Method and system for incorporating physiologic data in a gaming environment

(Cross-reference of related applications) In accordance with 35 USC 119 (E), the present application claims the priority benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 105,346 (filed October 14, 2008), the disclosure of which is described herein. It is used as a reference in the book.

(Introduction) Games generally include one of several structured games. Such games include online games in which participants access the game via software and communicate over the Internet. For example, a remote participant may participate in a software game in which each participant plays the role of a fictitious or non-fictitious character. Participants determine the behavior of the character based on their characterization, and that behavior succeeds or fails according to the formal system of rules and / or guidelines within the software. Within the rules, participants are free to improvise and, through their choices / actions, shape the direction and outcome of the game.

As an example, in a competitive online poker game, each participant may choose a fictitious poker player character. Each participant then makes the permissible choices to advance the game based on software rules, such as deciding which cards to keep, how much to bet, when to fold, and so on.

However, in order to compete at a more individual level, personal dynamics may need to be introduced. The term "personal dynamics" is used herein to indicate one or more parameters associated with an individual, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and the like.

By way of example, competition and outcomes in online poker games can vary significantly if the participant has information that leads to the detection of changes in the participant's behavior or behavior, namely the "tell". is there. Tell may give hints on the evaluation of the hand. Therefore, participants who detect tell may benefit if the meaning of tell is correctly interpreted, especially if tell is voluntary and reliable.

Introducing personal dynamics into the field of amusement can prove difficult. For example, participants may be located in geographically diverse locations with each other. Participants may not know each other personally. Participants have no past knowledge of each other and may therefore produce no information about each other.

<p> As described above, techniques for observing, collecting, and interpreting data that provide a certain dynamic are required as parameters for games and other entertainment events. Therefore, there is a need to acquire and use accurate personal data for this and other purposes.</p>

<p> The present invention generally relates to gaming devices, as well as the acquisition and use of physiological data in gaming and entertainment games. The present invention seeks to solve at least some of the above problems and may be widely applicable across a variety of games.</p><p> One aspect of the disclosure provides a personal signal receiver for communicating physiological data, a hub for receiving physiological data, and a game module for receiving physiological data directly or indirectly from the hub.</p><p> One aspect of the disclosure is a step of communicating physiological data via a personal signal receiver, a step of receiving physiological data via a hub, and a direct or indirect physiological game module. Through, a method is provided that includes the step of receiving physiological data from the hub.</p><p> One aspect of the disclosure provides a storage medium that, when executed by a computing platform, has instructions that, in conjunction with the gaming environment, result in the execution of methods that utilize physiological data. For example, this method involves a step of communicating physiological data via a personal signal receiver, a step of receiving physiological data via a hub, and a physiological game module, directly or indirectly. It may include a step of receiving physiological data from the hub via.</p>

<figref num="1">FIG. 1 provides an exemplary schematic of a game environment.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 2 provides an exemplary schematic of a system that incorporates physiological data into the gaming environment of FIG.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary personal signal receiver for a system that incorporates physiological data into the gaming environment of FIG.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary physiological data associated with a system that incorporates physiological data into the gaming environment of FIG.</figref><figref num="5">Figure 5 illustrates a hub associated with a system that incorporates the physiological data of Figure 2.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 6 illustrates a physiologic game module associated with a system for incorporating the physiologic data of FIG.</figref><figref num="7">Figure 7 illustrates how to incorporate physiological data into the gaming environment.</figref>

(1.0 overview) Methods and systems that incorporate physiologic data into the gaming environment provide a uniform and comprehensive framework to enable gaming games with physiology-based components. Physiology-based components may include, for example, physiological data based on physiological parameters or characteristics. Physiological data may be utilized in various ways in the gaming environment. Examples include reporting physiological data directly in-game, using physiological data as the basis for deriving in-game inferences, and using in-game physiological data to derive determinants. And to store physiological data for future use in the game, but not limited to them.

The methods and systems for incorporating physiological data into the gaming environment are highly extensible as independent and integrateable systems. The integrateable system may be integrated with various existing systems such as device games, software games, and online games. As used herein, the term "online gaming" is any, at least in part, facilitated by computers and / or gaming devices and in which players are involved through communication networks such as the Internet or computer networks. Refers to entertainment or competition-based games.

