Location-Based Gaming Authorization via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming technologies lack an efficient method to authorize players to take gaming actions based on geographic proximity, such as 'shooting' or initiating games, in a wireless and interactive manner.
Innovation Solution
A system where a gaming server periodically receives location information from distributed gaming devices equipped with GPS, determining if players are within a specified range and sending authorization messages to enable gaming actions like 'shooting' or starting a game when proximity criteria are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If location-based authorization is implemented to control gaming actions, then the interactivity and realism of the game is improved, but the system complexity increases due to GPS receivers, location tracking, and server-based authorization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A gaming server acts as an intermediary between players' wireless devices and the game logic. The server receives location data from devices, determines proximity relationships, and sends authorization messages back to players. This mediator approach centralizes the complex location-based authorization logic on the server rather than requiring complex implementations on each player's device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or direct interaction mechanisms with wireless communication-based location tracking and electronic authorization. Instead of direct physical interaction or simple button presses, the system uses GPS location data and server-based message passing to control game actions, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic and communicative mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If periodic location information is received from multiple distributed gaming devices, then the accuracy of proximity determination is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous GPS tracking and data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic location updates rather than continuous tracking. Gaming devices send location information to the server at regular intervals, and the server processes these periodic updates to determine when players are within the specified range. This periodic approach maintains sufficient accuracy for game purposes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless and interactive gaming experiences by allowing players to take authorized actions, such as photographing or initiating games, based on real-time location data, enhancing the dynamic nature of proximity-based games.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver will typically take the form of a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming server periodically receives location information from a plurality of distributed gaming devices. Such devices can take the form of cellular telephones or other wireless communications devices equipped with a GPS transceiver. When the gaming server determines that a gaming device is within a predetermined range of another gaming device, it sends an authorization message such as an “in-range” message to one or both of the devices within range of each other. The users of the device(s) receiving the in-range message are then authorized to “shoot” the other user, e.g., by taking a picture of them, pointing a laser at them or other gaming action that may be specified by the rules of the game. The gaming action could also be initiating a game.