Privacy Protection via Altered User Images in Online Gaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Online gaming platforms face issues with consumer trust due to lack of transparency in outcome determination, manipulation of game results, and limited opportunities for anonymous interaction between players, leading to a less enjoyable experience for users.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses image manipulation and facial recognition to create an altered user interface, allowing users to interact anonymously with other players through a roulette-type connection, hiding identities from unknown participants while maintaining real-time video and audio communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If online gaming uses random number generators to determine outcomes, then game results are determined automatically, but players do not understand or trust how outcomes are determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures real images of players and transmits them to other participants. This mediator bridges the gap between automated game outcomes and player trust by providing visual confirmation of human participation and authenticity, making the automated process more transparent and believable to users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If online gaming uses seeded decks to increase winning hands, then player interest increases, but players suspect game manipulation against their interests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies of real players through camera imaging and transmits these copies to other participants. This copying approach replaces abstract seeded deck manipulation with tangible visual evidence of real human players, maintaining game flexibility while establishing perceived fairness through authentic visual representation.
3Loss of information
If online gaming allows anonymous interaction, then player privacy is protected, but players cannot verify the authenticity of other participants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transmits visual copies (camera images) of players to each other, enabling anonymous interaction while verifying authenticity. The visual copy provides sufficient information for players to confirm they are interacting with real humans without revealing personal identifying information, thus protecting privacy while maintaining trust.
4Adaptability or versatility
If online gaming requires skill and game knowledge, then game depth increases, but players lacking skills cannot participate effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gaming experience into distinct components: visual identity verification through camera imaging, and game play itself. This segmentation allows casual players to participate in the game without requiring extensive skill development, as the visual identification component handles the verification aspect separately from the game mechanics.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a computer-implemented method comprising: identifying, by one or more processors, an image of a user; generating, by the one or more processors, an altered image of the user; receiving, by the one or more processors, confirmation that the user has joined a game, and identifying the relationship between the user and the other participants in the game; altering, by the one or more processors, the other participants user interface where the user is shown with the altered image based on a known relationship with the user; and concealing, by the one or more processors, the user's identity from the participants which do not have a relationship with the user.