WO1999015249A1 - Electronic game - Google Patents

Electronic game Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999015249A1
WO1999015249A1 PCT/SG1998/000065 SG9800065W WO9915249A1 WO 1999015249 A1 WO1999015249 A1 WO 1999015249A1 SG 9800065 W SG9800065 W SG 9800065W WO 9915249 A1 WO9915249 A1 WO 9915249A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
game
messages
electronic game
electronic
mode
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG1998/000065
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mark T. Stair
Karl Robert Weiss
Original Assignee
Motorola Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Motorola Inc. filed Critical Motorola Inc.
Priority to AU91959/98A priority Critical patent/AU9195998A/en
Publication of WO1999015249A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999015249A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06N—COMPUTING ARRANGEMENTS BASED ON SPECIFIC COMPUTATIONAL MODELS
    • G06N3/00—Computing arrangements based on biological models
    • G06N3/004—Artificial life, i.e. computing arrangements simulating life
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/20—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform
    • A63F2300/204—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of the game platform the platform being a handheld device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/40—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterised by details of platform network
    • A63F2300/402—Communication between platforms, i.e. physical link to protocol
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8058—Virtual breeding, e.g. tamagotchi

Definitions

  • This invention relates to electronic games.
  • this invention relates to, but is not necessarily limited to an electronic game supported by a selective call receiver and a method thereof.
  • One solution to this problem proposes housing a virtual pet game in a cellular telephone style of communication device.
  • This proposed solution allows for one player to completely transmit the parameters and content of the virtual pet game to one other player having a similar communication device. Once a virtual pet created from the virtual pet game is so transmitted, the other player can then attend to the needs of the virtual pet until the first player is again able to resume play.
  • a number of problems are attendant to this solution. For example, providing virtual pets to other players frustrates to some extent the entire point of virtual pet games and may leave players who originally created such virtual pets feeling dissatisfied.
  • an electronic game with a first mode and a second mode of operation.
  • the first mode of operation has a selective call mode of operation to provide for reception, decoding, and display of user messages intended for a user.
  • the second mode of operation has a game mode of operation to provide for reception and decoding of game messages intended for a game and for automatically updating status of the game in response to the game messages.
  • a method for playing an electronic game One step for this method is in receiving a selective call signal via a selective call receiver of the electronic game. Another step is in decoding the selective call signal to obtain messages. A further step is in automatically updating status of the electronic game in response to the game messages.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic game in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for playing the electronic game of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic game 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Electronic game 10 comprises a receiver 12, a microprocessor 14, a codeplug 16, a display 18, a memory 20, an annunciator 22 and buttons 24.
  • Messages are received by receiver 12 on selective call signals via an antenna 26.
  • Microprocessor 14 couples to receiver 12 to process the messages to determine parameters such as baud rate and an address of the electronic game 10. When the baud rate and the address is in accordance with signaling parameters of electronic game 10 stored in memory 20 or codeplug 16, microprocessor 14 decodes the messages to obtain information.
  • Memory 20 includes game memory 28 which stores status and game parameters of a game played with electronic game 10.
  • Annunciator 22 is coupled to microprocessor 14 when annunciations such as audio or visual alerts are needed for the messages.
  • Electronic game 10 has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.
  • the first mode of operation comprises a selective call mode of operation to provide for reception, decoding, and display of user messages. These user messages are intended for a user of electronic game 10.
  • the second mode of operation comprises a game mode of operation to provide for reception and decoding of game messages intended for a game.
  • the game mode of operation also provides for automatically updating status of the game in response to the game messages.
  • Each of the user messages can be processed to provide one or more commands for the game.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method 30 for playing electronic game 10.
  • method 30 continues at step 34 with receiving a selective call signal via receiver 12 and antenna 26 of electronic game 10.
  • step 36 provides method 30 with detecting an address of electronic game 10 within the selective call signal. This address is a parameter for electronic game 10 and is stored within codeplug 16.
  • method 30 proceeds to decoding the selective call signal at step 38 to obtain messages.
  • Such messages include user messages and game messages.
  • User messages are messages intended to provide information to a user of electronic game 10.
  • microprocessor 14 checks whether a message is a game message.
  • step 40 For a "Yes” at decision step 40, method 30 proceeds to step 42 in which microprocessor 14 automatically updates status of a game in response to the game message. This is followed by step 44 to actuate at least one command intended for the game provided by the game message. For a "No" at decision step 40, microprocessor 14 continues processing the message as a user message at step 46. Each user message can be processed to provide one or more commands to the game.
  • One example of an application for electronic game 10 is with virtual pet games.
  • the invention advantageously enables the player to perform tasks such as feeding or playing with the virtual pet. Performance of these tasks is initiated when the player sends a selective call signal or page to electronic game 10.
  • the selective call signal or page can be encoded with one or more game messages.
  • microprocessor 14 Upon decoding the selective call signal or page to obtain the game messages, microprocessor 14 then actuates commands corresponding to the game messages.
  • each of the tasks can be assigned a numerical code corresponding to a task that needs to be performed. For example, feeding can be assigned as "1" and cleaning as "2". Thus, when sending a selective call signal or page to electronic game 10, one or more numerical codes are selected to perform one or more tasks accordingly.
  • electronic game 10 can be configured such that the user messages provide one or more commands to the game.
  • the virtual pet can also be played even with user messages.
  • the invention advantageously enables a player of electronic game 10 to continue taking care of a virtual pet even after forgetting or not being able to bring along the virtual pet. Player satisfaction can therefore be maintained without worrying about the virtual pet or having someone else take care of it.
  • additional player satisfaction is provided when user messages also provide commands to the game.