In general, the methods and various aspects of the system that incorporate physiological data into the gaming environment are the basic complements to the core components, such as personal signal receivers that communicate physiological data, hubs that receive physiological data. , And game systems that receive physiological data directly or indirectly from the hub. Any one or combination of these core components can interoperate, communicate, and / or integrate with various components of other information / communication systems. The terms "data" and "information" are used interchangeably herein.

Personal signal receivers include any device capable of communicating physiological data, such as receiving, transmitting, generating, recording and the like. Physiological data includes any data of physiological properties associated with human or non-human. Physiological data include, for example, three-axis measurements of heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, body temperature, local ambient temperature, activity and body angle, as well as other physiological data, metrics associated with one or more individuals. And indicators included. Physiological data may be communicated at various times or at time intervals. For example, communication may take place in real time, i.e., close in time to the time when physiological data was generated, measured, confirmed, etc., or history-based, i.e., physiological data was generated, measured. , The time may be different from the confirmed time. In various aspects, physiological data may be associated with various devices, such as cardiac devices.

Hubs include any hardware device, software, and / or communication component, as well as a combination of these that generally functions to communicate with systems, subsystems, and physiological data. Communication of physiological data involves receiving, storing, manipulating, displaying, processing, and / or transmitting physiological data.

In various aspects, the hub also includes functions for the communication of non-physiological data, such as reception and transmission. As an example of non-physiological data, game rules and game rules that are generated by a separate heart-related device such as an implantable pacemaker and communicated directly or indirectly to the hub via, for example, a personal signal receiver. Contains data.

Broadly defined categories of hubs include, for example, base stations, personal communication devices, portable devices, and mobile phones.

For example, a hub includes a software application associated with a patient's mobile phone. Applications and mobile phones also function to receive physiological data from receivers that receive physiological data directly or indirectly from an individual, eg, via a device. Examples of devices include cardiac devices and ingestible devices. Hubs store, manipulate, and / or transfer data, alone or in combination, via physiological game modules.

Gaming systems include any hardware device, software, and / or communication components, as well as these systems and subsystems that generally function to provide services or activities associated with physiological data. For example, a gaming system collects, manipulates, calculates, transmits, receives, stores, and / or communicates at least a portion of physiological data for use in conjunction with gaming or entertainment activities. For example, a game system is selected from a group consisting essentially of software games, interactive games, device games, and online games.

Each game system may be built around a given function or service, or may receive physiological data directly via a hub. Alternatively, the game system may receive physiological data indirectly, i.e., via another system, computer, or the like. In one aspect, gaming systems and hubs are software applications that can both receive physiological data from integrated or overlapping systems, such as personal signal receivers, and facilitate gaming activities that utilize the physiological data. It may be a mobile phone having.

Each of the above aspects will be detailed below.

FIG. 1 provides a schematic diagram of the game environment 100. The gaming environment 100 may include, for example, a system 102 for incorporating physiological data, a physiological data environment 104, and one or more commercial gaming systems 106.

More specifically, the gaming environment 100 includes any environment in which it has, or is associated with, communication of data or physiological data for gaming or entertainment purposes. Communication includes any method, action, or medium of communication, and / or a combination thereof. For example, communication methods include manual, wired, wireless and the like. Radio technologies include radio signals such as X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible spectrum, infrared rays, microwaves, and radio waves. Wireless services include voice and messaging, mobile and other internet-enabled devices, data networking and more.

Communication mediators include telephones, computers, wired, wireless, optical, or other electromagnetic channels, and combinations thereof, including other devices and / or components that are capable of data communication / associated with data communication. Includes Internet, Wired Channels, Wireless Channels, Communication Devices. For example, the communication environment includes various communication modes such as internal communication, various devices, wireless communication, wired communication, and a combination thereof.

In-vivo communication includes any communication of data or information via the body, i.e., communication between the body-to-body, intrabody, and combinations thereof, and the like. For example, interbody flanks include communications associated with devices designed to be attached to the body surface. Intrabody aspects are generated from within the body, for example, by the body itself, or by implants, ingested, or otherwise, within the body, or partially within the body, by a repositionable device, etc. Includes communication associated with the data associated with it. Intrabody communications, for example, are disclosed in US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 2510888, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Communication includes and / or may be associated with software, hardware, circuits, various devices, and combinations thereof.

Devices include devices associated with the generation, transmission, reception, communication, etc. of physiological data. In addition, devices include various implantable, ingestible, insertable, and / or attachable devices associated with the human body or other organisms. In addition, devices include multimedia devices such as telephones, stereos, audio players, PDAs, portable devices, and multimedia players.

