Method for introducing a physical object in a virtual world

Abstract

A method for introducing an object with a unique identifier in a video game. A request to a server to introduce the object is made. An identity of a user of the video game is sent to the server. The server generates a token paired with the identity, embeds the token in a multimedia file, and sends the multimedia file to the video console. The video console reproduces the multimedia file and shows a message to the user so that the user executes an application in a smartphone. The application activates a reader to obtain the unique identifier of the object and activates a sensor element to be able to extract said token associated with the multimedia file. The smartphone sends the unique identifier of the object and the token to the server. The server pairs the unique identifier of the object with the identity of the user by means of the token and sends the unique identifier of the object to the video console to introduce it in the video game.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to Spanish Application Number 201230329, filed on Mar. 5, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention has an application in the field of video games and virtual worlds.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Today there are video games in which a physical object can be introduced in the virtual world of a video game. This physical object can have its own virtual avatar in the video game or provide a change in the virtual world in which it is introduced, such as for example, a new downloadable level, a kit for the user, change in user attributes, etc.[0004]The reality is that there can be several physical objects, different video games and several players, each with its own identity. In fact, the activity of several players in virtual worlds requires the identification of the user for the purpose of managing the identity of the persons involved....

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this presents several problems:It is necessary for the user to assign a player identity to the object.

This may not be possible because the user does not remember or does not know the player identity credentials.Even if the player identity credentials are known, the entity authorizing these credentials (for example, Playstation Network) is managed by a third party different from the entity that administers the object.

Therefore, it may not be willing to confirm whether or not the credentials entered are valid.Different credential authorizing entities can manage different player identities.

This is complex when validating player identities depending on of different authorizing entities.

The drawback in this case is that specific hardware is needed to connect to the virtual world platform and this implies a different interface for each type of virtual world platform (PC, tablet, PS3®, Xbox360, Wii®, etc.)

Nevertheless, it is a local and closed solution that only works with the portal directly connected to the video console.

Therefore, the technical problem raised by the existing systems is that introducing an object in the video game is limited to authentication performed exclusively by authorizing entities.

The result of this is that an object provider unrelated to the credentials authorizing entity cannot validate the identity provided by the user since they are independent and unrelated entities.