Systems and methods for physical blocks and corresponding virtual game elements

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, a system and method for video game elements are provided that attract players with game play elements that combine physical and virtual elements of a game environment. For example, a player can collect physical blocks associated with digital resources such as creatures. Also, a player can breed, battle, or exchange digital resources by interacting with physical blocks in the real world. In addition or alternatively, a player can construct at least a portion of a virtual world based on the arrangement of physical blocks in the real world. And, a player can interact with the virtual world constructed within the game environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 335,521, filed on April 27, 2022. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical Field) This disclosure relates to systems and methods for physical blocks and corresponding virtual game elements.

Background Art

[0003] Video game applications attract players with various visual stimuli and activities to entertain them. Players can obtain virtual rewards such as in-game currency and experience points (XP) according to the achievement of specific goals. The game may include a multiplayer element in which multiple players participate simultaneously and cooperate or compete to achieve the goal. Players usually engage with video game applications via a controller or touch screen, but the physical stimuli provided thereby are limited.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention are in part described in the following description, or will be apparent from the following description, or may be learned by practicing the present invention.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for constructing a virtual structure based at least in part on the arrangement of a plurality of physical building blocks. The system of the present disclosure includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the processors, cause the processors to perform operations. The operations include obtaining data describing the relative positions of each physical building block of the plurality of physical building blocks with respect to other physical building blocks of the plurality of physical building blocks, determining data describing a virtual structure layout of the virtual structure based at least in part on the relative positions of each physical building block of the plurality of physical building blocks with respect to other physical building blocks of the plurality of physical building blocks, and constructing a virtual structure having the virtual structure layout.

[0006] In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure is composed of a user computer device or a server computer device, and the user computer device or the server computer device includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. In some embodiments, each physical building block includes one or more contact traces and an internal computing module having a computer-readable memory configured to store one or more block attributes of each physical building block. In some embodiments, at least one contact trace of each physical component physically contacts at least one contact trace of another physical building block. In some embodiments, the step of obtaining data describing the relative position of each physical building block with respect to another physical building block includes obtaining data generated by communication with at least one other physical building block via at least one contact trace of each physical building block. In some embodiments, at least one physical building block among the plurality of physical building blocks includes a seed building block configured to aggregate communications from the plurality of physical building blocks to generate data describing the relative position of each physical building block of the plurality of physical building blocks with respect to another physical building block. In some embodiments, at least one physical building block among the plurality of physical building blocks includes a plot building block.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for constructing a virtual structure based at least in part on the arrangement of physical building blocks. The system of the present disclosure comprises one or more physical building blocks. Each physical building block of the one or more physical building blocks includes one or more contact traces and an internal computing module having a computer-readable memory configured to store one or more block attributes of each physical building block. The system of the present disclosure further comprises a seed building block, the seed building block including one or more contact traces and an internal computing module. The internal computing module includes a communication system configured to facilitate communication with one or more external computer devices. Also, the seed building block includes an orientation module configured to determine at least the orientation of the seed building block. Also, the seed building block includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute. The instructions include determining data describing a virtual structure layout that describes at least one of the relative position, orientation, or one or more block attributes of the one or more physical building blocks, based at least in part on communication between the one or more contact traces of the seed building block and the one or more contact traces of the one or more physical building blocks; and communicating, by the communication system, the data describing the virtual structure layout to one or more external computer devices configured to construct a virtual structure based at least in part on the data.

[0008] In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of the seed building block are further configured to store data describing a theme of the seed building block, and the instructions further include steps of communicating data describing the theme of the seed building block to a user computer device. In some embodiments, the internal computing module of the seed building block further includes an orientation module configured to determine the orientation of one or more physical building blocks. In some embodiments, one or more block attributes of the physical building block include at least one of the shape, size, or type of the physical building block. In some embodiments, the communication system includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) system. In some embodiments, the internal computing module of the seed building block further includes an accelerometer, and the instructions further include steps of determining that the seed building block is not moving during a sleep period based at least in part on one or more signals from the accelerometer, putting the internal computing module of the seed building block into a sleep state when it is determined that the seed building block is not moving during the sleep period, and waking up the seed building block from the sleep state in response to one or more signals from the accelerometer. In some embodiments, each physical building block of the one or more physical building blocks further includes a coupling system. In some embodiments, the coupling system includes a magnetic coupling system. In some embodiments, the coupling system has a protrusion and a cavity portion. In some embodiments, the seed building block includes a plot block having a predetermined length and width defining a grid-like area. In some embodiments, the predetermined length and width of the plot block are based at least in part on a predetermined unit dimension, and the one or more physical building blocks have at least one dimension based at least in part on the unit dimension. In some embodiments, the plot block includes one or more surface contact traces configured to receive one or more physical building blocks.In some embodiments, the plot block includes one or more plot connection contact traces configured to couple the plot block to a second plot block. In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure further includes one or more creature blocks associated with creature resources.

[0009] In another exemplary aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of constructing a virtual structure based at least in part on a block assembly. The method of the present disclosure includes obtaining, by a computer system including one or more computing devices, data describing a theme associated with the virtual structure; obtaining, by the computer system, data indicating an orientation of the virtual structure; obtaining, by the computer system, data describing a virtual structure layout based at least in part on a block assembly including one or more physical building blocks; obtaining, by the computer system, one or more virtual component resources corresponding to the one or more physical building blocks of the block assembly; and constructing, by the computer system, the virtual structure based at least in part on the virtual structure layout, the one or more virtual component resources, the theme, and the orientation of the virtual structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, data indicating the orientation of the virtual structure is defined with respect to a predetermined length and width of the plot blocks of the block assembly. In some embodiments, the virtual structure layout includes one or more block attributes of one or more physical building blocks, and data describing the one or more block attributes is stored in a computer-readable memory of the one or more physical building blocks. In some embodiments, each physical building block of the one or more physical building blocks includes one or more contact traces and an internal computing module having a computer-readable memory. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing one or more input systems for assisting a player who interacts with the virtual structure. In some embodiments, the method further includes rendering the virtual structure by a computer system.

[0011] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to various systems, devices, non-transitory computer-readable media, user interfaces, and electronic devices.

[0012] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part hereof, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Details of embodiments of the present invention for those skilled in the art are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014]

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[0015] Generally, exemplary aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for video game elements that attract players with gameplay elements that combine physical and virtual elements of a game environment. For example, a player can collect physical blocks related to digital resources such as creatures. Also, a player can cross - breed, battle, or exchange digital resources by interacting with physical blocks in the real world. In addition or alternatively, a player can construct at least a part of a virtual world based on the arrangement of physical blocks in the real world. And a player can interact with the virtual world constructed within the game environment.

[0016] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure can be used in the implementation of video games that attract players with game play elements in both the real world and game environments. For example, a player can purchase physical blocks that include electronic devices used for interaction with the game environment. Digital resources such as creatures, virtual structures, and / or parts thereof can be associated with the physical blocks. The player can register or interact with the digital resources by scanning the physical blocks. A player who interacts with the combination of the physical blocks and virtual game play elements can obtain a higher level of immersion and entertainment than in the case of virtual game play elements alone. In addition or alternatively, the game environment can provide a platform for multiple types of intellectual property to interact seamlessly. This can promote brand engagement with the game environment and improve the player's immersion (engagement) through brand items.

[0017] Some exemplary aspects of the present disclosure relate to the management of digital resources. As an example, in some embodiments, the digital resources can be creature resources. In some embodiments, the creature resources can represent an instance of a virtual creature that is owned by or associated with a player. The virtual creature can have a design similar to animals, humanoids, machines, and / or other suitable designs. In some examples, the virtual creature can be at least partially based on various intellectual properties such as established characters in an existing real world or fictional world. The creature resources can have one or more characteristics. Examples of characteristics include attributes such as "type" (e.g., the type of element), level or experience value, moves or attacks, nickname, status describing the creature's combat ability such as physical strength and attack power, genetic properties, and / or any other suitable characteristics.

[0018] As an example, in some embodiments, a player can obtain ownership of a digital resource by registering a physical block to an account the player owns, by “scanning” or other means. As an example, the physical block can include an NFC tag, a memory chip, or other suitable computer-readable medium that stores a unique identifier associated with the block, which are disposed as part of the physical block, for example at the bottom of the physical block. The player can cause the computer system to read the identifier by using a reading device such as an NFC reader to read the computer-readable medium (such as an NFC tag, etc.). As another example, the identifier can be a serial number printed on the block, and the player may be made to input the identifier. The computer system can communicate with a game play service (e.g., on a server computer system) to register the identifier to the player's account. Thereby, the player can acquire the digital resource corresponding to the registered physical block (e.g., the identifier). In some embodiments, after successful registration of the block, an animation can be displayed to the player where the digital resource “hatches” or “germinates” from the physical block. For example, the animation can virtually represent the physical block “hatching” and generating a rendering of the unique digital resource obtained by the player by registering the physical block.