Radio communication modes include any communication mode between points that make at least partially utilize radio technology, including various protocols, as well as combinations of radio transmissions, data, and protocols associated with the device. As points, for example, wireless devices such as wireless headsets, audio and multimedia devices and devices such as audio players and multimedia players, telephones including mobile phones and cordless phones, and computer-related devices and components such as computers and printers. including.

Wired communication modes include any mode of communication between points utilizing wired technology, including various protocols and combinations of wired transmission, data, and protocols associated with the device. Points include, for example, devices and devices such as audio and multimedia devices such as audio players and multimedia players, telephones including mobile phones and cordless phones, and computer-related devices and components such as computers and printers.

System 102 for incorporating physiological data enables exchange, transmission, reception, manipulation, management, memory, and other activities and events associated with physiological data. Such activities and events are either partially integrated with the system 102 for incorporating physiological data contained within the system 102 for incorporating physiological data, or have external properties such as physiological, eg. It may be associated with external activities, systems, components, etc. of system 102 for incorporating data. External properties include, for example, the gaming environment 100 and the commercial gaming system 106, and one or both may be integrated or partially integrated with the system 102 for incorporating physiological data.

Physiological data environment 104 includes any source or data source, including remote computer systems, local computer devices, and the like. The information or data may include, for example, physiological data aggregated or generated in whole or in part along with other types of data. Physiological data may be, for example, pure or refined physiological data from which inferences are derived.

The commercial gaming system 106 includes various existing systems that utilize one or various types of data to achieve a particular purpose or entertainment purpose. An embodiment of the commercial game system 106 is an online poker game. Another embodiment of a commercial game system is a tennis game with an electronic scoreboard. Yet another embodiment of a commercial gaming system is a portable electronic gaming device.

The system 102 for incorporating physiological data, the physiological data environment 104, and the commercial gaming system 106 are detailed below.

(2.0 System that incorporates physiological data into the game environment) FIG. 2 provides an exemplary schematic of system 102 incorporating physiological data into the game environment 100 of FIG. The system 102 incorporating physiological data includes a personal signal receiver 200, physiological data 202, a hub 204, and a physiological game module 204.

(Personal signal receiver) The personal signal receiver 200 includes any device, alone or in combination with other components, devices, systems, etc. that facilitate communication of physiological data 202. As a personal signal receiver, US Patent Application No. 11 / 912,475 "Pharma Informatics Systems" filed October 24, 2007 and International Application No. PCT / US 2007/10688 "Patient Customized Therapeutic" filed May 2, 2007. Regimens , International Application No. PCT / US 2007/015547 filed July 6, 2007 Smart Parenteral Systems , International Application No. PCT / US 2007/0222257 filed October 17, 2007 In vivo Low Voltage Oscillator Medical Devices, International Application No. PCT / US07 / 24225, filed November 19, 2007, Active Signal Processing Personal Health Signal Receivers , International Application No. US2008 / 52845 Ingestible Event Marker Systems filed February 1, 2008, US Patent Application No. 61 / 079,082 Ingestible Event Marker Data Framework filed July 8, 2008 And include devices such as those described. Each of the above is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary personal signal receiver 200 for a system for incorporating physiological data in the gaming environment 100 of FIG. In various aspects, the personal signal receiver 200 includes a patch 300, one or more sensors 302 connected to the patch 300, such as the sensor 302a-c, and an electronic capsule 304 that electronically communicates with the sensor 302. ..

Patch 300 may incorporate various Scherrer equations and materials. In one embodiment, the patch may be similar in design, shape, size, and material to an adhesive bandage, i.e., removable to the character's character. The design, shape, design, and special dynamics of the material may vary depending on the application, environment, arrangement, and the like. For example, the design may incorporate various structures and patterns. The structure may include, for example, a substrate having one or more layers, such as an adhesive layer. The pattern may include various aesthetic features such as different patterns, different colors, transfers, imprints, etc., and non-aesthetic features such as breathable materials, non-allergenic materials and the like. The shape may be different, for example, an ellipse, a circle, a triangle, a bean shape, a quadrangle, or the like. The size may vary, for example, from about 75 mm x 120 mm, about 50 mm x 80 mm, about 25 mm x 40 mm, or other sizes, if desired. The material may incorporate any material, or a combination of materials capable of performing the functionality of the patch described herein. In addition, various aspects may take into account position, energy conservation scheme, carrier identification, decoding, and error correction.

