WO2003017052A2

WO2003017052A2 - Platform for telecommunications-based gaming and marketing

Info

Publication number: WO2003017052A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/025901
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amy Schulman; Evan Uhlfelder; Matthew Sapero
Original assignee: Hipntasty, Inc.
Priority date: 2001-08-15
Filing date: 2002-08-14
Publication date: 2003-02-27
Also published as: WO2003017052A3; AU2002324709A1; WO2003017052A9

Abstract

A software platform for creating a telecommunications-based game includes game steps with a graphical user interface permitting the entry of game formation data by a game creator using a data-entry form, the game steps being a function of the game formation data.

Description

PLATFORM FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS -BASED GAMING AND MARKETING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and method for providing a platform for creating games and marketing messages over a telecommunications network, for example the Internet or over a wireless network.

[0002] There are several telecommunications-based games involving multiple players. Chess, seek-and-destroy action games, card-based games are some of the games now being played over the Internet. The development of such games typically involves programmers working many hours, often thousands of hours, to develop the software underlying such games. These developers often use tools, such as Visual Basic or C++ object-oriented programs, to create the algorithms and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) associated with the game.

[0003] Some games may permit choices to the users, for example, the name of the character of a user in a seek-and-destroy action game. The game is thus customizable by the user. However, the underlying software code that creates the choices is still programmed by the developer, and the game steps are not altered by the users.

[0004] Development of games for use over a telecommunication network is time-consuming and tedious, and is generally confined to a small set of developers with a special set of skills.

[0005] There has been little integration of location-based identification of handheld device users and gaming.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 6,202,023, issued March 13, 2001, discloses an internet-based geographic location referencing system and method. An automatic location identifying device is required to position the users within a geographical area. Games are not discussed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to permit simplified creation of games that can be played over a telecommunications network.

[0008] The present invention provides a software platform for creating a telecommunications- based game having game steps. The platform includes a graphical user interface permitting entry of game formation data by a game creator using a data-entry form, with the game steps being a function of the game formation data.

[0009] A "data-entry form"as defined herein includes a screen-based form for permitting data to be typed into particular predefined fields, and also includes clickable selections and click- and-drag forms.

[0010] The form-based games and their actual steps thus can be quickly and easily created, permitting even teenagers unfamiliar with programming languages to create their own games, such as trivia games, scavenger hunts, MP3 games, ringtone games, karaoke, speed dating, head-to-head games, interactive adventures, user-created guided location based tours, and trivia contests that can be timed to play in synch with television and/or radio broadcasts.

[0011] No programming experience on the part of the game creator, defined herein to include both developers and non-developers with no programming experience, is necessary. However, the platform permits more creativity than simple character formation or naming by a game user, since the actual game steps are being created by the creator using the software platform. The platform thus is a type of middleware primarily for non-programmers, the middleware sitting between a programming language and the actual game software provided directly to the users.

[0012] The game formation data preferably includes queries of the users, for example questions. For example, in a scavenger hunt, the user can be asked what color is the interior of John's Pizzeria in the local mall. The game creator could charge John's Pizza Restaurant for the question, since the inclusion of the question in the game should increase potential customer traffic to the restaurant.

[0013] The platform will be described in more detail with respect to the preferred embodiment.

[0014] Advantageously, game players can be directed to various desired locations. The present invention thus also includes a software platform for creating a telecommunications- based game having a game process in which users are directed to a plurality of locations. A graphical user interface permits entry of game formation data by a game creator using a data- entry form, with the game formation data including location data corresponding to the plurality of locations.

[0015] The present invention also includes a platform for creating telecommunications-based games having a graphical user interface for a game creator, the graphical user interface permitting input of game formation data by a game creator using a data-entry form. The game formation data includes a plurality of telecommunications network addresses. A server receives data from the graphic user interface and distributes the game to the plurality of addresses. Thus the game can be quickly distributed to handheld devices.

[0016] Handheld devices may include, for example, any mobile telephone, SMS terminals, HDML terminals, WML terminals, I-mode terminals, MML terminals, 2-way pagers, J2ME terminals, wireless PalmOS devices, wireless PocketPC devices, Bluetooth and wireless Ethernet devices.

