Summary:

The ‘815 patent describes a system in RPG and MMOG games where the player can earn points and level up his character throughout the course of the game. The invention here describes a method for allowing a player to continue through the game and earning points until he reaches a save point. At the save point, the player’s total points are added together and if the value is higher than the next level requirement, the player will level up.

Abstract:

In a continue screen operation corresponding process, in the case where the player selects to reflect an acquired experiential value to a PC experiential value, a control section of a video game apparatus adds the acquired experiential value to a level-up unused experiential value. Then, in the case where the control section determines that the level-up unused experiential value is an experiential value required for a next level or more, the control section increments a level of a player character, subtracts the experiential value required for a next level from the level-up unused experiential value, and adds the experiential value required for a next level to a level-up used experiential value. The control section then updates an experiential value required for a next level. In the case where the control section determines that the level-up unused experiential value becomes less than the updated experiential value required for a next level, other status of the player character is updated and the processing flow is terminated.

Illustrative Claim:

1. A video game processing apparatus that causes an image display apparatus to display a player character of a video game on an image screen of the image display apparatus, the video game processing apparatus controlling progress of the video game by controlling an action of the player character displayed on the image screen in accordance with operations by a player, the video game processing apparatus comprising: a game progress state information memory that stores game progress state information that indicates a progress state of the video game; a game progress state information update processor that, when a predetermined save execution condition is met, updates the game progress state information stored in the game progress state information memory to allow the player to resume playing the video game from the progress state of the video game indicated by the game progress state information; an acquired experiential value determiner that determines an experiential value that the player character is caused to acquire when a predetermined condition to acquire the experiential value is met; an experiential value memory that stores the experiential value determined by the acquired experiential value determiner; a game continuation determiner that, when the player character attains a battle impossible state, determines whether the video game is to be continued in response to an instruction from the player; an experiential value reflection receiver that receives from the player whether the experiential value stored in the experiential value memory is to be reflected to a level of the player character in the video game when the game continuation determiner determines to continue playing the video game; an experiential value reflector that reflects the experiential value stored in the experiential value memory to the level of the player character in the video game when the experiential value reflection receiver receives the instruction that the experiential value is to be reflected to the level of the player character in the video game; an experiential value parameter reflector that converts and reflects the experiential value stored in the experiential value memory to a money point that is to be used as money in the video name when the experiential value reflection receiver receives the instruction that the experiential value is not to be reflected to the level of the player character in the video game; and a game continuation processor that, when the experiential value reflection receiver receives the instruction that the experiential value is to be reflected to the level of the player character in the video game after the game continuation determiner determines to continue playing the video game, maintains the level of the player character in the video game, to which the experiential value stored in the experiential value memory has been reflected by the experiential value reflector, and, when the experiential value reflection receiver receives the instruction that the experiential value is not to be reflected to the level of the player character in the video game after the game continuation determiner determines to continue playing the video game, maintains parameters other than the level of the player character in the video game, to which the experiential value stored in the experiential value memory has been reflected by the experiential value parameter reflector, and causes the video game to proceed to a scene indicated by the game progress state information stored in the game progress state information memory.

Summary:


The ‘813 patent describes a handheld game whereby the player controls his character by drawing a line on the touch pad. The character can move either on the line or parallel to the line, but nowhere else. The invention can also store paths which the user can select to aid his character’s movement throughout the game.

Abstract:
A moving character and a background image are displayed on a display screen with a touch panel thereon. When the player operates the touch panel to draw a line in an intended path extending between a start point and an end point along which the player wishes to guide the moving character, an operation trace image having the shape of the line drawn is displayed on the display screen. Then, the moving character moves along or in parallel to the operation trace image. The operation trace image is gradually erased after a predetermined amount of time elapses. Thus, it is possible to provide a video game device and a video game program in which the player can influence the moving path or the moving direction of the player (moving) character based on the shape and/or the direction of the line drawn by the player.

Illustrative Claim:


1. A video game device, comprising: a display section for displaying a game image; a position inputting unit for inputting a position on the game image; trace storage control programmed logic circuitry for storing, in storage locations, trace data representing a series of input positions inputted by the position inputting unit; movement control programmed logic circuitry for storing, in storage locations, position data of a moving character and updating the position data based on a predetermined rule; determination programmed logic circuitry for determining whether or not the moving character has contacted a trace based on the trace data and the position data, said trace having the shape of a line drawn displayed on the display section; on-trace movement control programmed logic circuitry for updating the position data so that the moving character moves according to the trace based on the trace data when it is determined by the determination programmed logic circuitry that the moving character has contacted the trace; and display control programmed logic circuitry for displaying the moving character on the display section based on the position data.

