Game engine module and method for playing an electronic game using location information

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

p-0002The present invention relates generally to electronic games and, more particularly, to an electronic game that includes an electronic game engine module for providing a mode of play that utilizes positioning system signals to alter elements of the electronic game based on movement of a mobile device.

BACKGROUND

p-0003A mobile telephone is increasingly becoming a popular platform to play video games. This is due to the increasing availability of high speed Internet, superior graphics, processing power and portability. It is common for games to contain friendly and hostile characters/creatures and vehicular elements, such as cars, aircrafts, ships, etc. Many games also include corresponding attributes within the game (e.g., health, energy, power boosters, fuel, pit stops, etc) that add realism to situations that arise during game play

p-0004Many of these attributes are static and upon repetitive playing, users know beforehand the spatial location or time occurrence of these attributes. For example, a player is playing a military strategy game on his mobile telephone, while travelling with his friends on vacation. As is conventional, the game has hostile characters that the user needs to conquer by controlling one or more friendly characters. The military game may have the usual provisions associated with the character controlled by the user. Such provisions may include, for example, health status, available ammunitions and/or other combat features. In general, the controlled characters also can acquire attributes to increase health, ammunitions, energy, power booster packs, etc., depending on the features of the game. The features used to acquire and/or add health, ammunitions, energy, power boost packs, etc. are usually strewn at predefined camouflaged or conspicuous locations within the game and/or appear at specific instances of time.

p-0005Since a player may play the game multiple times, the player has apriori knowledge of these predefined locations and/or times where the attributes will appear. This reduces the surprise element in the game and makes it boring for the user over time.

SUMMARY

p-0006One aspect of the present invention relates to a system and method that leverages location information from a positioning receiver to alter elements in a virtual gaming world under influence from the real world elements (e.g., geographic position of wireless gaming device and geographic location of buildings and the like) to provide a unique gaming experience.

p-0007One aspect of the present invention relates to a system and platform that combines elements of conventional games with virtual gaming world that combines aspects from the real world and lets gamers have a unique experience every time the gamer plays the game and at the same time letting game developers leverage the features of sophisticated handsets. For example, assume that a person is playing a military strategy game on his or her wireless gaming device (e.g., a handset). As described herein, game features and/or elements such as health, power booster packs, lives, ammunition, etc., for example, are no longer be limited to a static presence in the game. Game features and/or elements automatically change during the game, depending on the location of the wireless gaming device and whether the device is in the vicinity of a game category that causes an increase and/or decrease in one or more game features and/or elements of the game.

p-0008One aspect of the present invention relates to a wireless gaming device that includes: a memory for storing a gaming application, wherein the gaming application includes one or more game categories and one or more game rules that controls operation of the gaming application such that when the wireless gaming device is within a predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories one or more game features of the gaming application may be altered; a receiver for determining a geographic location for the wireless gaming device, wherein the receiver generates location information and a radio circuit operable to receive map information from a remote source, wherein the map information includes at least one map category that corresponds to one or more game categories; a display operable to present multimedia content associated with the gaming application on the display to an associated user; and a processor coupled to the receiver, the memory and the display, wherein the processor executes computer code to periodically obtain the geographic location of the wireless gaming device and the map information and when the wireless gaming device is within the predefined geographic vicinity of map information that includes at least one of the one or more game categories, the processor causes a change in the game feature that corresponds to the wireless gaming device being within the predefined geographic vicinity of the at least one of the one or more game categories.

p-0009Another aspect of the invention relates to the wireless gaming device being a mobile telephone.

p-0010Another aspect of the invention relates to the receiver being a global positioning receiver.

p-0011Another aspect of the invention relates to the one or more categories including at least one selected from the group of: hospitals, coffee shops, fuel stations, car care centers, training centers, swimming pools, marinas, hotels, lodging, parks, restaurants, grocery stores and/or shopping stores.

p-0012Another aspect of the invention relates to the receiver and the radio circuit are operable to receive communications from a mobile telephony network.

p-0013Another aspect of the invention relates to the gaming application including a real-time mode of play when the location information is processed for use with the gaming application and a second mode of play when the location information is not processed for use with the gaming application.

p-0014Another aspect of the invention relates to in the first mode of play, the one or more game features are dynamically located within the gaming application based on the location information and/or the map information.