The sensor 302 generally comes into contact with a character person and is detachably attached to, for example, the torso. In various aspects, the sensor 302 may be detachably or permanently attached to the patch 300. For example, the sensor may be detachably connected to patch 300 by fastening metal studs. The sensor 302 may include, for example, various devices capable of sensing or receiving physiological data 202. Types of sensors include, for example, electrodes such as biocompatible electrodes. The sensors are configured as, for example, a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, an accelerator, an electromyogram (EMG) sensor, an ingestible event marker, a biopotential sensor, an electrocardiogram sensor, a temperature sensor, a tactile event marker sensor, and an impedance sensor. May be good.

The electronic capsule 304 communicates with the sensor and / or other device. In various aspects, for example, the electronic capsule 304 produces electronic communication with the sensor 302. In one embodiment, the electronic capsule 304 includes a housing 306 having a circuit board 308 with an electronic integrated circuit (not shown) and a power supply 310. In various aspects, the housing 306 may include various features such as waterproofing, sealing, etc. The circuit board having the electronic circuit may communicate electronically with the sensor 302. The power supply 310 may be, for example, a rechargeable power source such as a rechargeable battery.

In various aspects, different energy conservation schemes may be considered. Such an energy conservation scheme comprises periodically wake-up, eg, sensors and / or other components, so that the energy, eg, power supply 310, is conserved during the non-awake period. ..

In various aspects, the personal signal receiver 200 uses a signal receiving element, eg, one of the sensing functions, using the electrodes of the personal signal receiver 200 for signal receiving and sensing applications. One or more may be achieved, or the personal signal receiver 200 may include one or more individual sensing elements that are different from the signal receiving element. The number of individual sensing elements that can be (or at least connected) on the signal receiver may vary, and may be one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, ten or more. And so on.

In various aspects, the personal signal receiver 200 may include a pair of electrodes that provide dual function of signal reception and sensing. For example, in addition to receiving signals, the electrodes can also perform additional sensing functions. On one side, electrodes may be used to generate an IEGM (intracardiac electrocardiogram), regardless of where it is placed. From that data, there are many types of processes that can be performed to detect various cardiac events such as tachycardia, fibrillation, and heart rate. Another sensing capability that can be achieved by the two electrodes of the signal receiver employs the step of measuring the impedance between the electrodes. The impedance measured will have several components that are determined by the transthoracic impedance for respiration. In this way, impedance data can be used to obtain the respiratory rate of interest. Further, the electrode may be adopted as a sensor of the target fluid state.

As mentioned above, one or more additional physiological sensors separate from the electrodes may be included within the signal receiver. For example, a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, may be included in the signal receiver. If practically precise temperature measurements are desired, there are generally other techniques such as resistance temperature devices (RTDs) made of platinum that can result in very precise temperature measurements. Additional physiologic sensors may also include LEDs and photodiodes built into a pulse oximeter that can be employed to measure blood oxidation that provides information about pulsed pressure.

In addition, for example, if the signal receiver is implanted adjacent to the artery to obtain a measurement of arterial blood pressure, the personal signal receiver 200 may include a pressure sensor. For example, by placing a pressure sensitive film on the surface of a signal receiver, it is possible to obtain pressure inside the body. It is usually desired to measure venous or arterial blood pressure in order to obtain a more useful type of pressure. In such cases, the membrane may be placed in close proximity to either the artery or vein so as to apply pressure on the pressure sensor as the artery pulsates. It can be calibrated to obtain an absolute pressure reading. Another possibility would be, for example, some kind of overhanging cufflinks wrapped around an artery. It may then have a strain gauge in it to measure the pressure deformation that will be attached to the signal receiver.

In general, the personal signal receiver 200 may also include a sample detection sensor. For example, a special chemical sensor may be incorporated within the signal receiver to detect the presence of various chemicals such as glucose, BNP (type B natriuretic peptide associated with heart disease) and the like. Other methods also exist, and it is possible to construct an oxygen sensor containing a selective porous impedance cell in which oxygen changes the pH of the cell and then its conductivity is measured. If the signal receiver includes a specimen detection sensing element, this sensing element can be configured within the signal receiver in several different ways. For example, a sensor may be provided that includes a selective permeable membrane that is permeable to the chemical to be detected, behind which there is an insulated cell through which the chemical passes through the membrane and is characteristic. Usually, the electrical properties of the cell are varied and then measured. For example, there may be a small reservoir on the signal receiver side with a membrane throughout and a measurement electrical circuit behind it. Another method of detecting chemicals employs a sensor known in the art as a ChemFET sensor, which is based on changes in conductivity due to binding of the sample to the sensor. Materials may be included that have electrical properties (or other properties) that change as the materials are combined. Various proteins may be detected as such.