Abstract

An electronic game (10) with a receiver (12), a microprocessor (14) and a codeplug (16). Electronic game (10) receives messages encoded on selective call signals via receiver (12). These signals are also encoded with an address that is stored in codeplug (16) and which specifies electronic game (10). In a first mode of operation, the signals are decoded to obtain user messages for a user of electronic game (10). In a second mode of operation, the signals are decoded to obtain game messages for playing a game on electronic game (10). For game messages, microprocessor (14) automatically updates status of the game and actuates commands to play the game. The user messages can also provide commands to the game.

Description

ELECTRONIC GAME
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electronic games. In particular, this invention relates to, but is not necessarily limited to an electronic game supported by a selective call receiver and a method thereof.
Background of the Invention
Electronics games are well understood in the art. Recently, a style of game, commonly referred to as "virtual pet" games (with perhaps Tamagotchi by Bandai being the best known example) have become popular. In this style of game, a small hand-held housing features a display and two or more player interactive buttons. At initiation of a game, a virtual pet is born and must thereafter be cared for in something approximating real time. Unless the virtual pet is cared for (with virtual feedings, care, affection and so forth) the virtual pet will suffer a virtual death and the game will conclude. Such a game often lasts for days or even weeks.
Present day devices for virtual pet games encounter a number of problems, not the least of which is the requirement for close physical proximity between a device and its player. That is, the player must, from time to time, physically interact with the device in order to effect the virtual feedings and other required activities. If a game has been initiated and the player neglects to take along the device for an outing, the game may conclude in an untimely manner. Or the player may be participating in activities and the device cannot be brought along simply because of the nature of such activities. Death of virtual pets as a result of these situations easily frustrate and can even traumatize players who may have invested days or weeks caring for the virtual pets.
One solution to this problem proposes housing a virtual pet game in a cellular telephone style of communication device. This proposed solution allows for one player to completely transmit the parameters and content of the virtual pet game to one other player having a similar communication device. Once a virtual pet created from the virtual pet game is so transmitted, the other player can then attend to the needs of the virtual pet until the first player is again able to resume play. However, a number of problems are attendant to this solution. For example, providing virtual pets to other players frustrates to some extent the entire point of virtual pet games and may leave players who originally created such virtual pets feeling dissatisfied.
Consequently, a need continues to exist for a way to resolve the problems with the virtual pet games as noted above while simultaneously maintaining player satisfaction.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of this invention to provide an electronic game and a method for playing thereof.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronic game with a first mode and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation has a selective call mode of operation to provide for reception, decoding, and display of user messages intended for a user. The second mode of operation has a game mode of operation to provide for reception and decoding of game messages intended for a game and for automatically updating status of the game in response to the game messages.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for playing an electronic game. One step for this method is in receiving a selective call signal via a selective call receiver of the electronic game. Another step is in decoding the selective call signal to obtain messages. A further step is in automatically updating status of the electronic game in response to the game messages.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In order to describe the invention and to put it into practical effect, reference will now be made to a preferred embodiment as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic game in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for playing the electronic game of FIG. 1.
