation72may be performed by a path module that is the same as, or similar to, path module30(shown inFIG. 1and discussed herein).

At an operation74, an instance of a dynamic node in the virtual space is executed. In some implementations, operation74may be performed by a dynamic node module that is the same as, or similar to, dynamic node module26(shown inFIG. 1and discussed herein).

At an operation76, the instance of the dynamic node may be implemented to determine a view of the dynamic node for presentation to the user via the client computing device. Operation76may be performed responsive to a user character associated with the client computing device being located at the dynamic node in the virtual space on the way to the second destination node. In some implementations, operation76may be performed by a dynamic node module26that is the same as, or similar to, dynamic node module26(shown inFIG. 1and discussed herein).

At an operation78, an instance of a second destination node in the virtual space is executed. In some implementations, operation66may be performed by a destination node module that is the same as, or similar to, destination node module24(shown inFIG. 1and discussed herein).

At an operation80, the instance of the second destination node may be implemented to determine a view of the second destination node for presentation to the user via the client computing device. Operation80may be performed responsive to a user character associated with the client computing device being located at the first destination node in the virtual space. In some implementations, operation80may be performed by a destination node module that is the same as, or similar to, destination node module24(shown inFIG. 1and discussed herein).

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, 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 invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.