p-0015Another aspect of the invention relates to in the second mode of play, game elements are statically located within the gaming application.

p-0016Another aspect of the invention relates to the processor comparing the location information and the map information with the one or more game categories to determine which of the one or more game features to alter.

p-0017Another aspect of the invention relates to method for providing a location based game, the method including: storing a location based game application in a memory of a wireless gaming device, wherein the gaming application includes one or more game categories and one or more game rules that controls operation of the gaming application such that when the wireless gaming device is within a predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories, one or more game features associated with the gaming application may be altered; receiving geographic location information from a receiver coupled to the wireless gaming device, wherein the geographic location information is dependent on the geographic location of the wireless gaming device; receiving map information from a source, wherein the map information includes at least one map category that corresponds to the one or more game categories; comparing the geographic location with the map information to determine whether the wireless gaming device is within a predetermined geographic vicinity of one the at least one of the one or more game categories; and outputting one or more changes in the one or more game features on the wireless gaming device, wherein the game feature changed is dependent on the one more game categories that the wireless gaming device is within the predetermined geographic vicinity.

p-0018Another aspect of the invention relates to receiving the location based game application from a remote server.

p-0019Another aspect of the invention relates to the source is a remote server that periodically transmits the map information to the wireless gaming device.

p-0020Another aspect of the invention relates to the step of outputting one or more changes in the one or more game features on the wireless gaming device includes displaying one or more game features on a display of the wireless gaming device.

p-0021Another aspect of the invention relates to the step of outputting one or more changes in the one or more game features on the wireless gaming device includes outputting an audible signal indicating changes in one or more game features on a speaker of the wireless gaming device.

p-0022One aspect of the invention relates to a location based software product, the product including: computer executable code configured to be executed on a wireless gaming device to be operable in a first mode wherein one or more features of the location based software product is dependent on a geographical location of the wireless gaming device; and operates in a second mode wherein the one or more features of the location based game system are static.

p-0023Another aspect of the invention relates to the computer executable code including one or more game categories and one or more game rules that controls operation of the computer executable code such that when the wireless gaming device is within a predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories, one or more game features associated with the gaming application may be altered.

p-0024Another aspect of the invention relates to in the first mode of play, the one or more game features are dynamically located based on the location information and/or the map information.

p-0025Another aspect of the invention relates to in the second mode of play, game features are statically located within the gaming application.

p-0026One aspect of the invention relates to a method for providing a reward for playing a location-based game, the method including: playing a location based game application stored in a memory of a wireless gaming device, wherein the gaming application includes one or more game categories and one or more game rules that controls operation of the gaming application such that when the wireless gaming device is within a predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories, one or more game features associated with the gaming application may be altered; moving the wireless gaming device within the predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the game categories; and receiving an enhanced game feature based at least in part on the purchase of the product and/or service.

p-0027Another aspect of the invention relates to further including purchasing a product and/or a service from the at least one of the game categories and receiving a greater enhanced feature than the enhanced game feature received for being in the predefined geographic vicinity of the at least one of the game categories.

p-0028One aspect of the invention relates to a real world reward for playing a location-based game, the method including: playing a location based game application stored in a memory of a wireless gaming device, wherein the gaming application includes one or more game categories and one or more game rules that controls operation of the gaming application such that when the wireless gaming device is within a predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories, one or more game features associated with the gaming application may be altered; performing above a predetermined threshold in at least one aspect of the game; and receive a coupon for purchasing one or more items at a retail outlet and/or a web-based retail outlet.

p-0029These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and attached drawings. In the description and drawings, particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail as being indicative of some of the ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed, but it is understood that the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, the invention includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the spirit and terms of the appended claims.

p-0030Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

p-0031The terms “comprises” and “comprising,” when used in this specification, are taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0032<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic diagram of a communications system in which an exemplary wireless gaming device may receive communications from one or more positioning satellites.

p-0033<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is an exemplary schematic block diagram of a wireless gaming device in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

p-0034<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic block diagram of the wireless gaming device of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

p-0035<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-8</figref> are exemplary flowcharts of methods in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

p-0036Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale.