Detailed Description of the Invention
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic game 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Electronic game 10 comprises a receiver 12, a microprocessor 14, a codeplug 16, a display 18, a memory 20, an annunciator 22 and buttons 24. Messages are received by receiver 12 on selective call signals via an antenna 26. Microprocessor 14 couples to receiver 12 to process the messages to determine parameters such as baud rate and an address of the electronic game 10. When the baud rate and the address is in accordance with signaling parameters of electronic game 10 stored in memory 20 or codeplug 16, microprocessor 14 decodes the messages to obtain information. Memory 20 includes game memory 28 which stores status and game parameters of a game played with electronic game 10. Annunciator 22 is coupled to microprocessor 14 when annunciations such as audio or visual alerts are needed for the messages.
Electronic game 10 has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation comprises a selective call mode of operation to provide for reception, decoding, and display of user messages. These user messages are intended for a user of electronic game 10. The second mode of operation comprises a game mode of operation to provide for reception and decoding of game messages intended for a game. The game mode of operation also provides for automatically updating status of the game in response to the game messages. Each of the user messages can be processed to provide one or more commands for the game.
FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method 30 for playing electronic game 10. Upon starting at step 32, method 30 continues at step 34 with receiving a selective call signal via receiver 12 and antenna 26 of electronic game 10. Following this, step 36 provides method 30 with detecting an address of electronic game 10 within the selective call signal. This address is a parameter for electronic game 10 and is stored within codeplug 16. When the address is detected, method 30 proceeds to decoding the selective call signal at step 38 to obtain messages. Such messages include user messages and game messages. User messages are messages intended to provide information to a user of electronic game 10. At decision step 40, microprocessor 14 checks whether a message is a game message. For a "Yes" at decision step 40, method 30 proceeds to step 42 in which microprocessor 14 automatically updates status of a game in response to the game message. This is followed by step 44 to actuate at least one command intended for the game provided by the game message. For a "No" at decision step 40, microprocessor 14 continues processing the message as a user message at step 46. Each user message can be processed to provide one or more commands to the game.
One example of an application for electronic game 10 is with virtual pet games. In a situation when a player of electronic game 10 has forgotten or cannot bring along a virtual pet, the invention advantageously enables the player to perform tasks such as feeding or playing with the virtual pet. Performance of these tasks is initiated when the player sends a selective call signal or page to electronic game 10. The selective call signal or page can be encoded with one or more game messages. Upon decoding the selective call signal or page to obtain the game messages, microprocessor 14 then actuates commands corresponding to the game messages.
To simplify transmission of the game messages, each of the tasks can be assigned a numerical code corresponding to a task that needs to be performed. For example, feeding can be assigned as "1" and cleaning as "2". Thus, when sending a selective call signal or page to electronic game 10, one or more numerical codes are selected to perform one or more tasks accordingly.
In addition, electronic game 10 can be configured such that the user messages provide one or more commands to the game. Hence, the virtual pet can also be played even with user messages. Thus, the invention advantageously enables a player of electronic game 10 to continue taking care of a virtual pet even after forgetting or not being able to bring along the virtual pet. Player satisfaction can therefore be maintained without worrying about the virtual pet or having someone else take care of it. Furthermore, additional player satisfaction is provided when user messages also provide commands to the game.
Although the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to the preferred embodiment described herein.