[0019] In some embodiments, the player can purchase the physical block from a “mystery box” where the packaging and / or the physical block itself do not reveal the digital resource (e.g., a creature) the player obtains from the physical block. The packaging of the “mystery box” may be made to provide clues regarding the characteristics (type, elements or other attributes, rarity, series, or type of intellectual property, etc.) of the digital resource. As an example, limited information regarding the attributes may be revealed by an icon or color on the package.

[0020] In some embodiments, each creature resource can have unique "genetic" characteristics associated with one or more attributes of that creature resource, thereby distinguishing the same type of creature resources from each other. The genetic characteristics can be at least partially based on the identifier of the physical block associated with that creature resource, such as the serialization of an NFC tag within the physical block. In some embodiments, when a creature resource is provided to a player, a genetic characteristic can be uniquely assigned. As an example, the genetic characteristic can be associated with the appearance of the creature. For example, each creature resource may have a slightly different appearance from other creature resources of the same type. As another example, the genetic characteristic can be associated with the combat ability of the creature. For example, each creature can have uniquely assigned numerical values or multipliers related to combat status such as health, attack power, defense power, experience points, or other values. As another example, a creature can have uniquely assigned moves or other attributes. In some embodiments, one or more parent creature resources can be "bred" to create a child creature resource. In some embodiments, the genetic characteristics of the child creature resource can be at least partially based on the genetic characteristics of the parent creature resources. As an example, the genetic characteristics of the child creature resource may be based on the average of the genetic characteristics of the parent creature resources, or may be selected (e.g., randomly) from the genetic characteristics of the parent creature resources. As another example, in some embodiments, two or more creature resources can be "fused" such that the two or more creature resources undergo characteristic mutations based at least partially on each other's original genetic characteristics.

[0021] In some embodiments, procedural generation techniques can be used to assign various attributes to physical blocks. Procedural generation techniques can algorithmically generate data. For example, a block and / or its corresponding creature or other resource can be procedurally generated by selecting an attribute value from a set of candidate attribute values for each of the various attributes (e.g., randomly or according to a defined probability distribution).

[0022] According to some exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, in some embodiments, the ownership of digital resources can be tracked by blockchain technology. For example, in response to a player scanning a physical block, a non-fungible token (NFT) associated with the digital resource is granted, assigned, or otherwise provided to the player. For example, the player may be provided with the ability to mint non-fungible tokens on the blockchain. In some embodiments, the non-fungible tokens provided to the player can be at least partially associated with the genetic characteristics of the digital resource. As an example, the non-fungible token can represent the exact genetic structure of the digital resource. As another example, the non-fungible token can represent the type and / or appearance of the digital resource (e.g., slight differences in appearance). The non-fungible token can be registered on any suitable blockchain such as Ethereum. In some embodiments, the player can select the blockchain on which to register the non-fungible token.

[0023] As another example, in some embodiments, a player is provided with non-fungible tokens as a reward for achieving a particular gameplay goal. As an example, when a player's creature reaches a predetermined level (e.g., level 100, or the maximum level, etc.), or when one or more checkpoints or thresholds are reached, non-fungible tokens associated with that player's creature are given to the player. As another example, when a player scans and hatches their creature, non-fungible tokens associated with that player's creature are given to the player. In accordance with exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, a player is given an NFT in response to achieving any suitable gameplay goal.

[0024] For example, in some embodiments, each creature resource owned by a player can have associated with it a "level", "experience points", etc. Depending on particular gameplay goals such as breeding or battling, the creature resource can receive experience points (XP) that increase its total experience points or level. In some embodiments, the creature resource can receive XP up to a maximum level or maximum experience points. In these embodiments, when the creature resource reaches the maximum level or maximum experience points, no further experience points are given, or further experience points can be converted into another virtual currency. In addition or alternatively, the player can acquire non-exchangeable tokens associated with the creature resource when the creature resource reaches the maximum level. Further, in some embodiments, there is no maximum level or maximum experience points.

[0025] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure provide an engaging and fun game for players that further improves the so-called "play-to-earn" approach to game design. In this approach, players receive rewards with incentives separate from virtual currency or other rewards related only to the game environment itself. Instead, players may acquire non-fungible tokens that are exchangeable for value outside the game environment, such as other non-fungible tokens, cryptocurrencies, or other currencies. Thus, the game can provide a financial incentive for players to continue playing, thereby improving player engagement.

[0026] In some embodiments, some or all of the physical blocks are small and / or self - contained, so that players can easily carry them. This can increase the possibility that two players who meet directly can each wear their physical blocks and participate in multiplayer game play elements (such as breeding, migrating ownership, battles, etc.). In addition or alternatively, the portability of the physical blocks facilitates the holding of game - centered events such as conventions, meet - ups, group game play sessions, etc., and can promote player participation. For example, the physical blocks can be sized to fit in a player's pocket or backpack, be battery - powered, operate without a wired power source, be able to be housed in a case, or have other design aspects that promote portability. For example, in some embodiments, creature blocks can be small or self - contained. As an example, in some embodiments, creature blocks can have dimensions of less than about 3 centimeters.

[0027] As an example, a player who has directly met with another player can "cross" two creature blocks. By crossing two creature blocks, a reward for the direct meeting is given to the player. As a result, the player will carry their creature blocks around and interact with other players. For example, one player first scans the first creature block they own to cross the creature blocks. The other player scans the second creature block that player owns. Then, each player exchanges their creature block with the other player and scans the other player's creature block. If the crossing of the creature blocks is successful, the player can obtain creatures related to the crossed creature blocks, experience points (XP) related to the player's account, consumables, virtual currency, and / or other rewards. In addition or instead, in some embodiments, the player can obtain a new creature. The new creature can be "created" from the creatures related to the crossed creature blocks. For example, by combining the genetic characteristics of the creatures related to the crossed creature blocks, a new creature with the combined genetic characteristics can be created. As an example, the created creature can have an appearance influenced by the appearance of the parent creatures.

[0028] As another example, players who meet directly can transfer the ownership of two creature blocks from one player to the other by exchanging or trading them. In some embodiments, to transfer the ownership of a creature block, each player scans their original creature block and then exchanges it with the other player. Each player then scans the new creature block they received and retains the new creature block. When the transfer of ownership of the creature block is successful, the player can acquire the new creature resources corresponding to the new creature block. In some embodiments, the player loses the ownership of the creature resources corresponding to the original creature block. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the player can retain the ownership of the creature resources corresponding to the original creature block.

[0029] In some embodiments, a player can acquire new creature resources and / or experience points for original creature resources. In addition or alternatively, a player (e.g., a player count) can acquire XP. In some embodiments, a player can continue to acquire XP even after an original creature block has been traded to a new owner or after that creature block has been further traded to another owner. For example, if a new owner acquires XP for a creature associated with the original creature block, the original owner can acquire XP at least partially based on (e.g., at a predetermined rate) the XP acquired by the new owner. If the ownership of the creature block further transfers to a new second owner, the original owner and / or the first owner can receive that XP when the second owner acquires XP for the original creature block. In some embodiments, the amount of XP acquired by the original owner of a creature block decreases each time the creature block transfers to a new owner. For example, the amount of XP acquired from a creature block decreases linearly, exponentially, logarithmically, and / or in any other suitable manner each time the creature block transfers to a new owner.

[0030] As another example, players can have their creatures fight. For example, players can arrange and fight one or more creatures. In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, any suitable format for a battle can be used, such as a real-time battle, a turn-based battle, an automated (statistics-based) battle, or any other suitable form of battle. The winner of the battle is given experience points (XP), consumables, virtual currency, and / or any other suitable rewards.

[0031] In addition to or instead of that, exemplary aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for constructing a virtual structure based at least in part on the arrangement of physical building blocks. The virtual structure can be at least a part of a game environment, such as within a game application on a user's computer device. For example, the virtual structure can be a level or area of a video game, one or more structures within a larger level of a video game, and / or any other suitable type of virtual structure. In some embodiments, the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure can be used in other virtual environments (e.g., virtual design environments). As used herein, a physical building block can correspond to any suitable game element. As an example, a physical building block can correspond to a part of a virtual structure that, in combination with other parts, generates a larger virtual structure that mimics a building, an environment, a scene, etc. As another example, a physical building block can include a creature block (e.g., for rendering a corresponding creature within the virtual structure), a self - contained structure, an earth element, and / or any other suitable element. Thus, the terms physical block and physical building block are used interchangeably, and a given block can be one or more of different types of blocks, such as a block corresponding to a creature block, a building, an environment, a scene, etc., and / or a seed block.

[0032] As an example, in some embodiments, a larger virtual environment can include one or more virtual space “plots”. A player can combine one or more physical building blocks to form an assembly of physical building blocks. Then, the player and / or game application can build one or more virtual structures on a virtual space plot within the larger virtual environment, at least partially based on the assembly of physical building blocks. In some embodiments, players within the game environment and / or other players can visit or interact with the player's virtual structures. The combination of physical building blocks and virtual interactivity can provide both physical and mental stimulation to the player, thereby enhancing the player's immersion and entertainment value.