p-0037In the present document, some embodiments are described primarily in the context of a wireless gaming device. It will be appreciated, however, that the exemplary context of a wireless gaming device is not the only operational environment in which aspects of the disclosed systems and methods may be used. Therefore, the techniques described in this document may be applied to any type of appropriate electronic device, examples of which include a mobile telephone, a media player, a computer, a pager, a communicator, an electronic organizer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a portable communication apparatus, a portable global positioning system, a global positioning system built-in a vehicle (e.g., an automobile, truck, airplane, boat, etc.), a navigation receiver, a positioning receiver or any electronic device incorporating a global positioning system, a navigation receiver and/or a positioning receiver. Such devices will be collectively referred to herein as a “wireless gaming device”.

p-0038Referring initially to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, an exemplary system <b>10</b> in accordance with aspects of the present invention is illustrated. The system <b>10</b> may include a wireless gaming device <b>12</b>, a plurality of positioning satellites <b>14</b> and optionally, a remote server <b>16</b> in which the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may communicate through a communications network <b>18</b>.

p-0039The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may be any type of electronic device that is capable of receiving satellite positioning signals <b>18</b> from one or more of the plurality of positioning satellites <b>14</b> or other signals that may be used to determine a location of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> and execute computer readable medium to execute a game and/or interactive location platform, as discussed below.

p-0040The following description of the invention uses GPS as an example of an applicable positioning/navigation technology for use in connection with the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. However, this description is not intended to limit the invention to GPS receivers. Other positioning technologies such as Russian GLONASS, China COMPASS, Europe Galileo, and India IRNSS are also deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may also use A-GPS and other location services including Wi-Fi Positioning System and cell-site triangulation in a hybrid positioning system to determine the position of the wireless gaming device.

p-0041GPS is a space-based triangulation system that uses positioning satellites <b>14</b> and

p-0042GPS control computers (not shown) to measure positions anywhere on the earth. GPS was first developed by the United States Department of Defense as a navigational system. The advantages of this navigational system over land-based systems are that it is not limited in its coverage and it provides continuous 24-hour coverage, which may be highly accurate regardless of weather conditions. In operation, a constellation of <b>24</b> positioning satellites <b>14</b> orbiting the earth continually emit a GPS radio signal (also referred herein as “positioning satellite signals”) <b>18</b>. A positioning receiver <b>20</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) in the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> receives the positioning satellite signals <b>22</b> from the visible positioning satellites and measures the time that the positioning satellite signals <b>22</b> takes to travel from the positioning satellites <b>14</b> to an antenna associated with the positioning receiver <b>20</b>. By multiplying the travel time by the speed of light, the positioning receiver <b>20</b> can calculate a range for each positioning satellite <b>14</b> in view. Ephemeris information provided in the positioning radio signal typically describes the satellite's orbit and velocity, thereby enabling the mobile terminal to calculate its geographical position through a process of triangulation, as is known.

p-0043Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, an exemplary wireless gaming device <b>12</b> is illustrated. As stated above, the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may be any type of electronic device that is capable of receiving satellite positioning signals <b>18</b> from one or more of the plurality of positioning satellites <b>14</b> and execute computer readable medium to execute a game and/or interactive location platform.

p-0044As illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may include a user interface <b>24</b> (identified by dotted lines) that enables the user easily and efficiently to perform one or more communication tasks (e.g., identify a contact, select a contact, make a telephone call, receive a telephone call, establish and manage local wireless and/or wired exchanges of information with a remote mobile terminal, enter position information, enter navigation information, play a game, etc.). The user interface <b>24</b> of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may include one or more of the following components: a display <b>26</b>, an alphanumeric keypad <b>28</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), function keys <b>30</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), a navigation tool <b>32</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>), a speaker <b>34</b>, and/or a microphone <b>36</b>. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that one or more of user interface components may be incorporated in a display <b>26</b> that is a touchscreen display, for example.

p-0045The display <b>26</b> may present information in a viewable format to a user of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. Such information may include operating state, time, telephone numbers, contact information, unique identifiers, various navigational menus, status of one or more functions, photographs, multimedia, position information, navigation information, game information, game graphics, etc., which may enable the user to utilize the various features of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. The display <b>26</b> may also be used to visually present content accessible by the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. The displayed content may include position information and/or navigation information in the form of maps, routes, etc. Other such information may include E-mail messages, audio and/or video presentations stored locally in memory <b>38</b> (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> and/or stored remotely and downloaded to the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> (e.g., from a remote storage device, a mail server, remote personal computer, etc.).

