Geocast Protocol for Mobile Geogame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional video games that require physical movement are limited by the need for wired or wireless controllers with restricted ranges, often requiring players to be in close proximity to a gaming console and relying on network connectivity, which can be disrupted, preventing multiplayer gaming in remote areas with limited network service.

Innovation Solution

A scalable tiered geocast protocol allows for geolocation-based gaming using mobile communication devices, enabling multiplayer gaming without traditional network infrastructure, allowing players to move freely and play across wide areas, including remote locations, by using a geocast protocol that broadcasts player locations and game data directly between devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional wired or wireless controllers are used, then players can interact with the gaming system, but the physical movement is limited to a restricted range close to the gaming console

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical movement freedomVSAvoidplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical controller system with a mobile communication device-based system. Players use their smartphones or tablets as controllers and game interfaces, eliminating the need for physical controllers with limited ranges. The mobile device captures player location and movement data, enabling unrestricted physical movement anywhere within the service area while maintaining game interaction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile communication device serves multiple functions: it acts as the game controller, displays the game interface, tracks player location, communicates with other players, and provides navigation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated controllers and expands the play area to wherever mobile devices can operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If wireless controllers with ultra short-range signals are used, then players can see the video monitor, but the game play is limited to a small portion of the room

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual access to game interfaceVSAvoidplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ultra short-range wireless controllers with mobile communication devices that use cellular or wireless networks with much longer range capabilities. The mobile device displays the game interface through its screen, allowing players to view and interact with the game from anywhere within the network coverage area, dramatically expanding the play area beyond the limited range of traditional wireless controllers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiplayer games require constant network connectivity, then players can compete from different physical locations, but the gaming experience is deteriorated or lost when network access is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplayer capabilityVSAvoidgaming experience continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by having players pre-load game data, maps, and assets onto their mobile devices before traveling to remote areas. The system stores game state information and player data locally on devices, enabling players to continue gaming even when network connectivity is interrupted. This preliminary preparation ensures gaming experience continuity in locations with limited or no network service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If gaming consoles require stable positioning and power connections, then the system can operate reliably, but the consoles have little to no portability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation stabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the stationary gaming console system with mobile communication devices that are inherently portable. Instead of requiring stable positioning and power connections for consoles, the system uses battery-powered smartphones and tablets that players can carry anywhere. The mobile devices provide sufficient computational power and connectivity for gaming while maintaining full portability, eliminating the trade-off between stability and mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8702506B2Geogame for mobile device

Publication Date: 2014.04.22 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

In a geographic location based game (geogame), players, utilizing wireless devices, are required to continuously physically move within a defined boundary throughout the geogame. The wireless devices, with the aid of a location system, such as GPS, track the movements of the players. As players move, virtual tails are generated behind each player, and their locations are determined and geocast, via a wireless geographic broadcast protocol, to all players of the geogame. Each player observes all players movements and tail locations on his/her wireless device. If a player stops moving, the player is expelled from the game. If a player exits the confines of the boundary, the player is expelled from the game. If a player crosses a virtual tail, the player is expelled from the game. If two virtual tails cross, both players are expelled from the game. The last player remaining is the winner.