[0017] The forms for the GUI may be shown, for example, on a web browser or WAP browser terminals. On the server may be located a database such as an SQL-based, Oracle or Informix database. The server may deliver the GUIs and/or user content using XML, Java, HDML, WML, I-Mode, SMS modems, SMSC or IVR delivery, for example. The wireless interconnectivity with users ro game players can be through SMS, HDML, WML, I Mode or J-phone (MML), for example.

[0018] A method for directing mobile game players having handheld devices is also provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving an input from a mobile handheld device, ,the input identifying a first location; sending a message to the handheld device as a function of the first location so as to direct a user of the handheld device to a predetermined second location; and receiving an input from the mobile handheld device at the predetermined second location.

[0019] By directing users to various known locations, commercial services such as advertising or discounts can be easily tailored to the user location. These also can be tailored to responses to queries.

[0020] The first location may be a predetermined location, such as a starting point.

[0021] The user of the handheld device may be provided a question at the second predetennined location, the question being a function of the second predetermined location. The input then may be an answer to the question.

[0022] A positional grid using a software platform can be created, the grid including the first location and the predetermined second location. The grid may be displayed in picture form in the GUI and the creator can select the points using the picture.

[0023] The present invention thus also provides a grid-based device permitting accurate location identification of persons with handheld telecommunications devices within the grid without the need for position identification, such as GPS. The device comprises a server containing a grid established by a system operator, the grid having a plurality of specific points, each specific point then associated by the game creator with a question or query. A plurality of handheld devices is provided, each capable of logging on to the server so as to have an identification. The server tracks responses to the questions or queries by the plurality of handheld devices so as to identify at which specific point on the grid the plurality of handheld devices are located.

[0024] The device may be used in a location-based game or a user-created guided location- based tour.

[0025] Advantageously, the present invention also provides a method for providing location- based advertising or marketing information, such as coupons. Advertising or marketing information may be provided to the plurality of handheld devices as a function of various locations.

[0026] Using the grid of the present invention, a method for delivering interactive wireless advertising may include the steps of locating a consumer on a predetermined location grid as a function of a response from a handheld wireless device without using positioning technology and delivering advertising to the handheld wireless device as a function of the grid location of the consumer.

[0027] The queries can be used to direct users without the need for a positional device such as a GPS. A method for directing users of handheld devices to a plurality of locations thus may include defining a plurality of query points, including a first query point and a second query point; receiving a first starting point from a first user; and sending directions to the first query point as a function of the first starting point.

[0028] The first query point may include a plurality of questions. The first user may be given a reward for correctly answering one of the plurality of questions, and the reward may include game points and/or a coupon.

[0029] The first user may be re-asked one of the plurality of questions if the user does not first answer correctly, and if the user subsequently answers correctly, the user is provided with a second reward less valuable than the reward. [0030] Once a user answers a question the server can note this fact. When determining where to send the user on a next session of the game, this information can then be used to avoid sending the user to a location where no unanswered queries remain.

[0031] The first query point may be determined as a function of the distance between the first query point and the starting point.

[0032] An example of software code for determining which query point on an X,Y two- dimensional grid to send the user to can include the following:

[0033] CREATE PROCEDURE rnh_LocationsSearchByDistance

[0034] @CurrentLocationID int,

[0035] @CurrentX float,

[0036] @CurrentY float,

[0037] @MaxDistance int

[0038] AS

[0039] SELECT *, abs(@CurrentX - X) + abs(@CurrentY - Y) as distance FROM mh Locations

[0040] where abs(@CurrentX - X) + abs(@CurrentY - Y) <= @MaxDistance and

[0041] LocationlD o @CurrentLocationID

[0042] order by distance asc

[0043] GO

[0044] The user may be sent to a second query point, and then others, after the first query point. Advertising or other promotions may be sent to the user as a function of one of the query points. Random bonus questions may also be provided.

[0045] The information may be broadcast as wireless interactive content to a preselected group using for example, SMS messages. [0046] Both a voice channel and a data channel may be used, so that, for example, tunes to songs can be part of the game or marketing activities.

[0047] Thus also provided is a wireless gaming method using a telecommunications system with a plurality of handheld devices comprising the steps of sending information to the handheld devices so that the handheld device plays a tune or recorded audio; and querying a name of the tune or any other attribute of the recorded audio, from the user.