p-0046The alphanumeric keypad <b>28</b> provides for a variety of user input operations. For example, the keypad <b>28</b> may include alphanumeric keys for allowing entry of alphanumeric information such as user-friendly identification of contacts, street addresses, E-mail addresses, distribution lists, telephone numbers, phone lists, contact information, notes, etc. The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may also include function keys <b>30</b> such as a “call send” key for transmitting an E-mail, initiating or answering a call, initiating the transfer of location assistance information between the mobile terminal and a remote mobile terminal (e.g., mobile terminal <b>16</b>), and a “call end” key for ending, or “hanging up” a call. The navigation tool <b>32</b> may include menu navigation keys, for example, for navigating through a menu displayed on the display <b>26</b> to select different telephone functions, profiles, settings, etc., as is conventional. Other keys associated with the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may include a volume key, audio mute key, an on/off power key, a web browser launch key, a local adapter association key (e.g., for wired and/or wireless communications), an E-mail application launch key, a camera key, etc. Keys or key-like functionality may also be embodied as a touch screen associated with the display <b>26</b>.

p-0047The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may also include conventional call circuitry that enables the mobile terminal to establish a call, transmit and/or receive E-mail messages, and/or exchange signals with a called/calling device, typically another mobile telephone or landline telephone. However, the called/calling device need not be another telephone, but may be some other electronic device such as an electronic device compliant with one or more communication protocols, Internet web server, E-mail server, content providing server, etc.

p-0048Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, a functional block diagram of the exemplary wireless gaming device <b>12</b> is illustrated. The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> includes a control circuit <b>40</b> that is configured to carry out overall control of the functions and operations of the mobile terminal <b>12</b>. The control circuit <b>40</b> may include a processing device <b>42</b>, such as a CPU, microcontroller or microprocessor. The processing device <b>42</b> executes code stored in a memory (not shown) within the control circuit <b>40</b> and/or in a separate memory, such as memory <b>38</b>, in order to carry out operation of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> and perform all of the functionality disclosed herein.

p-0049The memory <b>38</b> may be any suitable memory device for storing information. For example, the memory <b>38</b> may be, for example, random access memory, read only memory, a buffer, a flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. In order to carry out the various functions described herein, the memory <b>38</b> may include one or more computer applications <b>44</b> (or sub-applications), including one or more computer applications to interpret and/or otherwise process position signals received from one or more position satellites.

p-0050The one or more computer applications <b>44</b> further may include a game application <b>45</b> that utilizes information received from the positioning receiver <b>20</b> to allow the user to play an interactive game. In addition, the game application <b>45</b> may subscribe to notifications from the game engine module <b>47</b>, which may also be stored in memory <b>38</b>. The game engine <b>47</b> may periodically poll the positioning receiver <b>20</b> for location information associated with the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>, periodically request map information and notify the gaming application <b>45</b> when the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> is within the vicinity of one or more categories subscribed to by the gaming application <b>45</b>.

p-0051Continuing to refer to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>, the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may include an antenna <b>46</b> coupled to a radio circuit <b>48</b>. The radio circuit <b>48</b> may include a radio frequency transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna <b>46</b>, as is conventional. The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may utilize the radio circuit <b>48</b> and antenna <b>46</b> for voice, Internet and/or E-mail communications over a cellular telephone network. The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may further include a sound signal processing circuit <b>50</b> for processing the audio signal transmitted by/received from the radio circuit <b>46</b>. Coupled to the sound processing circuit <b>50</b> are the speaker <b>34</b> and the microphone <b>36</b>, which enable a user to listen and speak through the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>, as is conventional. The radio circuit <b>48</b> and sound processing circuit <b>50</b> are each coupled to the control circuit <b>40</b> so as to carry out overall operation of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>.

p-0052The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> also includes the aforementioned display <b>26</b> and keypad <b>28</b> coupled to the control circuit <b>40</b>. The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may further include an I/O interface <b>52</b>. The I/O interface <b>52</b> may be in the form of typical mobile telephone I/O interface, such as a multi-element connector at the base of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> or other suitable I/O interface. As is typical, the I/O interface <b>52</b> may be used to couple the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> to a battery charger to charge a power supply unit (PSU) <b>54</b> within the mobile terminal <b>12</b>.