(Physiological data) FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary physiological data associated with a system for incorporating physiological data in the gaming environment 102 of FIG. Physiological data 200 includes data associated with physiological events, parameters, measurements and the like. Such data include, for example, electrocutaneous response, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, body temperature, local ambient temperature, activity and torso triaxial measurements, optics, pressure, sound, biochemistry / biology, weight, position. , Derived electromyography (EMG), as well as electroencephalography (EEG). In addition, physiological data are available from US Patent Application Nos. 10 / 734,490, 10 / 764,429, 10 / 764,127, 10 / 764,125, 11 / 025,657, 11 / 324,196. , 11 / 664,340, 11 / 731,786, 11 / 718,201, 11 / 897,942, 11 / 912,475, 12 / 063,097, 12 / 063,095, Also included are the data described in International Application Nos. PCT / US2007 / 015547 and PCT / US2008 / 52845, respectively, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

(Hub) Hub 204 generally includes any hardware, software, and / or communication components in any combination / configuration that functions to communicate with physiological data 202. One embodiment includes communication of physiological data 202 to the physiological game module 206.

In various aspects, the hub 204 receives, generates, communicates, and / or transmits physiological data 202 alone, or in combination with other data, i.e., non-physiological data from various sources. Communication from hub 204 includes any means or carrier, including wireless, wired, RF, conductive, etc., known in the art or that may become available in the future, and combinations thereof.

Hub 204 includes various categories of devices such as personal communication devices, base stations, and mobile phones.

Personal communication devices include devices that have communication and computer functionality, such as mobile computers, sometimes referred to as "portable devices," and are generally intended for personal use.

The base station comprises any device or device capable of receiving data such as physiological data. Examples include computers such as desktop computers and laptop computers, as well as intelligent devices / devices.

Intelligent devices / devices include consumer and home devices and devices that can receive data such as physiological data. Intelligent devices / devices may also perform other data-related functions such as data transmission, display, storage, and / or processing. Examples of intelligent devices / devices include refrigerators, scales, toilets, televisions, door frame activity monitors, bedside monitors, bed scales. Such devices and devices may include, for example, load-bearing functions such as sensing or monitoring various physiological data such as body weight, heart rate and the like.

Mobile phones include, for example, telephone communication devices associated with various mobile technologies such as mobile networks.

Figure 5 illustrates a hub associated with a system for incorporating the physiological parameters of Figure 2. On one side, hub 204 includes personal communication devices such as mobile device 502, base station 504, and mobile phone 506.

The portable device 502, also also referred to as a "mobile computer," generally includes a computing device having computer-related functions, such as a display screen having a touch-type input function, a small keyboard, and the like. Types of portable devices include, for example, personal digital assistants (PDAs) with inputs and outputs combined with touch screen interfaces, and integrated data acquisition devices such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), and smart card readers. Including corporate information terminals that provide.

In various aspects, the portable device 502 includes software associated with physiological data 202, such as software agents / devices. In various embodiments of the portable device 502, the software is preconfigured, ie, configurable by the manufacturer / retailer, configurable by the consumer, ie, downloadable from the website, or a combination thereof. ing.

An example of software is a software agent that interacts with an online game.

Base station 504 includes systems, subsystems, devices, and / or components that receive, transmit, and / or relay physiological data 202. In various aspects, the base station 504 interoperates communicably with a receiver such as the personal signal receiver 200 and a communication network such as the Internet. Examples of base station 404 are computers such as servers, personal computers, desktop computers, laptop computers, intelligent devices / devices, etc., as described below.

In various aspects, the base station 504 may be embodied as an integrated unit or distributed component, such as a desktop computer or mobile phone that communicates with each other and communicates with the patch receiver and the Internet.

In various aspects, base station 504 has the functionality of wirelessly receiving and / or transmitting data such as physiological data 202 received from and transmitted to the patch receiver 400 and the Internet. Including.

Further, in various aspects, base station 504 may incorporate and / or associate, eg, communicate with various devices. Such devices may generate, receive, and / or communicate data, such as physiological data 202. Devices include, for example, gaming devices, such as "intelligent" devices such as electronic slot machines, portable electronic games, electronic components associated with gaming and entertainment activities.