[0048] The present invention thus provides a simple and convenient way for people with little or no programming experience to create content-rich games for delivery to handheld devices. The program developed can be easily integrated into an advertising or marketing strategy if so desired.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, a scavenger hunt game is provided, whereby users are sent to various locations where they must answer questions using their handheld devices at predetermined locations in order to proceed further along the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The following detailed explanation of a preferred scavenger hunt platform, device and method according to the present invention is explained with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 shows a telecommunications network on which a game can be developed and played;

[0052] Figures 2 to 44 show the platform of a preferred scavenger hunt embodiment of the present invention; and

[0053] Figures 45 to 61 show part of the scavenger hunt game being played on a handheld device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Fig. 1 discloses a telecommunications system 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. System 1 includes a client computer having a graphical user interface 10. A plurality of handheld devices 14, each having a network address, are connected by telecommunications links, for example wireless links, to a telecommunications network 12, which may be or include, for example, the Internet. A server 16 connected by a telecommunications link to the GUI 10 can run server-side software implementing the forms- based game platform of the present invention. The forms are displayed at the GUI 10, and data entered by a game creator into the forms can be transmitted via the telecommunications link to the server 16. Server 16 can then operate and distribute the game to the handheld devices 14.

[0055] Figures 2 to 44 show the platform of a preferred scavenger hunt embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a first page for the game creator, with a login hypertext link, while Fig. 3 shows the blank login page and Fig. 4 the filled in page of Fig. 3.

[0057] Once the game creator logs in, the creator is shown, as per Fig. 5, any games (here called hunts) that the creator previously created, here soho and wdl . By hitting a link 55, the creator can add a new game.

[0058] Figs. 6 and 7 show any points or prizes the creator may have won in playing previous games of their own or games of other game creators.

[0059] Fig. 8 shows a form provided once the creator hits link 55 in Fig. 5. The creator can choose enter the game name, as shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 10, the game has now been added to Fig. 5 screen, at which point the creator can edit the game by hitting link 105. [0060] The form in Fig. 11 is then provided to the creator, which tells the creator that to develop the scavenger hunt, at least one starting point and at least one clue point need to be created. The form permits the user to access other forms using simple links so as to: (1) create welcome and end messages via link 111; (2) broadcast messages during the game via link 112, (3) set the time of the game via link 113; (4) program starting point and clue locations via link 114; and (5) provide rewards and prizes via links 115 and 116.

[0061] Fig. 12 shows the form after clicking on link 112. The points are based on an X-Y grid which can for example represent the floor plan of a house or a mall, or a city. As shown in Fig. 13, one starting point in the example is set at grid location 1,1 and titled Matt's Front Door. Type box 131 can set the location as a starting point or a clue location.

[0062] The screen in Fig.14 then shows the starting point location entered into the platform.

[0063] Figs. 15 and 16 shows the welcome/end message form obtained by clicking on link l l l in Fig.l l.

[0064] Figs. 17, 18 and 19 show the broadcast message forms obtained by clicking on link 112 of Fig. 11. The time for sending the message can be set as well.

[0065] Figs. 20 and 44 show the start and end time form obtained by clicking on link 113 in Fig. 11.

[0066] Figs. 21, 22, 23 and 24 show the reward forms obtained by clicking on link 115 in Fig.l 1, the reward here being a chocolate popsicle in the freezer.

[0067] Figs. 25 to 28 show the prize forms obtained by clicking on link 116 in Fig. 11, the prize being redeemable by users from points won during the game. Fig. 29 shows the status of point redemptions, a screen obtained by clicking on link 281 in Fig. 28. The point value of prizes is determined by the game creator. [0068] Fig. 30 shows a clue point form that can be obtained if type box 131 in Fig. 13 is switched to clue for a new point, here a time-based point. The clue thus is sent out at a particular time, not when a location is reached.

[0069] Figs. 31 and 32 show the clue form, obtained by clicking on link 301 in Fig. 30.

[0070] Clues may be provided in several varieties: input data field 311 permits a question to be asked. Input data field 312 is a special alternate SMS messaging data field. Multiple choice input data field 313 permits multiple choice questions to be asked, which makes matching a correct answer from the game players easier.

[0071] The creator can set the points for a correct answer in field 314, and partial points for a correct answer after a failed first try in field 315. As shown in Fig. 32, a reward can also be set at 316. Graphical images also can be provided by the game creator, for example a picture of a smiley face if the question is answered correctly, and a frown face if answered incorrectly. If a time point sent out at a specific time, the time is set in field 318.