p-0053As stated above, the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> also includes a positioning receiver <b>20</b> for receiving positioning signals from one or more positioning satellites <b>14</b>. The positioning receiver <b>20</b> receives signals from one or more positioning satellites <b>14</b> through antenna <b>56</b>. As used herein the phrase “received positioning satellite signals” means one or more signals received directly from one or more positioning satellites <b>14</b>.

p-0054Positioning satellites <b>14</b> continuously broadcast a navigation message at 50 bit/s. The navigation message may include both data unique to the transmitting satellite and data common to all satellites. The navigation message contains time information, satellite clock correction data, ephemeris (precise orbital parameters), almanac (coarse orbital parameters), health data for all satellites, coefficients for the ionospheric delay model and coefficients to calculate the Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) from the positioning system time. The navigation message consists of 25 frames, and the frames are organized in such a way that a positioning receiver is able to obtain satellite-specific data (ephemeris) for exact position calculation within 30 seconds. This 30 second time period is the minimum time-to-first-fix of the positioning system in the general case. It takes 12.5 minutes to receive all the 25 frames completely.

p-0055As stated above, the positioning signals may also originate from other sources. For example, position signals may be computed based on a Wi-Fi Positioning System, and/or cell-site triangulation to determine the position of the wireless gaming device. For purposes of simplicity, such signals are referred to herein as “positioning signals”.

p-0056The received positioning signals may be processed by the control circuit <b>40</b> along with one or more computer applications <b>44</b> (e.g., game engine <b>47</b>) to generate location assistance information based on the received positioning satellite signals. Location assistance information may include, for example, positioning satellite ephemeris, almanac, reference time, reference location and ionospheric corrections, relative or absolute signal strengths of the positioning satellites at the present time and location, navigation information, waypoints, destinations, route information, etc. The reference location is derived from positioning satellite signals that correspond to the wireless gaming device's current geographical position, which, when used with other information, allows the receiver to determine which navigation satellites <b>14</b> are visible and to estimate the signal transit times from the each satellite.

p-0057The location assistance data is generated based on positioning satellite signals obtained directly from one or more of the positioning satellites substantially contemporaneously with transferring the location assistance information from one mobile terminal to another mobile terminal As used herein, the terms “contemporaneously” or “substantially contemporaneously” means close enough in time that data from the positioning satellites is currently useful (e.g., in time and/or geographical location) for determine the position of the device and/or to obtaining positioning satellite signals.

p-0058The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may include a near field communication (NFC) adapter <b>58</b> and/or other network adapter <b>59</b> (e.g., an IEEE 802.11 adapter) to facilitate communication with other devices. For example, network adapter <b>59</b> may be utilized to acquire signals that may be used to determine the location of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. The network adapter <b>59</b> may also be referred to herein as a “radio circuit”.

p-0059The remaining disclosure will focus primarily on the game application <b>45</b> and the game engine <b>47</b>. While the game application <b>45</b> and the game engine <b>47</b> are described separately, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the game engine <b>47</b> may be incorporated within the game application <b>45</b> and vice versa.

p-0060The gaming application <b>45</b> is a location based software product that includes computer executable code configured to be executed on the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. The wireless gaming device <b>12</b> provides a user interface <b>24</b> to allow a user to play the electronic gaming application <b>45</b>. Games of any and all varieties are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the games may be race, sports, military strategy, fantasy, logic, etc. In addition, the gaming application <b>45</b> may be an online game, a mobile game, a handheld video game, or a game related to raising a virtual pet and/or child.

p-0061The game engine <b>47</b> may control operation of the game when the game application <b>45</b> is utilizing positioning signals obtained from the positioning satellites <b>14</b>. In such operation, the game engine <b>47</b> may periodically poll the positioning receiver <b>20</b> for location information associated with the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. The game engine <b>47</b> may also periodically request map information from a remote source (e.g., server <b>16</b>) and/or memory <b>38</b>. The game engine <b>47</b> generally acts as the interface between the virtual world and the real world. As such, the game engine <b>47</b> provides notifications to the gaming application <b>45</b> when the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> is within the vicinity of one or more categories subscribed to by the gaming application <b>45</b>.

p-0062The positioning receiver <b>20</b> is disposed in the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>, as discussed above. The positioning receiver <b>20</b> receives satellite signals and obtains location information of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> from the satellite signal in a known manner. In addition, the positioning receiver <b>20</b> may use the location information to determine a movement distance of the wireless gaming device, and further derive a movement speed of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> from the movement speed detected by the computed from the signals received from the positioning receiver <b>20</b>.