[0033] In some embodiments, the physical building blocks can include electronic devices such as NFC chips and electrodes to enable a computer system to determine the physical arrangement of the physical building blocks and construct a representation of the virtual structure. For example, in some embodiments, each of the physical building blocks has one or more contact traces configured to electrically couple with another physical building block coupled to that block. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the one or more contact traces is disposed on a surface facing outside the physical building block. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more contact traces can be electrical terminals (e.g., electrodes) that electrically communicate with that block (e.g., the contact trace of another building block) when the physical building block contacts another physical building block. As an example, the contact traces can form a complete circuit when the blocks contact each other and / or communicate with one or more processors and memory devices of the physical building block. Thereby, a computer system (e.g., disposed within one or more physical building blocks) can determine that the blocks are in contact with each other and / or certain attributes of the blocks. One or more internal electrical conductors (e.g., wires, traces on a circuit board, etc.) can electrically couple the one or more contact traces to other (e.g., internal) components of the physical building block, such as internal computing modules, other contact traces (e.g., disposed on other surfaces of the physical building block), scanners, or other electronic components. For example, in some embodiments, conductive paths can be formed across a part or all of the assembly of the physical building blocks via the contact traces and / or internal electrical conductors.

[0034] In addition to or instead of this, each physical building block can have one or more coupling systems configured to couple (e.g., fix) a first physical building block to a second physical building block. Examples of coupling systems include, but are not limited to, magnetic coupling systems (e.g., including one or more magnets), latches, snap tabs, pin-and-hole combinations, interference fit coupling systems, any other suitable coupling system, and / or any combination thereof. For example, a user can place the coupling system of a first physical building block in contact with and / or in proximity to the coupling system of a second physical building block. In some embodiments, the user can apply a force to the coupling system to cause the coupling system to couple a first physical building block to a second physical building block. For example, a user can "snap" a first physical building block and a second physical building block together.

[0035] In some embodiments, by coupling a first physical building block to a second physical building block, at least a portion of one or more contact traces of the first physical building block can be communicated with one or more contact traces of the second physical building block. For example, in some embodiments, when one or more coupling systems are coupled, at least a portion of the contact traces of the first physical building block can be aligned with at least a portion of the contact traces of the second physical building block. Other contact traces of the first and / or second physical building blocks can be further arranged to contact another physical building block 402. Thus, in some embodiments, conductive paths are formed across part or all of the assembly of physical building blocks via the contact traces. The conductive paths enable the internal computing module of the physical building block to recognize the physical building block connected to the contact trace, thereby making it possible to determine how the assembly of physical building blocks is oriented.

[0036] In some embodiments, some or all of one or more physical building blocks can include an internal computing module. The internal computing module can include electronics for constructing a representation of the physical building block in a virtual structure. In some embodiments, the internal computing module can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing data indicative of one or more attributes of the physical building block. In addition or alternatively, the internal computing module can include other components such as, for example, an NFC reader and one or more processors.

[0037] Each physical building block can have one or more attributes. At least some of the attributes can be related to the physical appearance of the physical building block. For example, the attributes can be the size, shape, color, style, etc. of the physical building block. Data describing one or more attributes can be stored in a computer-readable memory within the internal computing module of the physical building block. For example, the computer-readable memory can be connected to one or more contact traces so that it can read from the one or more contact traces. The shape of the physical building can be any suitable shape and does not necessarily have to be rectangular. For example, the shape of the physical building can be uniform and / or repetitive, such as rectangular, hexagonal, triangular, spherical, etc., or non-uniform and / or non-repetitive.

[0038] One or more attributes can be used when constructing a virtual structure from physical building blocks. For example, the one or more attributes can include the type, shape, size, color, style, etc. having corresponding virtual appearances. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more attributes are related to the physical appearance of the physical building block such that a part of the virtual structure corresponding to the physical building block is at least partially similar to the physical building block. Generally, parts of the virtual structure can be more detailed or more robust than the physical building block. The parts of the virtual structure can be oriented and / or arranged within the virtual structure corresponding to the physical arrangement so that the virtual structure resembles the physical arrangement. The one or more attributes are not necessarily directly converted into the appearance of the virtual structure in all cases. As an example, a particular combination of physical blocks may result in the generation of elements of a virtual structure that do not resemble the physical blocks.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or more physical building blocks used to construct a virtual structure can be seed building blocks. A seed building block can function as the core of a virtual structure. At least one seed building block can provide the "brains" of an assembly of physical building blocks, while other physical building blocks may be relatively simple, containing fewer electronic components than the seed building block. Thus, the seed building block becomes a more intelligent block, which in some cases can reduce the cost of other physical building blocks. For example, in some embodiments, other physical building blocks can have relatively simple and / or cost-effective internal computing modules. For example, in some embodiments, a seed building block can include an internal computing module that is more advanced than other physical configuration blocks, such as hardware configured to facilitate communication with other computer systems, hardware configured to determine the attributes (e.g., number, orientation, type, etc.) of connected physical configuration blocks, or an internal computing module including a battery system, etc.

[0040] In some embodiments, a seed building block can have a communication system. The communication system can be configured to communicate with a game application on a player's computer system, such as a game console, personal computer, virtual reality (VR) system, tablet computer, smartphone, and / or any other suitable computer system, etc. The communication system can be wired and / or wireless. As an example, the communication system can be a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) system. As another example, the communication system can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector and / or adapter. Also, the communication system can be any suitable communication technology.

[0041] In some embodiments, the seed building block can include a power system. In some embodiments, the power system can be one or more batteries. The one or more batteries can be disposable and / or rechargeable batteries. For example, in some embodiments, the seed building block can include one or more rechargeable batteries and / or charging ports. The charging port can be connectable to and / or capable of supplying power to a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments, the charging port can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port such as a USB Type-A port, a micro USB port, a USB Type-C port, etc. In some embodiments, the charging port can also be used for wired communication with a computer system. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the power system can include one or more capacitors. In some embodiments, the power system can be wirelessly rechargeable.

[0042] In some embodiments, the seed building block can turn off the power when not in use to save power. For example, in some embodiments, the seed building block can include an accelerometer or other device for activating the seed building block after turning off the power. As an example, the internal computing module of the seed building block can be configured to perform a process including determining that the seed building block has not moved during a sleep period based at least in part on one or more signals from the accelerometer. For example, the seed building block can be configured to turn off the power after a sleep period has elapsed without movement. The sleep period can be any suitable period such as a time or a clock cycle. This process can include putting the internal computing module of the seed building block into a sleep state when it is determined that the seed building block has not moved during the sleep period. For example, the internal computing module can be put into a low-power "sleep" state, such as a state where the computing operation is restricted. This process can include waking the seed building block from sleep in response to one or more signals from the accelerometer. For example, if one or more signals from the accelerometer indicate that the seed building block has moved, the seed building block can be returned to the normal computing mode.

[0043] In some embodiments, the seed building blocks can have an associated theme. For example, the theme can be related to a particular environment (e.g., forest, desert, space, city, etc.), a particular intellectual property, a particular element, a particular architectural style, etc. The theme can control the appearance of the virtual structure constructed using the seed building blocks. For example, if a player constructs a virtual structure using seed building blocks themed after a forest, the virtual structure (including other building blocks) can be rendered with a forest theme where textures, models, resources, etc. resemble or represent a forest. The attributes of other building blocks (e.g., shape, size, type, etc.) can control the layout of the virtual structure, while the theme can control the aesthetic appearance of the virtual structure, the textures used for rendering the virtual structure, the music and / or sound effects played in the vicinity of the virtual structure, the text or environmental effects displayed around the virtual structure, and / or other aesthetic effects of the virtual structure.

[0044] In some embodiments, certain physical building blocks can have an associated theme. For example, the theme can be stored in the memory of the internal computing module of the physical building block. The theme of the physical building block can be used for rendering the physical building block. As an example, instead of a seed building block having an associated theme, some or all physical building blocks can have an associated theme that is used when constructing a virtual structure. As another example, if a physical building block has a theme, for the portion of the virtual structure corresponding to that physical building block, the theme of the seed building block can be overwritten. The remaining physical building blocks (e.g., those without an associated theme) can be constructed using the theme of the seed building block. Further, in some embodiments, the theme of the seed building block must match the theme of the physical building block in order for the seed building block to be used in constructing the virtual structure.

[0045] In some embodiments, the seed building block can communicate with a game application so that the game application can determine the theme of the seed building block. As an example, the game application can read data indicating the theme of the seed building block via the communication system of the seed building block. For example, as an example, the data indicating the theme of the seed building block can be a theme identifier uniquely associated with the theme of the seed building block. The game application can have, for example, one or more virtual resources (such as textures, etc.) associated with the theme identifier that are referenceable at least in part based on the theme identifier. And the game application can render a virtual structure at least in part based on the virtual resources associated with the theme identifier. As another example, the seed building block itself can store virtual resources (such as textures, etc.) used when constructing a virtual structure using the theme of the seed building block.

