Virtual Object Transport via Real-World Carrier Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Location-based parallel reality games require players to physically meet to transfer virtual objects, which can be cumbersome, especially for distant players, and may diminish the realism of virtual objects being part of the real world when transferred instantaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that transport virtual objects in a parallel reality game based on data associated with the location of real-world carriers, allowing virtual objects to move through the virtual world at real-world speeds and schedules, enhancing the link between the real and virtual worlds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If players simultaneously navigate the real world to meet and transfer virtual objects, then the transfer feels realistic and maintains immersion, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming especially for players located a large distance from one another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier (vehicle, aircraft, or other transportation method) as an intermediary to transfer virtual objects between players. The carrier acts as a mediator that picks up the virtual object from one player and delivers it to another player at a different location and/or time, eliminating the need for players to physically meet while maintaining the realism of the transfer process.
2Ease of operation
If virtual objects are transferred instantaneously without real world action, then the transfer process becomes simple and quick, but the feeling of realism is diminished and virtual objects feel disconnected from the real world
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier serves as a realistic intermediary that facilitates virtual object transfer through simulated real-world transportation. The system tracks the carrier's real-world location and displays it in the virtual world, allowing players to observe the carrier's movement and receive notifications when the carrier arrives at their location, thereby maintaining realism while simplifying the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation (copy) of the real-world carrier and its movement within the virtual environment. The virtual carrier mirrors the real carrier's location and movement, allowing players to interact with the virtual object transfer process as if it were occurring in the real world, thus maintaining realism without requiring actual physical meeting of players.
3Reliability
If players must physically meet to transfer virtual objects, then the transfer process maintains immersion and realism, but the requirement becomes cumbersome when players are located a large distance from one another
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier acts as a convenient intermediary that enables virtual object transfer between players at different locations without requiring them to physically meet. The system maintains immersion by displaying the carrier's real-world location and movement in the virtual world, allowing players to remain engaged with the game while benefiting from the convenience of remote interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of transporting virtual objects through a virtual world associated with a parallel reality game are provided. The virtual world has a geography that parallels at least a portion of the geography of the real world. A method includes accessing at least one data source storing or providing data associated with the location of a real world carrier. The method further includes modifying game data associated with the parallel reality to transport at least one virtual object through the virtual world, such that the position of the virtual object in the virtual world is based, at least in part, on the data associated with the location of the real world carrier. Other implementations are directed to systems, apparatus, non-transitory computer-readable media, devices, and user interfaces for transporting virtual objects in a location-based parallel reality game.