The mobile phone 506 includes, for example, devices such as short-range mobile electronic devices used for mobile voice or data communication on a network of specialized mobile communication base stations. Mobile phone 506 is known or may be referred to as "mobile," "wireless," "mobile phone," "cell phone," or "hand phone (HP)."

In addition to the standard voice features of the phone, various aspects of mobile phones include short message service (SMS) for text messages, email, packet switching for Internet access, Java® games, wireless. Many additional services and accessories may be supported, such as short-range data / voice communications, infrared, cameras with video recorders, and multimedia messaging systems (MMS) for sending and receiving photos and videos. Some aspects of mobile phones then connect to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) or the mobile network of base stations (mobile communication base stations) interconnected with satellite communications in the case of satellite phones. Various aspects of a mobile phone, at least in part, can be connected to the Internet, which can be navigated using the mobile phone.

In various aspects, mobile phone 506 includes software, such as software agents / devices associated with physiological data 202. One embodiment is an automated replenishment application associated with or integrated with an automated replenishment system to improve automated prescription replenishment capabilities. In various aspects of the mobile phone 506, the software is preconfigured, i.e. configurable by the manufacturer / retailer, configurable by the consumer, i.e. downloadable from a website, or a combination thereof.

In addition, various aspects of the hub include a combination of devices. One such combination is the personal signal receiver 200 that communicates with the portable device 502 or mobile phone 506. Thus, for example, the personal signal receiver 200 wirelessly transmits physiological data 202 to a mobile phone 506 having a receiver and software agents available therein. The receiver of mobile phone 506 receives physiological data 202. A software agent such as an application processes physiological data 202 and displays various information related to physiological data 202, for example, through a customized graphical user interface (GUI). On some aspects, software agents are driven by a pre-determined "look and feel", i.e. to a pre-determined group of software programs, GUIs, source devices, communities, game software, etc. Generates a user-recognizable display as belonging.

(Physiological game module) Physiological game modules generally include any hardware, software, and / or communication components in any combination / configuration, including physiological data 202. In various aspects, the physiologic game module 206 may be an independent, eg, software module, and / or associated with and / or integrated with a hub device, eg, a device including a mobile phone 506. In various aspects, physiological game modules are associated with the present invention, eg, commercial game systems, as well as devices, software, systems, and the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates a physiological game module 206 associated with a system for incorporating the physiological data 202 of FIG. In various aspects, the physiology module includes, for example, pure physiology data 602, refined physiology data 604, and / or one or more software applications 606.

Pure physiological data 202 includes physiological data derived via a personal signal receiver, such as heart rate, heart rate variability, and the like. The refined physiological data 604 includes other data, refined physiological data, and the like. For example, if the heart exceeds a predetermined normal range, a game guess can be derived that the individual is stressed / excited. Factors of stress / excitement may be included in the game to determine a series of actions, etc. Software applications include, for example, game software, software associated with interactive games, software associated with game-related devices, online games, and the like.

In one scenario, physiological data may be used to reflect the condition. For example, the heart rate and heart rate variability of a particular participant is derived via a personal signal receiver. Heart rate and heart rate variability are transmitted to the online interactive game 106a via a hub within the physiology game module 206. Cardiac parameters are analyzed and speculation is derived that specific cardiac parameters indicate a participant's stress and / or excitatory state. Guessing may be translated and reflected in the displayed activity of the avatar associated with a particular participant, eg, the stress representation of the avatar's face.

In another scenario, physiological data may be used to reflect behavior, such as active exercise. For example, the personal signal receiver may be attached to various body locations, such as the participants' arms and hands. The personal signal receiver measures body movements and angles and sends the measurements to the behavior reflection game 106b via a hub within the physiological game module 206, for example, an avatar associated with a participant is an individual. Reflects the same movement / behavior detected by the target signal receiver.

In yet another scenario, physiological data may be used, at least in part, to elicit a physiological response of the person and / or other participants whose physiological parameters are measured. For example, certain participants may be involved in a game that has a weapon fire. The heartbeat of a particular participant is detected and reproduced as a sound effect within the Physiological Game Module 206 and presented to both the particular participant and the enemy participant. In the psychological response game 106c, the audible level of regenerative heart rate increases as the player's game avatar concentrates towards a single game location, and thus the various psychological aspects of the "tracked" enemy. It may provoke a response, eg, a fear that represents an increase in the heart rate of a "tracked" enemy. This psychological response may then be detected and audibly reflected by all participants, then generating a psychological response such as the confidence of the "tracker".