[0046] In some embodiments, the seed building block can be a plot block (plot building block). A plot block can be made to resemble a substantially two-dimensional "plot" for constructing a physical structure, for example, it can be made to resemble a mat, a base plate, etc. The plot block can be configured to receive one or more physical building blocks. In some embodiments, the plot block can be configured in a "lattice-like" manner having a predetermined length and / or width that defines a lattice region. The predetermined length and / or width can be defined at least in part based on the number of physical building blocks that can be arranged along that length and / or width. For example, in some embodiments, the physical building block can be a "tile" having a predetermined unit length, width, and height. For example, the physical building block can have unit dimensions such as "1×1" or "1×2". And, for example, when two 1×1 blocks are arranged side by side, they can occupy substantially the same space as a 1×2 block. In addition or alternatively, the plot block can be dimensioned according to the same or the same unit dimensions as the unit dimensions of the physical building blocks so as to be able to receive physical building blocks of various unit dimensions. For example, the plot block can have unit dimensions (length and width) such as 3×3, 6×6, 12×12, etc. For example, a 3×3 plot block can receive nine 1×1 physical building blocks or blocks having dimensions larger than 1×1 for 3×3 unit dimensions. The unit dimensions can correspond to measurement units such as inches or centimeters, and according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the unit dimensions can be of any suitable size.

[0047] Some exemplary aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for constructing virtual structures from physical building blocks. The systems and methods of the present disclosure can be used in any suitable computer system, such as a computer system including one or more computer devices, one or more processors, and the like. For example, some or all of the processes described herein can be performed by internal computing modules (e.g., one or more of its processors) of physical building blocks such as seed building blocks. In addition or alternatively, some or all of the processes described herein can be performed by a computer system, a user computer device, or other suitable computer structure, such as a game application executed by one or more processors.

[0048] A player can configure a block assembly consisting of one or more physical building blocks by arranging one or more physical building blocks. For example, a player can configure a block assembly consisting of one or more physical building blocks by coupling the coupling systems of each of the one or more physical building blocks to each other. In addition or alternatively, electrical conduction paths passing through at least a portion of the block assembly can be formed by contacting contact traces of physical building blocks (e.g., adjacent) within the block assembly. The block assembly can include at least one seed building block.

[0049] Systems and methods according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure include communicating data describing a theme of a virtual structure by a computer system. As an example, a seed building block (e.g., an internal computing module of the seed building block) can communicate data describing a theme of a virtual structure to a game application. For example, in some embodiments, the data describing the theme of the virtual structure can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium of the seed building block (e.g., an internal computing module of the seed building block). As another example, in some embodiments, the theme of the virtual structure can be determined at least in part based on one or more attributes of the seed building block, such as an identifier of the seed building block, a serial number of the seed building block, a model number of the seed building block, etc. As an example, the identifier can be included in Bluetooth® attributes broadcast by a Bluetooth® communication module. The Bluetooth® module can be pre-programmed (e.g., at factory shipment) to broadcast the identifier attribute. Systems and methods according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure can include obtaining, by a computer system (e.g., a game application on a user's computing device), data describing a theme associated with a virtual structure. The data describing the theme can be, for example, a theme identifier.

[0050] In some embodiments, the computer system can be configured to determine the assembly direction of the block assembly of physical building blocks. For example, in some embodiments, a seed building block (e.g., an internal computing module of the seed building block) can determine the assembly direction of the block assembly. The assembly direction of the block assembly can be used when determining the orientation of the virtual structure. For example, the assembly direction can be defined relative to "ground", a coordinate grid (e.g., a three-dimensional coordinate grid), and / or any other suitable reference. Thereby, the virtual structure can be oriented such that the direction of the reference of the assembly direction corresponds to the direction of the virtual ground or other suitable virtual reference.

[0051] For example, in some embodiments, the seed building block can be a plot block having a predetermined length and width. The orientation of the virtual structure can be defined such that the plot block functions as the ground (e.g., the length and width are in the direction of the ground). As another example, in some embodiments, the seed building block and / or another physical building block includes an orientation module. The orientation module can be any suitable device for determining the orientation of the seed building block and / or other physical building blocks, such as a gyroscope. The orientation module can determine the orientation of the assembly relative to a reference such as the gravity of the earth. It should be understood that the ground does not necessarily have to resemble the ground on the earth's surface and may resemble other environments such as air, space, ocean, underground, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, the systems and methods according to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure include communicating data indicating the orientation of the virtual structure by a computer system (e.g., by an internal computing module of the seed building block). In some embodiments, the systems and methods according to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure include receiving data indicating the orientation of the virtual structure by a computer system (e.g., by a game application on a user computer device).

[0053] Systems and methods according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure include determining a virtual structure layout by a computer system (e.g., a user computer device and / or an internal computing module of a seed building block) based at least in part on physical building blocks. The virtual structure layout can be data that describes the arrangement of the seed building block and one or more physical building blocks. For example, the virtual structure layout can be a schematic or arrangement of a virtual structure rendered by a game application. The virtual structure layout can describe at least one of the relative position, orientation, or one or more attributes of an assembly of physical building blocks. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, the virtual structure layout can include data indicating a theme of the seed building block.

[0054] Systems and methods according to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure can be configured to communicate data describing the virtual structure layout to a user computer device. As an example, an internal computing module of a seed building block can communicate data describing the virtual structure layout to a game application of a user computer device. The user computer device can be configured to construct a virtual structure based at least in part on the data describing the virtual structure layout. For example, a game application of the user computer device can construct and / or render the virtual structure.

[0055] A computer system can obtain data that describes a virtual structure layout. Additionally or alternatively, the computer system can obtain one or more virtual structure component resources. The one or more virtual structure component resources can be associated with a virtual representation based at least in part on physical building blocks. As an example, the one or more virtual structure component resources can be associated with the same shape, size, type, or other characteristics as the corresponding physical building blocks. For example, in some examples, the virtual structure component resources can have an appearance similar to the appearance of the corresponding physical building blocks. In some embodiments, the virtual structure component resources can be digital resources such as, for example, a virtual model of a physical building block or a virtual model similar to a physical building block.

[0056] A computer system can construct a virtual structure corresponding to a block assembly based at least in part on a virtual structure layout, an assembly direction, a theme, one or more virtual structure component resources, and / or other data that describes the block assembly. For example, the computer system can place the virtual structure component resources such that, as indicated by the virtual structure layout, the layout of the virtual structure component resources within the virtual structure corresponds to the layout of the physical building blocks within the block assembly.

[0057] In some embodiments, the virtual structure layout and / or aspects of the virtual structure can be procedurally generated. For example, attributes of the virtual structure such as texture or visual appearance can be selected randomly or from a defined probability distribution (e.g., a probability distribution that is a function of the attributes of one or more corresponding physical blocks).

[0058] Next, with reference to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail. It should be understood that the various embodiments shown in the drawings can be combined, modified, reconfigured, and / or omitted without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system 100 for constructing a virtual structure based at least in part on the arrangement of physical building blocks according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The user computer device 110 can be configured to execute a game application 120. For example, the game application 120 may be pre-installed on the user computer device 110, or may be installed on the user computer device 110 via an application delivery service or a virtual store, or may be downloaded from the Internet. The user computer device 110 can be any suitable computer device, such as a personal computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a gaming console, a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), a tablet computer, and / or any other suitable computer device.

[0060] The game application 120 enables a user of the user computer device 110 to interact with the game environment of the game application 120 by using components of the user computer device such as the processor 112, the computer-readable memory 114, the user input / output device 116, and / or the communication system 118. For example, the user input / output device 116 includes components used to facilitate user control and / or interaction with the user computer device 110. Such components include, for example, a keyboard, a computer mouse, a display screen, a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touch screen), speakers, headphones, an audio system such as a subwoofer, a microphone, a game controller and / or its components (e.g., a joystick, buttons, a gyroscope, etc.), and / or any other suitable components.

[0061] The user computer device 110 can communicate with a server computer system 150 (server computer device) via a network 145. The network 145 can be any suitable wired and / or wireless network such as an IEEE 802.11 network, a Wi-Fi network, a LAN, Ethernet, etc. The server computer system 150 is configured to execute a server-side game host application 156 (e.g., by a processor 152 and / or a computer-readable memory 154). The server-side game host application 156 can assist with the network functions of the game application 120. Examples of network functions include, but are not limited to, management, authentication, and synchronization of player accounts, management and synchronization of data, backup of server-side local data, multiplayer interactions (e.g., breeding, fighting, transfer of ownership of creature resources, etc.), hosting and / or sharing of virtual structures constructed by players, management of a persistent online virtual world, and / or any other suitable network functions. For example, in some embodiments, a player can construct a virtual structure on the game application 120 according to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. The game application 120 can communicate with the server-side game host application 156. The game application 120 can share the constructed virtual structure and / or other game data with the server-side game host application 156, thereby additionally and / or alternatively assisting with the game environment among multiple players on other user computer devices. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the game application 120 may execute on the user computer device 110 without connecting to the server-side game host application 156.