p-0063The processor <b>42</b> executes computer code associated with the game engine <b>47</b> to periodically obtain the geographic location of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> and map information. Map information includes any information that may be found on a map and/or GPS based systems. Map information includes, for example, categories of items, points of interest, locations, address information, list of coordinates associated with points of interest, list of coordinates associated with one or more game categories, restaurants, coffee shops, hospitals, fuel stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, training centers, swimming pools, marinas, hotels, lodging, parks, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the above category list is exemplary and that any and all categories that may be suitable for display and/or related to geographic location may be deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention.

p-0064The map information may be stored on the wireless gaming device. For example, the map information may be stored in the memory <b>38</b>. Alternatively, the map information may be acquired from a remote server (e.g., server <b>16</b>). For example, the map information may be acquired from a third party, such as Google Maps, Yahoo Maps, MapQuest, etc.

p-0065The map information may be received and stored by the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. When the gaming application is executed (e.g., being played) and when the wireless gaming device is within the predefined geographic vicinity of map information that includes at least one of the one or more game categories, the processor causes a change in the game feature that corresponds to the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> being within the predefined geographic vicinity of the at least one of the one or more game categories.

p-0066For example, the game application <b>45</b> generally supplies a list of location categories that it would respond to or would use to induce appropriate game effects and/or features. An example of a location category list may include: a) Hospitals/Health care; b) Gas Stations; c) Automotive/Car Care Centers; d) Coffee Shops; e) Restaurants. The location list may be provided to the game engine <b>47</b>, which may be a module of the gaming application <b>45</b> and/or a separate application. The game engine <b>47</b> may save the location category list. The processor periodically polls the onboard GPS/location information subsystem and correlates this location information with information from popular online directories such as Google Maps etc. When the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> is in the vicinity of a place that matches one or more categories from the location list supplied by the game application <b>45</b>, the game engine <b>47</b> notifies the game application <b>45</b> of the same. The game application <b>45</b> can then handle this information appropriately and induce the game effects and/or features that match the categories in the vicinity of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. The game application <b>45</b> may include a database of rules that when one or more conditions are met, the game application may change induce the game effects and/or features based on the category matched.

p-0067For example, a user is in the vicinity of a coffee shop while playing a military strategy game, the game engine <b>47</b> notifies the game application <b>45</b> of the presence of the shop. The game application <b>45</b> may then activate the power booster packs for the user's friendly characters or the protagonist of the game. The user will be able to control the dynamic effects in the game by turning on/off the location information and the games will simply fallback to a default/static mode, which is useful to provide the users a non interruptive gaming experience. Turning on/off the location information may be accomplished by disabling the game engine <b>47</b> and/or disabling the positioning receiver <b>20</b>, for example. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the examples provided herein are illustrative and not intended to limit the disclosure of the present invention. By combining real world information with virtual world information, game developers can create and gamers can have unique experiences within their games.

p-0068Preferably, the gaming application <b>45</b> is operable in two modes. In the first mode, one or more features of the location based software product is dependent on a geographical location of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>, as determined from signals received by the positioning receiver <b>20</b> through the game engine <b>47</b>. For example, the one or more game features are dynamically located based on the location information associated with the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> and/or the map information. In the second mode, the one or more features of the location based game system are static (e.g., they do not change based on the location of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>).

p-0069The gaming application <b>45</b> may include one or more game categories and one or more game rules that controls operation of the computer executable code such that when the wireless gaming device is within a predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories, one or more game features associated with the gaming application may be altered. The predefined vicinity may vary depending on the mode of transportation, population density factors, and/or any other design considerations. For example, in highly populated geographical region, the predefined vicinity may be smaller so that only a few items having a gaming category are within the vicinity at a given time. In contrast, when population density is very low (there are less likely to be more than one category of place), the predefined vicinity may be larger.

p-0070As discussed above, the gaming engine <b>47</b> is communicatively coupled to the positioning receiver <b>20</b> and is operable to notify the gaming application <b>45</b> when the wireless gaming device is within a vicinity of one or more game category items. The gaming application <b>45</b> may use the information received from the gaming engine module and induce an appropriate effect. For example, the appropriate effect may be an extra life, in-game money, a play-enhancement item, experience points, a player-enhancing power, or in-game food, etc.