[0072] Figs. 33 to 35 show the creation of the clue point "Time Based" for time delivery shown in Fig. 11.

[0073] Figs. 36 to 39 show the setting up of further clue and starting points in the X-Y grid. A Z location, such as first or second story, could also be provided in a modified platform.

[0074] Fig. 40 shows all of the points.

[0075] Figs. 41 and 42 show the form obtained by hitting the link 106 in Fig. 10, so that the message in box 411 is sent to various e-mail addresses. This allows the game creator to announce the game to possible players. [0076] Fig.43 shows a prize description similar to in Fig. 27.

[0077] The game as per Fig. 40 is thus ready to be played. A form-based game thus can be easily created by the non-programmer without the need for the writing of program code. The steps of the game are created through the clue points and starting points.

[0078] As discussed above, once a point, either starting or clue point, has been reached, the platform automatically sends a message to the user to go to another clue point in the game. The selection of next clue points could be random or predetennined, but preferably may be geographically-based, so that the user is sent for example to the nearest next clue point from the previous starting or clue point. The next clue point may also be based on whether the player has been there before and whether any unanswered questions remain. More than one question can reside at a clue point.

[0079] Figures 45 to 61 show part of the scavenger hunt game being played on a handheld device of a game player.

[0080] Fig. 45 shows the screen obtained by the handheld device when accessing the homepage of the game provider. Figs. 46 and 47 show how the user accesses the game. Figs. 48 and 49 show the welcome message of Fig. 16 being displayed to the game player upon accessing the game.

[0081] In Fig. 50, the game player is queried for one of the two starting locations, as per Fig. 40, and chooses the kitchen. The server thus knows that the player is at grid location 5,10. The server can calculate the next closest clue point, here the Hallway at grid location 15,15 and send a message saying "Go to the Hallway." The server can then send the question "What are the fish doing?" as per Fig. 51 which was entered as the clue question for clue point Hallway shown in Fig. 38. As a multiple choice question, a series of possible answers is provided in Fig. 52. The game player chooses "3 having lunch", and submits which results in the screen in Fig. 53. In Fig. 54, the server responds that the answer was incorrect (the correct answer having been set by the creator in the forms as swimming) and that zero points were obtained.

[0082] The server then sends the player to another clue location, namely Matt's Bedroom (the clue point, the John, although nearest, for example had already had its questions answered by the game player in a previous session), by a message "Go to Matt's Bedroom." The handlield device receives the next clue, a multiple choice, as shown in Figs. 55 and 56, and the user selects Farrah Fawcett. The answer is incorrect, however, since partial points were set by the creator, as per box 315 in Fig. 32, the server responds in Figs. 57, 58 and 59 to try again. It is a correct answer and the server can provide a response "You have received 50 points."

[0083] The player can redeem the points for a prize by accessing the server via the handheld device or another device, such as a PC with Internet access.

[0084] Fig. 60 shows the end message once the time elapses.

[0085] Fig. 61 shows an advertisement that can be provided during game play.

[0086] With the platform of the present invention other games are possible as well. Tours and trivia games are two easily formatted games.

[0087] hi a novel adaptation, telephony hardware can be integrated with the server, so that a player's phone rings with a pre-recorded call at specific moment in the game. The particular pre-recorded call may be dependent on the point in the game, the particular player, and their game history, for example. Specific SMS messages used in the game may trigger parts of the server program, which then triggers the telephony hardware to send out the call. When the call is over, the hang-up triggers the server to send an SMS message to continue the game play at precisely the same spot that the SMS messages left off. It "keeps state" and sends audio phone calls based on the player's interaction with the SMS game server. [0088] Queries based on the call can be provided. For example, the call send over the voice channel may be a known tune, and be accompanied by a query on the data channel as to the name of the tune.

[0089] The integration of voice message and a related data message to the handheld device thus is another feature of the present invention.

[0090] The present invention may be used as well to incorporate video features deliverable to the handheld device.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A software platform for creating a telecommunications-based game having game steps comprising: a graphical user interface permitting entry of game formation data by a game creator using a data-entry form, the game steps being a function of the game formation data.

2. A software platform for creating a telecommunications-based game having a game process in which users choose answers to questions comprising: a graphical user interface permitting entry of game formation data by a game creator using a data-entry form, the game process being a function of the game formation data and the game formation data including the questions.