[0062] In addition to or instead of this, the user computer device 110 can communicate with a seed building block 130 (e.g., by the communication system 118). The seed building block 130 can function as the core of a larger block assembly of physical building blocks. The block assembly can be coupled to the seed building block 130 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. In this way, the seed building block 130 can communicate information related to the block assembly (e.g., block arrangement, type, etc.) to the user computer device 110 and / or the game application 120.

[0063] In particular, the seed building block 130 includes an internal computing module 132 to assist with the computing-related functions of the seed building block 130. The internal computing module 132 has one or more processors 134 and / or computer-readable memory 136. The computer-readable memory 136 can store data describing one or more block attributes 137. The block attributes can be attributes of the seed building block 130, such as, for example, the theme of the seed building block 130, the size of the seed building block 130, and the like. In addition or alternatively, the internal computing module 132 can include a communication system 138 for facilitating communication with the user computer device 110, such as, for example, the communication system 118 of the user computer device 110 and / or the game application 120. The seed building block 130 can communicate with the user computer device 110 via the connection 125. The connection 125 can be any suitable wired and / or wireless connection suitable for facilitating data transmission. Examples of the connection 125 include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth® connection, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)® connection, ZigBee® connection, Wi-Fi® connection, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, dedicated connection, and the like. As an example, the communication system 118 and / or 138 can be a BLE communication module configured to establish a BLE connection between the seed building block 130 and the user computer device 110.

[0064] Figure 2A is a diagram showing an example of the registration 200 of physical blocks according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 2B is a bottom view of the physical block 210 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The physical block 210 has a near field communication (NFC) tag 212 disposed on and / or within the physical block 210. In addition or alternatively, the physical block 210 can be printed, formed, or otherwise designed to resemble a creature resource associated with the physical block 210. As an example, a computer-readable memory (e.g., NFC tag 212) disposed on or within the physical block 210 can store data describing a creature resource associated with the physical block 210. As another example, a computer system can identify and / or generate a creature resource associated with the physical block 210 based at least in part on the physical block 210, e.g., based on the identifier of the NFC tag 212 of the physical block 210. After purchasing the physical block 210, a player can connect the physical block 210 and / or the NFC tag 212 to an NFC reader 220. The NFC reader 220 can be a stand-alone NFC reader or can be incorporated into a larger computer system (e.g., the player's smartphone, personal computer, etc.). The NFC reader 220 can read data from the NFC tag 212 when the physical block 210 is interfaced with the NFC reader 220. For example, the NFC reader 220 can read data such as the identifier of the NFC tag, one or more block attributes (e.g., the type of creature, etc.), and / or any other suitable data.

[0065] After the player scans the physical block 210, the computer system connected to the NFC reader 220 can execute various functions related to the game application. As an example, the computer system can register creature resources related to the physical block 210 to the player's account. For example, in some embodiments, the computer system can generate creature resources related to the data read from the NFC tag 212 of the physical block 210, such as creature resources related to the identifier of the NFC tag 212 and / or the physical block 210. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, the computer system can write data describing the creature resources to the physical block 210.

[0066] As another example, the computer system can "crossbreed" the physical block 210 with another one. For example, a player who has directly met with another player can "crossbreed" two creature blocks. By crossbreeding the creature blocks, a reward for the direct meeting is given to the player. As a result, the player will carry their own creature block around and start interacting with other players. For example, one player first uses an NFC scanner 220 (e.g., the NFC scanner 220 on the player's own device) to scan a first creature block (e.g., the physical block 210) that they own, thus "crossbreeding" the creature blocks. The other player scans the second creature block that the other player owns. Then, each player exchanges their creature block with the other player and scans the other player's creature block. If the crossbreeding of the creature blocks is successful, the player can obtain creatures related to the crossbred creature block, experience points (XP) related to the player's account, consumables, virtual currency, and / or other rewards. In addition to or instead of that, in some embodiments, the player can obtain a new creature. The new creature can be "created (bred)" from the creature related to the crossbred creature block. For example, by combining the genetic characteristics of the creatures related to the crossbred creature blocks, a new creature with the combined genetic characteristics can be created. As an example, the created creature can have an appearance influenced by the appearance of the parent creatures.

[0067] As another example, the computer system can transfer the ownership of the creature resources associated with the physical block 210. The directly met players can transfer the ownership from one player to the other by exchanging or trading two creature blocks. To transfer the ownership of a creature block, each player scans their original creature block (e.g., with the NFC reader 220) and then exchanges that creature block with the other player. After that, each player scans the newly acquired creature block and holds the new creature block. When the transfer of the ownership of the creature block is successful, the player can acquire the new creature resources corresponding to the new creature block. In some embodiments, the player loses the ownership of the creature resources corresponding to the original creature block. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, the player can retain the ownership of the creature resources corresponding to the original creature block. In some embodiments, the player can acquire experience points (XP) for the new creature resources and / or the original creature resources.

[0068] As another example, the computer system can cause the creature resources associated with the physical block 210 to fight. The players can cause their creatures to fight. For example, the players can arrange and fight one or more creatures. In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, any suitable form of battle can be used, such as a real-time battle, a turn-based battle, an automatic (statistics-based) battle, or any other suitable form of battle. The winner of the battle is given experience points (XP), consumables, virtual currency, and / or any other suitable rewards.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a physical block assembly 300 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The physical block assembly 300 includes a seed building block 302 and one or more physical building blocks 320. In FIG. 3, for illustrative purposes, two physical building blocks 320 are shown. It should be understood that any suitable number of physical building blocks 320 can be coupled to the seed building block 302 and / or other physical building blocks 320.

[0070] Each of the seed building block 302 and / or the physical building block 320 has one or more contact traces 328, 326 configured to electrically couple with contact traces 328, 326 of another physical building block 320 coupled to that block. In some embodiments, one or more contact traces are disposed, at least in part, on a surface facing outward of the physical building block 320. For example, in some embodiments, one or more contact traces 328, 326 can be electrical terminals that electrically communicate with that block (e.g., the contact traces 328, 326 of another building block) when the physical building block 320 contacts another physical building block 320. As an example, the contact traces 328, 326 can form a complete circuit and / or communicate with one or more processors or memory devices of the physical building block 320 when the seed building block 302 and / or the physical building block 320 are in contact with each other. Thereby, a computer system (e.g., disposed within one or more physical building blocks 320) can determine that the seed building block 302 and / or the physical building block 320 are in contact with each other and / or certain attributes of the physical building block 320. One or more internal electrical conductors (e.g., wires, traces on a circuit board, etc.) can electrically couple one or more contact traces 328, 326 to other (e.g., internal) components of the physical building block 320, such as internal arithmetic modules 310, 322, other contact traces 328, 326 (e.g., disposed on other surfaces of the physical building block 320), scanners, or other electronic components. For example, in some embodiments, conductive paths can be formed across part or all of the assembly of the physical building block 320 via the contact traces 328, 326 and / or the internal electrical conductors.As another example, in some embodiments, the internal computing modules 310, 322 can communicate by wireless communication (e.g., by a BLE module).

[0071] In addition or alternatively, the seed building block 302 and / or each physical building block 320 can have one or more coupling systems 319, 327 configured to couple (e.g., fix) a first physical building block to a second physical building block. Examples of coupling systems 319, 327 include, but are not limited to, magnetic coupling systems (e.g., including one or more magnets), latches, snap tabs, pin-and-hole combinations, interference fit coupling systems, any other suitable coupling system, and / or any combination thereof. For example, a user can place the coupling system of a first physical building block in contact with and / or in proximity to the coupling system of a second physical building block. In some embodiments, the user can apply a force to the coupling systems 319, 327 to cause the coupling systems 319, 327 to couple a first physical building block to a second physical building block. For example, a user can "snap" a first physical building block and a second physical building block together. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the coupling system 319 couples the seed building block 302 to the coupling system 327 of the physical building block 320.

[0072] The seed building block 302 can function as the core of a virtual structure. At least one seed building block 302 can provide the "brains" of the physical block assembly 300. The seed building block 302 can include an internal computing module 310. The internal computing module 310 can have components for assisting with the electronic functions of the physical block assembly 300. The internal computing module 310 can include, for example, one or more processors 311. The processor 311 can be configured to communicate with game applications, determine the virtual structure layout of the physical block assembly 300, and / or execute other appropriate instructions.

