SIP VoIP Integration in Multiplayer Games
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multiplayer network games lack integrated and context-based voice communication using VoIP, which limits the gaming experience and fails to exploit the full potential of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.
Innovation Solution
The integration of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based VoIP into multiplayer games for context-based voice interaction, utilizing game server-controlled conferencing and dynamic switching of players between audio groups based on game state, allowing for sophisticated audio mixing that incorporates game context features like distance and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional text messaging or basic VoIP is used for player communication, then players can exchange messages, but the communication is not integrated with game context and requires independent user initiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges voice communication functionality directly into the game client application, combining gaming and communication functions into a single integrated system. The VoIP client is embedded within the game client, allowing voice communication to be seamlessly integrated with game context rather than operating as a separate messaging system.
Solution Approach 2:
The game server automatically manages voice communication by receiving game state information, determining which players should communicate based on contextual factors like location and team membership, and automatically establishing voice channels. This eliminates the need for manual player initiation and configuration of communication groups.
2Adaptability or versatility
If VoIP is used for player communication, then voice conversations can be facilitated, but the conversations fall outside game scope and are user initiated independent of game state
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives updates about game state from the game server and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust voice communication parameters. When game state changes (such as player movement between locations or team changes), the system automatically responds by reconfiguring voice channels to match the new contextual requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated conference management system operates autonomously by receiving game state information, determining appropriate communication groups based on contextual factors, and automatically establishing or modifying voice channels without requiring player intervention. The system self-manages the entire communication lifecycle based on game context.
3Adaptability or versatility
If basic VoIP functionality is implemented, then voice communication is possible, but the full potential and functionality of VoIP technology is not exploited
Solution Approach 1:
The audio mixing system applies different processing characteristics to different voice channels based on their spatial context. Voices are mixed with varying amplitude and spatial positioning according to the virtual location of each player in the game world, creating a realistic three-dimensional audio environment that reflects the game's spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes audio parameters such as amplitude, pan position, and reverberation based on game context. When a player moves to a different location in the game world, the audio parameters of their voice channel are automatically adjusted to reflect the new spatial context, providing immersive directional audio cues.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for the close coupling of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) with multiplayer network games. Game state dependent voice communications are used as another method of player interaction in the game environment. The system uses SIP enhanced game servers and conference servers with audio mixing capabilities, and the game server controls the creation, maintenance and changing of the voice conferences. Participation in a voice conference is determined by the game state features associated with each player including distance and direction to determine how the voices are mixed in a voice conference.