3. A software platform for creating a telecommunications-based game having a game process in which users are directed to a plurality of locations comprising: a graphical user interface permitting entry of game formation data by a game creator using a data-entry form, the game formation data including location data corresponding to the plurality of locations.

4. A platform for creating telecommunications-based games comprising: a graphical user interface for a game creator, the graphical user interface permitting input of game formation data by a game creator using a data-entry form, the game formation data including a plurality of telecommunications network addresses; and a server receiving data from the graphic user interface and distributing the game to the plurality of addresses.

5. A software platform for creating a telecommunications-based game having game steps comprising: a graphical user interface permitting entry of game formation data by a game creator using a data-entry form; and a server receiving the game formation data so as to create the game steps, the server capable of providing the game steps to a plurality of users.

6. A method of providing any of the platforms in claims 1 to 5 to a game creator, the game creator using the data-entry forms to create the game.

7. A method for directing mobile game players having handheld devices, the method comprising the steps of: receiving an input from a mobile handheld device, the input identifying a first location; sending a message to the handheld device as a function of the first location so as to direct a user of the handheld device to a predetermined second location; and receiving an input from the mobile handheld device at the predetermined second location.

8. The method as recited in claim 7 wherein the first location is a predetermined location, such as a starting point.

9. The method as recited in claim 7 further comprising providing a question to the user of the handlield device at the second predetermined location, the question being a function of the second predetermined location.

10. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein the input is an answer to the question.

11. The method as recited in claim 7 further comprising establishing a positional grid using a software platform, the grid including the first location and the predetermined second location.

12. The method as recited in claim 7 further comprising directing the user to a predetermined third location.

13. A grid-based device permitting accurate location identification of persons with handheld telecommunications devices within the grid without the need for position identification, such as GPS, the device comprising: a server containing a grid established by a system operator, the grid having a plurality of specific points, each specific point associated with a question or query; and a plurality of handheld devices, each capable of logging on to the server so as to have an identification, the server tracking responses to the questions or queries by the plurality of handheld devices so as to identify at which specific point the plurality of handheld devices are located.

14. The device as recited in claim 13 used in a location-based game.

15. A method for identifying location using the device of claim 13.

16. A method for providing location-based advertising or marketing information, such as coupons, comprising the steps of: locating a plurality of users using the grid-based system of claim 13; and providing advertising or marketing information to the plurality of handheld devices as a function of the first and/or second locations.

17. A method for providing location-based advertising or marketing information, such as coupons, comprising the steps of: directing mobile game players as in claim 7; and providing advertising or marketing information to the plurality of handheld devices as a function of the specific points.

18. A method for delivering interactive wireless advertising comprising the steps of: locating a consumer on a predetermined location grid as a function of a response from a handheld wireless device without using positioning technology; delivering advertising to the handheld wireless device as a function of the grid location of the consumer.

19. A method for directing users of handheld devices to a plurality of locations comprising the steps of: defining a plurality of query points, including a first query point and a second query point; receiving a first starting point from a first user; sending directions to the first query point as a function of the first starting point.

20. The method as recited in claim 19 wherein the first query point includes a plurality of questions.

21. The method as recited in claim 20 wherein the first user is given a reward for correctly answering one of the plurality of questions.

22. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein the reward includes game points or a coupon.

22. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein the first user is re-asked the one of the plurality of questions if the user does not first answer correctly, and if the user subsequently answers correctly, the user is provided with a second reward less valuable than the reward.

23. The method as recited in claim 19 wherein the first query point is determined as a function of the distance between the first query point and the starting point.

24. The method as recited in claim 19 further comprising sending the user to the second query point after the first query point.

25. The method as recited in claim 19 further comprising sending advertising to the user as a function of one of the query points.

26. Any of the methods, platforms or devices as recited in claims 1 to 25 in which a person broadcasts wireless interactive content to a preselected group.

27. Any of the methods, platfoπns or devices as recited in claims 1 to 25 in which WAP or SMS messaging is used.

28. Any of the methods, platforms or devices as recited in claims 1 to 25 in which both a voice channel and a data channel are used.

29. A wireless gaming method using a telecommunications system with a plurality of handlield devices comprising the steps of: sending information to the handheld devices so that the handheld device plays a tune; and querying a name of the tune from the user.

30. A marketing or gaming method comprising: sending voice data to a handheld device; and sending SMS data related to the voice data to the handheld device.