[0073] In addition to or instead of this, the internal computing module 310 can have a communication system 312 for facilitating communication with user computer devices and / or game applications. The communication system 312 can be configured to communicate with a game application on a player's computer system, such as a game console, personal computer, virtual reality (VR) system, tablet computer system, smartphone, and / or any other appropriate computer system, etc. The communication system 312 can be wired and / or wireless. As an example, the communication system 312 can be a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) (registered trademark) system. As another example, the communication system 312 can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector and / or adapter.

[0074] In some embodiments, the seed building block 302 can include a power system 313. In some embodiments, the power system 313 can be one or more batteries. The one or more batteries can be disposable and / or rechargeable batteries. For example, in some embodiments, the seed building block 302 can include one or more rechargeable batteries 313 and / or a charging port. The charging port can be connectable to and / or capable of supplying power to the rechargeable battery 313. In some embodiments, the charging port can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port such as a USB Type-A port, a micro USB port, a USB Type-C port, etc. In some embodiments, the charging port can also be used for wired communication with a computer system (e.g., as at least a part of the communication system 312). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the power system 313 can include one or more capacitors. In some embodiments, the power system 313 can be charged wirelessly.

[0075] In some embodiments, the seed building block 302 can turn off the power when not in use to save power. For example, in some embodiments, the seed building block 302 can include an accelerometer 316 or other device for starting up the seed building block 302 after the power is turned off. As an example, the internal computing module 310 of the seed building block 302 can be configured to perform a process including determining that the seed building block 302 has not moved during the sleep period, based at least in part on one or more signals from the accelerometer 316. For example, the seed building block 302 can be configured to turn off the power after a sleep period has elapsed without movement. The sleep period can be any suitable period such as time or clock cycles. This process can include putting the internal computing module 310 of the seed building block 302 into a sleep state when it is determined that the seed building block 302 has not moved during the sleep period. For example, the internal computing module 310 can be put into a low-power "sleep" state, for example, a state where the computing operation is restricted. This process can include waking the seed building block 302 from sleep in response to one or more signals from the accelerometer 316. For example, when one or more signals from the accelerometer 316 indicate that the seed building block 302 has moved, the seed building block 302 can be returned to the normal computing mode.

[0076] In addition to or instead of this, the internal computing module 310 can include a computer-readable memory 314. The computer-readable memory 314 can store data describing a theme 315 related to the seed building block 302. For example, the theme 315 is related to a specific environment (such as a forest, desert, universe, city, etc.), specific intellectual property, specific elements, specific architectural styles, etc. The theme 315 can control the appearance of the virtual structure constructed from the physical block assembly 300 using the seed building block 302. For example, when a player constructs a virtual structure using a seed building block 302 themed on a forest, that virtual structure (including other building blocks) can be rendered in a forest theme where textures, models, resources, etc. resemble or represent a forest. The attributes of other building blocks (such as shape, size, type, etc.) can control the layout of the virtual structure, while the theme 315 can control the aesthetic appearance of the virtual structure, the textures used for rendering the virtual structure, the music and / or sound effects played near the virtual structure, the text or environmental effects displayed around the virtual structure, and / or other aesthetic effects of the virtual structure.

[0077] The physical building block 320 may be relatively simple, such as having fewer electronic components than the seed building block 302. Thus, the seed building block 302 is a more intelligent block, which in some examples can reduce the cost of other physical building blocks 320. For example, in some embodiments, other physical building blocks 320 can have relatively simple and / or cost-effective internal computing modules 322. For example, in some embodiments, the seed building block 302 can include a more advanced internal computing module 310 than other physical building blocks. The internal computing module 322 can include a computer-readable memory 324. The computer-readable memory 324 can store data describing one or more attributes of the physical building block 320. For example, the computer-readable memory 324 can be coupled to one or more contact traces 326 so as to be able to read from the one or more contact traces 326. At least some of the attributes can be related to the physical appearance of the physical building block 320. For example, the attributes can be the size, shape, color, style, etc. of the physical building block 320.

[0078] FIG. 4A is a block diagram showing an example of a physical block assembly 400 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The physical block assembly 400 can include a plurality of physical building blocks 402. One or more of the physical building blocks 402 can be used as seed building blocks. Each of the physical building blocks 402 can include an internal computing module 404. The internal computing module 404 can include at least a computer-readable memory for storing block attributes. The internal computing module 404 of a certain physical building block 402 can be connected by a contact trace 406 to the internal computing module 404 of the physical building block 402 adjacent to that block.

[0079] For example, by coupling a first physical building block 402 to a second physical building block 402, at least a portion of one or more contact traces 406 of the first physical building block 402 can be communicated with one or more contact traces 406 of the second physical building block 402. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the contact traces 406 of the first physical building block 402 can be aligned with at least a portion of the contact traces 406 of the second physical building block 402 when one or more coupling systems are coupled. Other contact traces 406 of the first and / or second physical building blocks 402 can be further arranged to contact another physical building block 402. Thus, in some embodiments, an electrical conduction path is formed across part or all of the assembly of the physical building blocks 402 via the contact traces 406. The electrical conduction path enables an internal computing module 404 of a physical building block 402 (e.g., a seed building block) to recognize a physical building block 402 connected to the contact trace, thereby determining how the assembly of physical building blocks 402 is oriented. In this way, the physical block assembly 400 can be composed of a plurality of physical building blocks 402, and a virtual structure similar to the physical block assembly 400 can be constructed.

[0080] Figure 4B is a block diagram 4000 showing an example of the construction of a virtual structure 4030 based at least in part on a block assembly 4010 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. As shown, the block assembly 4010 includes one or more physical building blocks 4012 and / or seed building blocks 4014. The user computer device 4020 can execute a game application configured to communicate with the seed building block 4014. The seed building block 4014 and / or the game application can determine the placement and / or orientation of the block assembly 4010 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The user computer device 4020 can then construct a virtual structure 4032 similar to the block assembly 4010. In some embodiments, an input system 4022 for interacting with the virtual structure 4032 is provided to the player. The input system 4022 enables the player to control a virtual avatar to navigate the virtual structure 4032, place creatures within the virtual structure 4032, modify the virtual structure 4032, and / or perform various gameplay functions. For example, a player can interact with virtual structures constructed by other players within a persistent virtual environment. In addition or alternatively, a player can disassemble an assembly of physical building blocks without affecting the virtual structure. For example, a player can disassemble the block assembly and construct another structure with the physical building blocks. In some embodiments, a player can create a new virtual structure, for example, by overwriting an old virtual structure.

[0081] Figure 5A is a perspective view showing an example of a physical building block 510 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 5B is a top view showing an example of the physical building block 510 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 5A shows an exemplary embodiment of the physical building block 510. It should be understood that other physical building blocks may be used according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0082] The physical building block 510 includes a coupling system configured to couple one physical building block 510 to another physical building block 510. The coupling system includes a cavity portion 512 provided on a certain surface of the physical building block 510. A protrusion 516 is provided on the surface of the physical building block 510 opposite to the surface where the cavity portion 512 is provided. It should be understood that the protrusion 516 is provided on the surface opposite to the surface where the cavity portion 512 is provided. The cavity portion 512 is configured to receive the protrusion 516 of another physical building block 510. Therefore, by engaging the cavity portion 512 of the first physical building block 510 with the protrusion 516 of the second physical building block 510, the first and second physical building blocks 510 can be safely coupled to each other. For example, FIG. 5C shows a block assembly 520 including a first physical building block 522 and a second physical building block 524 coupled to each other.

[0083] In some embodiments, the cavity portion 512 and / or the protrusion 516 can include a magnet 514. The magnet 514 of the first physical building block 522 is configured to couple with the magnet 514 and / or other magnetic surfaces (e.g., metal pieces) of the second physical building block 524 when the protrusion 516 of the second physical building block 524 is inserted into the cavity portion 512 of the first physical building block 522. The magnet 514 helps to strengthen the coupling between the physical building blocks 510. In addition or alternatively, the magnet 514 can be used as a contact terminal. In some embodiments, the magnet 514 is painted the same color as the outer shell of the physical building block 510.

[0084] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of plot blocks 610, 620, 630 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The plot blocks 610, 620, 630 can be seed building blocks. The plot blocks 610, 620, 630 are configured to receive one or more tile blocks such as the physical building block 510 shown in FIG. 5. For example, each of the plot blocks 610, 620, 630 has one or more surface contact traces 602 configured to receive tile blocks. The surface contact traces 602 are provided on the upper surface of the plot blocks 610, 620, 630. For example, FIG. 6B is a top-down view of a plot block according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.

[0085] The physical building block 510 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is a 1×1 tile block and is configured to occupy one surface contact trace 602. The plot block 610 can be a 3×3 plot block that provides a 3×3 unit space for receiving tile blocks. For example, the plot block 610 has a total of nine surface contact traces 602. Similarly, the plot block 620 can be a 6×6 plot block having 36 surface contact traces 602. Also, the plot block 630 can be a 12×12 plot block having 144 surface contact traces 602. According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, plot blocks of other sizes can also be used. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, each space of the plot blocks 610, 620, 630 can have a cavity portion instead of the surface contact trace 602.