Claims

Claims
1. An electronic game having: at least a first mode and a second mode of operation wherein, the first mode of operation comprises a selective call mode of operation to provide for reception, decoding, and display of user messages intended for a user, the second mode of operation comprises a game mode of operation to provide for reception and decoding of game messages intended for a game and for automatically updating status of the game in response to the game messages.
2. The electronic game of Claim 1 and further having a receiver to receive the user messages and the game messages.
3. The electronic game of Claim 2 and further having a microprocessor, coupled to the receiver, for processing the user messages and the game messages.
4. The electronic game of Claim 3 wherein each of the user messages provides one or more commands to the game.
5. The electronic game of Claim 3 and further having a memory, coupled to the microprocessor, for storing an address of the electronic game.
6. The electronic game of Claim 5 wherein the memory further stores the status of the game.
7. The electronic game of Claim 5 wherein the memory further stores game parameters including at least one command.
8. A method for playing an electronic game comprising the steps of: receiving a selective call signal via a receiver of the electronic game; decoding the selective call signal to obtain messages including game messages; and automatically updating status of a game in response to the game messages.
9. The method of Claim 8 and further including the step of detecting an address of the electronic game within the selective call signal.
10. The method of Claim 8 and further including the steps of: determining whether the messages are user messages; and processing the user messages.
11. The method of Claim 10 wherein the step of processing includes the step of providing one or more commands to the game.
12. The method of Claim 8 and further including the step of actuating at least one command intended for the game.
13. An electronic game comprising a receiver and a microprocessor substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
14. A method for playing an electronic game substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.
PCT/SG1998/000065 1997-09-23 1998-08-24 Electronic game WO1999015249A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU91959/98A AU9195998A (en) 1997-09-23 1998-08-24 Electronic game

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SG9703505-9 1997-09-23
SG9703505 1997-09-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999015249A1 true WO1999015249A1 (en) 1999-04-01

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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WO (1) WO1999015249A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2344539A (en) * 1998-12-08 2000-06-14 Multitone Electronics Plc Electronic game with receiver for paging signals
WO2001039117A1 (en) * 1999-11-26 2001-05-31 Eta Sa Fabriques D'ebauches System for manipulating a virtual object in an interactive environment
EP1151773A2 (en) * 2000-03-15 2001-11-07 Konami Corporation Game system provided with message exchange function, game apparatus used in the game system, message exchange system, and computer readable storage medium
EP1208888A2 (en) * 2000-10-31 2002-05-29 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Communication system, entertainment device, recording medium, and program
GB2388045A (en) * 2002-04-29 2003-11-05 Sendo Int Ltd Remote gaming mechanism

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29713965U1 (en) * 1997-08-05 1997-10-09 Phonloe Technology Corp Mini electronic game machine
DE29718358U1 (en) * 1997-10-09 1998-03-26 Napierski Ralph Virtual living being

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29713965U1 (en) * 1997-08-05 1997-10-09 Phonloe Technology Corp Mini electronic game machine
DE29718358U1 (en) * 1997-10-09 1998-03-26 Napierski Ralph Virtual living being

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2344539A (en) * 1998-12-08 2000-06-14 Multitone Electronics Plc Electronic game with receiver for paging signals
WO2001039117A1 (en) * 1999-11-26 2001-05-31 Eta Sa Fabriques D'ebauches System for manipulating a virtual object in an interactive environment
EP1151773A2 (en) * 2000-03-15 2001-11-07 Konami Corporation Game system provided with message exchange function, game apparatus used in the game system, message exchange system, and computer readable storage medium
EP1151773A3 (en) * 2000-03-15 2002-12-18 Konami Corporation Game system provided with message exchange function, game apparatus used in the game system, message exchange system, and computer readable storage medium
US6612931B2 (en) 2000-03-15 2003-09-02 Konami Corporation Game system provided with message exchange function, game apparatus used in the game system, message exchange system, and computer readable storage medium
EP1208888A2 (en) * 2000-10-31 2002-05-29 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Communication system, entertainment device, recording medium, and program
EP1208888A3 (en) * 2000-10-31 2003-09-10 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Communication system, entertainment device, recording medium, and program
GB2388045A (en) * 2002-04-29 2003-11-05 Sendo Int Ltd Remote gaming mechanism

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