In yet another scenario, physiological data may be "mapped" among participants to synchronize, align, compare, etc. personal dynamics. For example, the movement and heart rate of two participants are measured. In a synchronous response game 106d, such as an online "dance" game, the partner is provided to the physiological game module 206, whose movements are synchronized as it is reflected in its avatar, as well as its heartbeat beats together. Get points for aligning and synchronizing.

In further scenarios, physiological data may be compared to the goals of the online game, such as actual shown progress. For example, participants in an online "swimming" competition hold their breath. The breath is measured to determine how long the breath is actually held. The measurements are translated into the metrics of the physiologic game module 206 of the actual progress game 106e, reflecting how much the participant's avatar has traveled underwater according to the time the participant was actually holding his breath.

Still in further scenarios, physiological data may be reported or reflected with respect to the actual entertainment game 106f. For example, the heart rates of two tennis opponents are detected via a personal signal receiver and reported via a hub within the Physiological Game Module 206 to be reported on a monitor, eg, an electronic scoreboard. , May be sent. In another embodiment, the range of motion of a soccer player attempting to score a field goal may be measured via personal signal receivers installed at various positions on its legs and torso. The measurements may be transmitted, reported via the scoreboard, and compared to other players and the like.

In the above, the term "game" includes games and applications that make use of such physiological data, such as combat-related software applications, i.e. tricks and other software, or actual games.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the above scenarios may be embodied in various games, such as commercial game systems, directly in physiological game modules, hubs, and the like. Moreover, the scenarios described above are merely exemplary and are not limited in any way to the invention described herein.

(3.0 How to incorporate physiological data into the game environment) FIG. 7 illustrates a method of incorporating physiological data in a game environment 700. The method involves communicating physiological data via a personal signal receiver at 702, receiving physiological data via a hub at 704, and hub via a physiological game module at 706. Includes steps to receive physiological data directly or indirectly from. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various other aspects apply.

(4.0 Equipment that incorporates physiological data in games) One aspect, for example, when performed by a computing platform, is through the steps of communicating physiological data via a personal signal receiver, receiving physiological data via a hub, and via a physiological game module. It comprises a storage medium with instructions that bring about the execution of methods that utilize the physiological data in the gaming environment, including the step of receiving the physiological data directly or indirectly from the hub.

Further, the aspects disclosed herein may be performed within the data processing system. By way of example, a chart system, for example, according to one embodiment, is a processor, main memory, static memory, bus, video display, alphanumeric input device, cursor control device, drive unit, signal generation device, network interface device, machine readable. It has media, instructions, and a network.

The chart system may represent a personal computer and / or data processing system in which one or more of the operations disclosed herein may be performed. The processor may be a microprocessor, state machine, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or the like. The main memory may be dynamic random access memory and / or main memory of the computer system. The static memory may be a hard drive, a flash drive, and / or other memory information associated with the data processing system.

Buses may be interconnects between various circuits and / or structures of a data processing system. The moving image display may provide a graphical display of information on the data processing system. The alphanumeric input device may be a keypad, keyboard, and / or any other text input device, such as a special device that assists the disabled. The cursor control device may be a pointing device such as a mouse. The drive unit may be a hard drive, a storage system, and / or other longer storage subsystem. The signal generation device may be the bios and / or functional operating system of the data processing system. The network interface device may be a device capable of performing interface functions such as code conversion, protocol conversion, and / or buffering required for communication to / and from the network. Machine-readable media may provide instructions in which any of the methods disclosed herein can be performed. The instruction may provide the processor with source code and / or data code that enable any one or more of the operations disclosed herein.

Although this aspect has been described with reference to certain exemplary aspects, various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the various aspects. Will be clear. For example, the various devices, modules, etc. described herein are hardware circuits such as CMOS-based logic circuits, firmware, software, and / or hardware, firmware, and / or machine-readable media. / Or any combination of software may be used to enable and operate.

For example, various electronic structures and methods may be embodied using electronic circuits such as transistors, logic gates, and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and / or digital signal processor (DSP) circuits. For example, the receiving module and the communication module, as well as other modules, may be enabled using one or more of the techniques described herein.

In addition, the various operations, processes, and methods disclosed herein may be embodied as machine-readable and / or machine-accessible media compatible with data processing systems such as computer systems. , It will be clear that it may be done in any order. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be regarded as an example, not in a restrictive sense.