p-0071The movement of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> may be presented on the display <b>26</b> of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. Movement of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> in real life may also be depicted on the display <b>26</b>. In addition, one more categories of items relevant to the gaming application may also be presenting on the display <b>26</b>. The predefined vicinity may also be indicated on the display <b>26</b>.

p-0072Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, an exemplary method <b>100</b> for providing a location based game is illustrated. The method <b>100</b> includes, at block <b>102</b>, storing a location based game application <b>45</b> in a memory <b>38</b> of a wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. The game application <b>45</b> may include one or more game categories and one or more game rules that controls operation of the gaming application such that when the wireless gaming device is within a predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories, one or more game features associated with the gaming application may be altered. The gaming application <b>45</b> may be downloaded from a remote server, installed from a memory device and/or a disk storage medium.

p-0073At block <b>104</b>, geographic location information is received from a positioning receiver <b>20</b> coupled to and/or housed within the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>, wherein the geographic location information is dependent on the geographic location of the wireless gaming device.

p-0074At block <b>106</b>, map information is received from a remote server <b>16</b>. The map information may include at least one map category that corresponds to the one or more game categories. The remote server <b>16</b> may periodically transmits the map information to the mobile gaming device automatically and/or when requested from the wireless gaming device.

p-0075At block <b>108</b>, the processor <b>42</b> compares the geographic location with the map information to determine whether the wireless gaming device is within a predetermined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories. The processor <b>42</b> may act under the control of the game engine <b>47</b>, which may be module in the game application <b>45</b> or independent of the game application <b>45</b>.

p-0076When the wireless device is within a vicinity of a category subscribed to by the game application, one or more changes in the one or more game features on the wireless gaming device is output, as set forth in block <b>110</b>. The game feature changed is dependent on the one or more game categories that the wireless gaming device is within the predetermined geographic vicinity. The output may include outputting one or more changes in the one or more game features on the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> on the display <b>26</b>. In addition or alternatively, the output may include outputting one or more changes in the one or more game features on the wireless gaming device with an audible signal output from the speaker <b>34</b>.

p-0077Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, an exemplary flow chart <b>150</b> for program flow of the game engine module is illustrated. At block <b>152</b>, a list of location categories may be supplied by the gaming application <b>45</b> to the game engine <b>47</b>. This step may be omitted in certain instances. For example, if the game engine module is a portion of the gaming application <b>45</b> and/or if the game engine module <b>47</b> has the information previously stored from previously playing the game on the wireless gaming device.

p-0078At block <b>154</b>, the game engine <b>47</b> periodically causes polling of the positioning receiver <b>20</b> to obtain the location of the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. At block <b>156</b>, the game engine causes a search of map information that is generally available on-line and/or stored internally in memory <b>38</b> to find location categories relevant to the game application. At block <b>158</b>, the game engine <b>47</b> notifies and/or provides the game application <b>45</b> that the wireless gaming device is in vicinity of location category associated with the game application.

p-0079Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, an exemplary method <b>200</b> for a playing a game application is illustrated. At block <b>202</b>, a command is received to initiate the gaming application <b>45</b> on the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> and to initiate the game engine <b>47</b>. At block <b>204</b>, a list of location categories that the gaming application <b>45</b> utilizes is provided to the game engine <b>47</b>. The gaming application <b>45</b> also subscribes to notifications from the game engine <b>47</b>.

p-0080At block <b>206</b>, the game engine <b>47</b> may store the list of categories supplied from the gaming application <b>45</b>.

p-0081At block <b>208</b>, the game engine <b>47</b> may operate in the background and periodically polls the positioning receiver <b>20</b> for location information associated with the wireless gaming device <b>12</b>. In addition, the game engine may periodically request map information from one or more sources of map information (e.g., a third party server <b>16</b>, memory <b>36</b>, etc.).

p-0082At block <b>210</b>, the game engine <b>47</b> utilizes the location information associated with the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> and causes the processor <b>42</b> to compare the location information with the map information to determine if a match exists with the categories subscribed to by the gaming application <b>45</b>.

p-0083At block <b>212</b>, the game engine <b>47</b> may find a match and notifies the game application <b>45</b> along with the location category detected.

p-0084At block <b>214</b>, the game application receives the identified location category and induces an appropriate effect in the game application.