[0086] In addition to or instead of, in some embodiments, plot blocks 610, 620, 630 have one or more plot connection contact traces 604. The plot connection contact traces 604 are disposed on the sides of the plot blocks 610, 620, 630. The plot connection contact traces enable a player to connect two or more plot blocks 610, 620, 630 to each other to form a continuous building surface, thereby allowing the player to easily expand the building surface. For example, a player can connect two 6×6 plot blocks 620 to each other to form a surface that is 12×6 units in total. In some embodiments, the surface contact traces 602 and / or the plot connection contact traces 604 may include magnets.

[0087] Figures 7A and 7B are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view showing an example of a block assembly 700 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the block assembly 700 includes a plot block 702 and a plurality of physical building blocks (e.g., physical building blocks 704-710) disposed at various positions. The physical building block 708 shows an intermediate state of being disposed on the physical building block 710. The physical building block 712 is held in place by the adjacent physical building blocks 714 and physical building 716 (e.g., using magnets or other coupling mechanisms). In some embodiments, as shown, the plot block 702 can be physically divided into a grid pattern or other divided units. The grid pattern can be specified by a particular name or position, for example, according to a naming rule such as starting from A1, row = letter, column = number.

[0088] FIG. 7C is an exploded view showing an example of a plot block 702 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The exemplary plot block 702 includes a mat upper housing 732, a grid printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 734, a power supply (e.g., a battery pack) 736, a communication unit PCBA 738, and a mat lower housing 739. For example, the communication unit PCBA 738 can communicate according to various communication technologies, such as wireless-based communication technologies like Bluetooth®.

[0089] FIG. 7D is an exploded view showing an example of a physical building block 714 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The physical building block 714 has a number of fixed contacts 742 disposed within a block upper housing 744. For example, the fixed contacts 742 can be co-molded with the block upper housing 744. As an example, the block upper housing 744 can be made of ABS plastic. The physical building block 714 further includes a block PCBA 746. In one example, the block PCBA 746 can be fixed using an interference fit. The block PCBA 746 can have two (or other number) of physical sensors 748, such as, for example, a directional resistor. The physical building block 714 includes a number of flexible contacts 750 and a block lower housing 752. For example, the flexible contacts 750 can be co-molded with the block lower housing 752. As an example, the block lower housing 752 can be made of ABS plastic. In some embodiments, one or more magnets (not shown) can be embedded in the block upper housing 744 and / or the block lower housing 752.

[0090] FIG. 7E is an exploded view showing an example of a housing 760 of a physical building block according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The housing 760 includes an upper housing 762 and a lower housing 772. In some embodiments, one or more magnets (not shown) are embedded in the upper housing 762 and / or the lower housing 772. The housing 760 has dimensions different from those of the exemplary physical building block 714 shown in FIG. 7D. Accordingly, the coupling dimensions and the coupling direction are also changed accordingly.

[0091] Referring collectively to FIGS. 7A-7E, in some embodiments, the system can operate as follows. First, the plot block 702 disables all grid points (lattice points) by enabling the "EN" pin, thereby disabling block communication. Next, each grid point monitors the "block detection" pin and the "orientation" pin. For example, the "block detection" pin can receive 3V that can be detected when a physical building block is added. In some embodiments, when a physical building block is detected, the grid point disables the "EN" pin.

[0092] Some or all of the physical building blocks can execute block applications on the physical building blocks. As soon as the block application is executed, by default, the "EN" pin of the upper block above it becomes active. If the block is not detected, the physical building block can send a single packet to the plot block 702. This packet can provide various information such as type, thickness, block undetected, etc. If the block is detected, the physical building block can send a single packet to the plot block 702. This packet can provide various information such as type, thickness, block detected, orientation of the detected block, etc. When the packet is sent, the physical building block enters the sleep state. This process continues for each consecutive block placed on each grid point. In some embodiments, the orientation of the first block is detected by the plot block 702, and the orientation of each subsequent block is reported by the block below it.

[0093] FIG. 8A is a top-down view showing an example of a block assembly 800 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The block assembly 800 includes a first plot block 810 and a second plot block 820. The first plot block 810 is coupled to the second plot block 820. The block assembly 800 includes physical building blocks 815 stacked on the first plot block 810 and the second plot block 820. Further, the block assembly 800 includes creature blocks 830 disposed on the physical building blocks 815.

[0094] FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing an example of a block assembly 800 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8B, a player can construct a block assembly 800 that mimics a scene, level, or area of a game environment. For example, by stacking physical building blocks 815 in layers, the area can be changed to provide shape and / or height variations in the virtual environment. As shown, the block assembly 800 has a first layer 850, a second layer 860, and a third layer 870. In addition or alternatively, a player can place creature resources in a specific area of the virtual environment corresponding to the position of the creature block 830.

[0095] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a block assembly 900 according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an exemplary virtual environment 950 that can be constructed from the block assembly 900 of FIG. 9A according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. For example, FIGS. 9A and 9B show how block attributes such as color correspond to aspects of the virtual environment. As an example, the blocks on a single block height layer of the block assembly 900 are blue and can be made to correspond to water such that the area is an island. Also, different colors of blocks can represent different types of ground or rock such as dirt, grass, volcanic rock, etc. Also, creature blocks can be placed around plot blocks to place the corresponding creature resources within the virtual structure.

[0096] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an exemplary method 1000 for communicating data from a seed building block according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 shows steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and explanation, but the methods of the present disclosure are not particularly limited to the order or arrangement shown. The various steps of method 1000 can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0097] Method 1000 determines, at step 1010, data that describes a virtual structure layout based at least in part on communication between one or more contact traces of a seed building block and one or more contact traces of one or more physical building blocks. The virtual structure layout can describe at least one of the relative position, orientation, or one or more attributes of one or more physical building blocks. For example, an internal computing module of a seed building block can communicate, via one or more contact traces, with an internal computing module (e.g., a computer-readable memory) of a physical building block. The internal computing module can read block attributes or determine the placement of physical configuration blocks that are combined with the seed configuration blocks within a block assembly.

[0098] The virtual structure layout can include data that describes the placement of the seed building block and one or more physical building blocks. For example, the virtual structure layout can be a schematic or placement of a virtual structure rendered by a game application. The virtual structure layout can describe at least one of the relative position, orientation, or one or more attributes of an assembly of physical building blocks. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments, the virtual structure layout can include data indicating a theme of the seed building block.

[0099] In some embodiments, the computer system can be configured to determine the assembly direction of the block assembly of physical building blocks. For example, in some embodiments, a seed building block (e.g., the internal computing module of the seed building block) can determine the assembly direction of the block assembly. The assembly direction of the block assembly can be used when determining the orientation of the virtual structure layout. For example, the assembly direction can be defined relative to "ground", a coordinate grid (e.g., a three-dimensional coordinate grid), and / or any other suitable reference. Thereby, the virtual structure can be oriented such that the direction of the reference of the assembly direction corresponds to the direction of the virtual ground or the direction of any other suitable virtual reference.

[0100] Method 1000, at step 1012, communicates data describing the virtual structure layout to the user computer device. The user computer device can be configured to construct a virtual structure based at least in part on the data describing the virtual structure layout. As an example, the internal computing module of the seed building block can communicate the data describing the virtual structure layout to the game application of the user computer device. The user computer device can be configured to construct a virtual structure based at least in part on the data describing the virtual structure layout. For example, the game application of the user computer device can construct and / or render the virtual structure.

[0101] In some embodiments, method 1000 communicates data describing a theme of a virtual structure to a computer system at step 1014. For example, a seed building block (e.g., an internal computing module of a seed building block) can communicate data describing a theme of a virtual structure to a game application. For example, in some embodiments, data describing a theme of a virtual structure can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium of a seed building block (e.g., an internal computing module of a seed building block). As another example, in some embodiments, the theme of a virtual structure can be determined at least in part based on one or more attributes of a seed building block, such as an identifier of the seed building block, a serial number of the seed building block, a model number of the seed building block, etc. The systems and methods according to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure include receiving, by a computer system (e.g., by a game application on a user's computer device), data describing a theme associated with a virtual structure. The data describing the theme can be, for example, a theme identifier.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an exemplary method 1100 for constructing a virtual structure based at least in part on a block assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 shows steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and explanation, but the methods of the present disclosure are not particularly limited to the order or arrangement shown. The various steps of method 1100 can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and / or adapted in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0103] The player can configure a block assembly consisting of one or more physical building blocks by placing one or more physical building blocks. For example, the player can configure a block assembly consisting of one or more physical building blocks by connecting the coupling systems of each of the one or more physical building blocks to each other. In addition or alternatively, the contact traces of physical building blocks within the block assembly (e.g., adjacent ones) can be brought into contact to form an electrical conduction path through at least a portion of the block assembly. The block assembly can include at least one seed building block. In addition or alternatively, the blocks within the block assembly can communicate wirelessly with each other.