For example, any or all of the data associated with the devices and methods described above may be used alone or in combination with other data to construct physiological data, i.e., data with physiological aspects. May be good.

Further, in one aspect, the system and / or method step includes / utilizes an element that stores data, i.e., a data storage element, which is an external device such as a sports device, PDA, smartphone, computer server, etc. Exists in. Generally, the data storage element is a computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" refers to any storage or transmission medium involved in providing instructions and / or data to a computer for execution and / or processing. Examples of storage media include floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, hard disk drives, ROMs or integrated circuits, magneto-optical disks, or computer-readable cards such as PCMCIA cards, such devices. It doesn't matter if it's inside or outside the computer. The file containing the information may be "stored" on a computer-readable medium, where "memory" is meant to be accessible and retrievable in later data by the computer and / or computer-related components. Means to record information. With respect to computer-readable media, "persistent memory" refers to memory that is persistent. Persistent memory is not erased by the end of power supply to the processor computer. Computer hard drive ROMs (ie, not used as virtual memory), CD-ROMs, floppy disks, and DVDs are all examples of persistent memory. Random access memory (RAM) is an example of non-persistent memory. Files in persistent memory may be editable and rewritable.

Also provided is programming to perform the above methods for computer executable instructions, eg, programming of personal signal receivers and other components of the system. Computer-executable instructions reside on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, various aspects provide a computer-readable medium containing programming for use in providing ingestible event marker data.

Thus, in one aspect, the system includes one or more of a data storage element, a data processing element, a data display element, a data transmission element, a notification mechanism, and a user interface. These elements may be present with or otherwise associated with at least one of the physiological data, hub, and physiological game modules.

One of the above systems will be considered from the perspective of the receiving module and the communication module. However, the aspects are not so restricted. In a broader sense, the systems communicate with each other, for example, the use of hub functionality as discussed above, such as the use of physiological data within communications, such as the use of the functionality of physiological game modules. Consists of two or more different modules.

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular aspects described and can therefore differ. Moreover, the terms used herein are intended to be limiting as they are for the purpose of describing certain aspects only and the scope of the invention is limited only by claims of the appended claims. Please understand that it was not done.

When a range of values is shown, each intervening value from the lower bound to the tenth is between the upper and lower bounds of the range and its, unless explicitly stated in the context. It is understood that any other stated or intervening value within the stated range is included within the invention. By any of the specifically excluded limits in the stated range, the upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller range and are also included within the invention. .. Where the described range includes one or both of the limits, the range excluding one or both of the included limits is also included in the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Any method and material similar to or equivalent to that described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, but representative exemplary methods and materials are described herein. There is.

Each individual document or patent is specifically and personally indicated to be incorporated by reference and is also referenced to disclose and describe the relevant methods and / or materials detailed in the document. All documents and patents detailed herein are incorporated herein by reference, as if incorporated herein by. Citations of any publication are for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an endorsement that the invention does not have the right to precede such publications under the prior invention. In addition, the date of the provided document may differ from the date of the actual document, which may need to be confirmed independently.

It should be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular form "one" includes a plurality of referents, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further note that the claims may be made to exclude any selective element. Therefore, this description provides a detailed basis for claiming elements, or as a precursor to the use of exclusive terms such as "limited" and "only" in connection with the use of "negative" restrictions. Intended to work.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure, each individual embodiment described and described herein will not deviate from the scope or spirit of the invention and will include several other embodiments. It has individual components and features that may be easily separated or combined from any of the features of. The detailed method can be performed in the order of the detailed events, or in any other logically possible order.

The invention described above has been described in some detail for illustration purposes and for the purpose of gaining understanding, but without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims, it may be modified and amended in particular. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings of the present invention that they may go to.

Therefore, the above description merely shows the principle of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to embody the principles of the invention and devise various configurations within its spirit and scope, which are not explicitly stated or shown herein. Will be understood by. Moreover, all examples and conditional terms described herein are primarily intended to assist the reader in understanding the principles and concepts of the invention given by the inventor, such particular details. It should be construed as unrestricted in the examples and conditions described. Moreover, the entire description of the present specification that describes the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as certain embodiments thereof, is intended to include both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Moreover, such equivalents are intended to include both currently known equivalents and future developed equivalents, i.e., any element developed that performs the same function regardless of structure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of the invention is embodied by the appended claims.