p-0085As discussed above, each game application may submit a location category list that the characters in the game and/or the game generally would respond to the game engine <b>47</b>. The user could use his or her wireless gaming device <b>12</b> to pay for goods/services at a location that matches one of the location categories that the game subscribes to, as mentioned above. The location could be a sponsor of the game, a licensee, etc. The user's purchases at the location could also potentially influence the “extra powers” or “weapons” or any other attribute of the character that may be relevant.

p-0086Some of the examples could be: <ul><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0086">a. buy petrol−>extra power to your starship;</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0087">b. buy a cup of coffee at Starbucks−>gain extra energy or a new life;</li><li id="ul0002-0003" num="0088">c. buy food−>extra strength for a virtual character;</li><li id="ul0002-0004" num="0089">d. buy a drilling machine−>receive a new weapon; and</li><li id="ul0002-0005" num="0090">e. buy a new pair of Nikes−>now you can jump much higher.</li></ul></li></ul>

p-0087The extra powers or weapons or attributes could also be made available when the user is in the vicinity of the locations mentioned above. However, purchases made by the user will make these virtual gains stronger, for example.

p-0088An exemplary method <b>250</b> for providing a reward to an associated user for playing a location-based game is illustrated at <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. Referring to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, at block <b>252</b>, a user plays a location based game application stored in a memory of a wireless gaming device. As set forth above, the gaming application <b>45</b> includes one or more game categories and one or more game rules that controls operation of the gaming application such that when the wireless gaming device is within a predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories, one or more game features associated with the gaming application may be altered. At block <b>254</b>, the user moves the wireless gaming device within the predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the game categories. At block <b>256</b>, an enhanced game feature is received to facilitate playing the game based at least in part on the purchase of the product and/or service. In another embodiment, when the user purchases a product and/or a service from the at least one of the game categories, the user will receive a greater enhanced game feature than the enhanced game feature received for being in the predefined geographic vicinity of the at least one of the game categories.

p-0089Furthermore, when a user performs exceedingly well and/or poor with a game, the user may obtain certain real world benefits. For example, a user in a starship game performs very well. When the wireless gaming device <b>12</b> is in vicinity of a gas station, the user may obtain a benefit (e.g., 10% off the user's gasoline purchase). Another example may be when a user overcomes all the obstacles in the game application <b>45</b> by jumping high consistently and when in the vicinity of a Nike store, the user may obtain 20% off the purchase of shoes. Still another example may be, in a fighter game, strike the enemy characters in the game, in their head with a weapon and get $5 off a drilling machine or other device when in the vicinity of a home improvement store. Still another example, if a user is playing a golf game, a poor score and location in a sporting goods store may result in $10 off a golf club, golf balls, lessons, etc. One of ordinary will readily appreciate that the above examples are exemplary in nature and any game performance, whether positive or negative, may be rewarded.

p-0090An exemplary method <b>300</b> for providing a real world reward for playing a location-based game is illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. The method <b>300</b> includes, at block <b>302</b>, playing a location based game application stored in a memory of a wireless gaming device by a user. Like method <b>250</b>, the gaming application includes one or more game categories and one or more game rules that controls operation of the gaming application such that when the wireless gaming device is within a predefined geographic vicinity of at least one of the one or more game categories, one or more game features associated with the gaming application may be altered. At block <b>304</b>, a determination is made that the user performs above/below a predetermined threshold in at least one aspect of the game. At block <b>306</b>, the user receives a coupon for purchasing one or more items at a real world retail outlet and/or a web-based retail outlet.

p-0091Computer program elements of the invention may be embodied in hardware and/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.). The invention may take the form of a computer program product, which can be embodied by a computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program instructions, “code” or a “computer program” embodied in the medium for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system. In the context of this document, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium such as the Internet. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner. The computer program product and any software and hardware described herein form the various means for carrying out the functions of the invention in the example embodiments.

p-0092Specific embodiments of an invention are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the invention may have other applications in other environments. In fact, many embodiments and implementations are possible. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific embodiments described above. In addition, any recitation of “means for” is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element and a claim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation “means for”, are not intended to be read as means-plus-function elements, even if the claim otherwise includes the word “means”. It should also be noted that although the specification lists method steps occurring in a particular order, these steps may be executed in any order, or at the same time.