Summary:


The ‘806 patent provides a system where NPC (non-playing characters) can be programmed with different “goals’ during an MMOG game. A user can have his avatar approach a NPC and interact with him. Under this invention, the NPC will have a different interaction with the player each time depending on the internal time and past decisions the player has made. For example, at one point the NPC may need the player’s help setting a trap for a bear, when the next time he needs help with his campaign for mayor. By programming several options into the NPC, the invention attempts to make sure that the user’s past choices in the game matter and affect the game play.

Abstract:

The invention provides a role-playing game environment wherein the nature of various NPCs within the game may be varied over time within the game. The goals of various NPCs within the game may be dynamically and automatically changed within the game. At certain in-game time periods, the game server may dynamically assign one or more new goals for some or all of the NPCs based on the current status of each NPC. When a player later interacts with a given NPC assist (or impede) that NPC in reaching its currently assigned goal, the method may dynamically determine a steps that the player’s avatar may perform to assist (or impede) the goal. Thus, players cannot predict what will happen when they move through the game and reach a location at which they can interact with a given NPC, making the game-playing experience ever fresh and challenging.

Illustrative Claim:

1. A method for varying the experiential content available to human players of an only role-playing game comprising: a computer providing an in-game environment having a number of computer-generated, computer-controlled, non-playing characters (NPCs) with which human players can interact, wherein human players carry a status with in the in-game environment based on their prior game-playing experience, and wherein the in-game status of a given human player is stored so as to be carried forward from one game-playing session to the next; the computer assigning an individual set of values to at least some of the NPCs, wherein the set of values assigned to an y such NPC is stored so as to be carried forward from one game-playing session to the next; the computer providing a set of goals which are available to be assigned to the NPCs with in the in-game environment, wherein for each goal of the set of goals, the computer provides a set of candidate steps which, if accomplished during in-game play, will result in achieving the goal; within an in-game time frame defined by the computer for use within the in-game environment, the computer assigning a specific goal randomly selected from at least a subset of the set of goals to one of the NPCs, wherein the specific goal remains assigned to the one of the NPCs for at least the duration of the in-game time frame; within the in-game time frame, in response to a human player electing to interact with one of the NPCs, the computer defining a set of one or more steps operable by the human player during the in-game time frame to assist the one of the NPCs in achieving the specific goal from among the set of candidate steps for the specific goal; and within a subsequent in-game time frame, the computer assigning a different goal randomly selected from a subset of the set of goals other than the at least a subset of the set of goals to the one of the NPCs for at least the duration of the subsequent in-game time frame.

Summary:

The ‘697 patent describes a game apparatus where a character is moved between different areas of a map with greater ease. According to the invention, whenever a player approaches a door in the game which leads to a new area, a symbol is displayed for the player. Whenever a player attempts to open the door, if the requirements to unlock the door have been met, the door will open instantly. If, however, the requirements have not been satisfied, the invention calls for a message to be displayed explaining the objective that must be completed to open the door. A hint will also be displayed if the player needs one to help him progress in the game.

Abstract:

A game apparatus executes a game in which a player character is moved between different fields through a given traveling route according to an instruction input from a player. When the player character moves to a first area close to a door, a symbol “!” is displayed. When the character moves to a second area, a symbol set “!!” is displayed. In the second area, if unlocking conditions for the door are satisfied, a method of manipulation for opening the door is displayed. If the conditions are not satisfied, a method of manipulation for displaying a hint for opening the door is displayed. If the conditions for unlocking the door are satisfied, when the player performs the manipulation for opening the door, an action of the player character to open the door is displayed. Map data of the destination room is loaded into a temporary storage from a recording medium and then the player character moves to the opposite room through the door.