[0104] Method 1100, in step 1102, receives data describing a theme related to a virtual structure by a computer system (e.g., by a game application on a user computer device). The data describing the theme can be, for example, a theme identifier. As an example, a seed building block (e.g., an internal computing module of the seed building block) can communicate data describing the theme of the virtual structure to the game application. For example, in some embodiments, the data describing the theme of the virtual structure can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium of the seed building block (e.g., an internal computing module of the seed building block). As another example, in some embodiments, the theme of the virtual structure can be determined based at least in part on one or more attributes of the seed building block, such as an identifier of the seed building block, a serial number of the seed building block, a model number of the seed building block, etc.

[0105] Method 1100, at step 1104, obtains data indicating the orientation of a virtual structure by a computer system (e.g., a game application on a user's computing device). For example, in some embodiments, the computer system can be configured to determine the assembly direction of a block assembly of physical building blocks. For example, in some embodiments, a seed building block (e.g., an internal computing module of the seed building block) can determine the assembly direction of the block assembly. The assembly direction of the block assembly can be used when determining the orientation of the virtual structure. For example, the assembly direction can be defined with respect to "ground", a coordinate grid (e.g., a three-dimensional coordinate grid), and / or any other suitable reference. Thereby, the virtual structure can be oriented such that the direction of the reference of the assembly direction corresponds to the direction of the virtual ground or another suitable virtual reference.

[0106] For example, in some embodiments, the seed building block can be a plot block having a predetermined length and width. The orientation of the virtual structure can be defined such that the plot block functions as the ground (e.g., the length and width are the orientation of the ground). As another example, in some embodiments, the seed building block and / or another physical building block includes an orientation module. The orientation module can be any suitable device for determining the orientation of the seed building block and / or another physical building block, such as a gyroscope for example. The orientation module can determine the orientation of the assembly with respect to a reference such as the earth's gravity for example.

[0107] Method 1100, at step 1106, obtains data that describes a virtual structure layout based at least in part on a block assembly. The virtual structure layout can be data that describes the arrangement of seed building blocks and one or more physical building blocks. For example, the virtual structure layout can be an overview or arrangement of a virtual structure rendered by a game application. The virtual structure layout can describe at least one of the relative position, orientation, or one or more attributes of an assembly of physical building blocks. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the virtual structure layout can include data indicating a theme of the seed building blocks.

[0108] A system and method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure can be configured to communicate data that describes a virtual structure layout to a user computer device. As an example, an internal computing module of a seed building block can communicate data that describes the virtual structure layout to a game application of the user computer device. The user computer device can be configured to construct a virtual structure based at least in part on the data that describes the virtual structure layout. For example, a game application on the user computer device can construct and / or render the virtual structure.

[0109] Method 1100, at step 1108, obtains one or more virtual structure component resources. The one or more virtual structure component resources can be associated with a virtual representation based at least in part on physical building blocks. For example, in some examples, the one or more virtual structure component resources can correspond to physical building blocks within a virtual structure layout. As an example, the one or more virtual structure component resources can be associated with the same shape, size, type, or other characteristics as the corresponding physical building blocks. For example, the virtual structure component resources can have an appearance similar to the appearance of the corresponding physical building blocks. In some embodiments, the virtual structure component resources can be digital resources such as, for example, a virtual model of a physical building block or a virtual model similar to a physical building block.

[0110] Method 1100, at step 1110, constructs a virtual structure. The computer system can construct a virtual structure corresponding to the block assembly based at least in part on a virtual structure layout, an assembly direction, a theme, the one or more virtual structure component resources, and / or other data describing the block assembly. For example, the computer system can place the virtual structure component resources such that, as indicated by the virtual structure layout, the layout of the virtual structure component resources within the virtual structure corresponds to the layout of the physical building blocks within the block assembly.

[0111] Although the various specific exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, each embodiment has been presented for the purpose of explaining the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of changes, modifications, and equivalents to these embodiments upon understanding the content of the above description. Therefore, the present disclosure does not exclude such changes, modifications, and / or additional incorporations to the subject matter of the present disclosure that would be obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, features exemplified or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to create yet another further embodiment. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to encompass such changes, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A computer implementation method for conducting trades of digital resources within a game through interaction with physical blocks, A server-side game application of a server computer system receives a first identifier from a first game application of a first user computer device that identifies a first digital resource associated with a first physical block associated with the game, wherein the first user computer device obtains the first identifier from a first computer-readable medium contained in the first physical block, and the first digital resource is associated with a first player account, and the steps are as follows: The server-side game application of the server computer system receives a second identifier from a second game application of a second user computer device that identifies a second digital resource associated with a second physical block associated with the game, wherein the second user computer device obtains the second identifier from a second computer-readable medium contained in the second physical block, and the second digital resource is associated with a second player account, and the steps are as follows: The server-side game application of the server computer system associates the first digital resource with the second player account; A method comprising the step of associating the second digital resource with the first player account using the server-side game application of the server computer system.

2. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, The first computer-readable medium contained in the first physical block includes a first NFC tag, and the first user computer device includes a first NFC reader for reading the first identifier from the first NFC tag. A method comprising the second computer-readable medium contained in the second physical block, which includes a second NFC tag, and the second user computer device, which includes a second NFC reader for reading the second identifier from the second NFC tag.

3. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, The first digital resource includes a first virtual creature, The method includes a second virtual creature as the second digital resource.

4. A computer implementation method according to claim 3, A method wherein the first virtual creature and the second virtual creature are procedurally generated.

5. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, A method further comprising the step of, in response to the trade, assigning one or more experience points or other virtual rewards to one or both of the first player account and the second player account by the server-side game application of the server computer system.

6. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, A method further comprising the step of having the server-side game application of the server computer system continuously allocate one or more experience points or other virtual rewards to the first player account in response to a future interaction associated with the first digital creature that occurs after the trade.

7. A computer implementation method according to claim 1, A method wherein one or both of the first physical block and the second physical block are rectangular.

8. A computer implementation method for performing mutations of digital resources in a game through interaction with physical blocks, The steps include: receiving a first identifier from a first game application on a first user computer device, via a server-side game application on a server computer system, which identifies a first digital resource associated with a first physical block associated with the game, wherein the first user computer device obtains the first identifier from a first computer-readable medium contained in the first physical block, and the first digital resource includes a first genetic value for one or more characteristics; The server-side game application of the server computer system receives a second identifier from a second game application of a second user computer device that identifies a second digital resource associated with a second physical block associated with the game, wherein the second user computer device obtains the second identifier from a second computer-readable medium contained in the second physical block, and the second digital resource includes a second genetic value for one or more of the characteristics. The server-side game application of the server computer system modifies the first genetic value of the first digital resource based on the second genetic value of the second digital resource. A method comprising the step of causing the server-side game application of the server computer system to mutate the second genetic value of the second digital resource based on the first genetic value of the first digital resource.

9. A computer implementation method according to claim 8, The first computer-readable medium contained in the first physical block includes a first NFC tag, and the first user computer device includes a first NFC reader for reading the first identifier from the first NFC tag. A method comprising the second computer-readable medium contained in the second physical block, which includes a second NFC tag, and the second user computer device, which includes a second NFC reader for reading the second identifier from the second NFC tag.

10. A computer implementation method according to claim 8, The first digital resource includes a first virtual creature, The method includes a second virtual creature as the second digital resource.

11. A computer implementation method according to claim 10, A method wherein the first virtual creature and the second virtual creature are procedurally generated.

12. A computer implementation method according to claim 8, The step of the server-side game application of the server computer system mutating the first genetic value of the first digital resource based on the second genetic value of the second digital resource is: A method comprising randomly selecting either the first genetic value or the second genetic value for each of the one or more characteristics of the first digital resource.

13. A computer implementation method according to claim 8, A method further comprising the step of, in response to future interactions associated with a second digital creature that occurs after the mutation, the server-side game application of the server computer system continuously assigns one or more experience points or other virtual rewards to a first player account associated with a first user device.

14. A computer implementation method according to claim 8, A method wherein one or both of the first physical block and the second physical block are rectangular.

15. A computer implementation method according to claim 8, A method further comprising the step of casting a non-fungible token corresponding to the first genetic value of the first digital resource after the mutation.

16. A computer system comprising a game application configured to enable trading or mutation of digital resources within the game, One or more processors, A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing the game application, which is configured to execute instructions when executed by the processor, The aforementioned instruction is, A step of receiving a first identifier that identifies a first digital resource associated with a first physical block associated with the game, wherein the first identifier is obtained from a first computer-readable medium contained in the first physical block, A step of receiving a second identifier that identifies a second digital resource associated with a second physical block associated with the game, wherein the second identifier is obtained from a second computer-readable medium contained in the second physical block, A system comprising the steps of trading the first digital resource and the second digital resource between two player accounts, and mutating the genetic value of at least one of the first digital resource and the second digital resource based on the genetic value of the other of the first digital resource and the second digital resource, or both.

Images