Illustrative Claim:

1. A game apparatus for executing a game that is advanced by moving a player character in a virtual space, including a first field and a second field, the second field opening into the first field via a predetermined traveling route, and for displaying an image representing a status of the game being executed on a display, the game apparatus comprising: a normal movement inputter operable to input an instruction to move the player character in the virtual space, including the first and second fields, in accordance with a player operation; a cross-field movement inputter operable to input an instruction to move the player character from the first field to the second field through the traveling route in accordance with a player operation; a normal mover operable to move the player character in any one of the first and second fields in which the player character is present in accordance with the instruction input from the normal movement inputter, the normal mover including a direction changer to change a direction of the player character in accordance with the instruction input from the normal movement inputter; a movement restriction switcher operable to switch a status of the game between a cross-field movement disabled state, in which the player character is not allowed to move from the first field to the second field, and a cross-field movement enabled state, in which the player character is allowed to move from the first field to the second field, in accordance with conditions established during progress of the game; a cross-field movement enable/disable determiner operable to determine whether the status of the game has been switched to the cross-field movement enabled state by the movement restriction switcher when the player character is moved by the normal mover to a specific region set based on a position of the traveling route within the first field; a direction determiner that determines whether the direction that the player character faces is a given direction relative to the position of the traveling route between the first and second fields when the player character has been moved into the specific region by the normal mover; a cross-field movement enable/disable displayer operable to display cross-field movement enable/disable information, indicating whether the player character is allowed to move from the first field to the second field on the display based upon the determination made by the cross-field movement enable/disable determiner, when the player character is determined to face in the given direction by the direction determiner; a cross-field movement enablement displayer operable to display information indicating conditions to be established for switching the status from the cross-field movement disabled state to the cross-field movement enabled state by the movement restriction switcher when the cross-field movement enable/disable determiner determines that the status has been switched to the cross-field movement disabled state and when an instruction to move the player character from the first field to the second field is input from the cross-field movement inputter; a cross-field mover operable to move the player character from the first field to the second field when an instruction to move the player character from the first field to the second field is input from the cross-field movement inputter and the cross-field movement enable/disable determiner determines that the status of the game is the cross-field movement enabled state; and a cross-field movement prohibiter operable to keep the player character within the first field without moving the player character to the second field when an instruction to move the player character from the first field to the second field is input from the cross-field movement inputter and the cross-field movement enable/disable determiner determines that the status of the game is the cross-field movement disabled state.

Summary:


The ‘186 patent provides for a system which allows a player to observe other game sessions without participating. The invention monitors the gameplay and allows the player to access game stats (score, time, etc .) in order to follow alongside the game. The invention is intended to allow novice players the chance to watch other players and learn moves or tactics which will help in their progression. Since different players advance through the game at different paces, this observation mode allows a player to learn without being disadvantaged while playing.

Abstract:

Methods and systems for broadcasting game sessions to be viewable by spectators are disclosed. In addition to sending telemetry data to other game clients participating in a game session, one or more game clients in the game session also sends the game telemetry data to a title server for the video game being played. The title server analyzes and repackages the received telemetry data and rebroadcasts the repackaged telemetry as a spectator feed to non-participant spectator client devices for viewing by users of the spectator client devices. Each spectator client device can analyze and manipulate the received telemetry data using a copy of the video game executing on the spectator client device, or may simply playback the feed when the feed includes a complete audiovisual file.


Exemplary Claim:

1. One or more computer storage media storing computer executable instructions for performing a method of distributing game telemetry data corresponding to a game session of a video game to a spectator client to allow a user of the spectator client to spectate the game session, said method comprising steps of: receiving at a network location not joined in the game session, game telemetry data generated by one or more participant clients of the game session of the video game, each participant client executing the video game under the control of a corresponding participant player; the network location creating a spectator feed by aggregating the received game telemetry data; receiving a request for the spectator feed from a spectator client not participating in the game session; the network location sending the spectator feed over the computer network to the spectator client; executing the video game on the spectator client using the received game telemetry data wherein the game telemetry data comprises projectile information and wherein the executing step comprises: establishing a ghost character representation for the spectator at the camera position; and applying the received game telemetry data against the ghost character wherein the applying step comprises the ghost character taking damage as a result of being hit by a projectile.

Summary:

The ‘284 patent describes the visual concept for games like “Rock Band” or “Guitar Hero,” where a player’s cues are given via a colored highway where the necessary buttons are displayed. The invention here involves using a drum kit during the game. During the game, a player has his own lane which corresponds to his instrument. Each player in the game will be given their own lane which will then be split into different sections (corresponding with the different buttons the players have available). The drum kit features several different pads (which all correspond to color cues that travel along the player’s highway) and also includes a bass pedal which will be required whenever a solid line is displayed along the highway. The player needs to press the buttons in time with the music in order to gain points throughout the game.

Abstract:

Systems and methods for displaying cues indicating input actions in a rhythm-action game may include: displaying, to a player of a rhythm-action game, a lane divided into at least two sub-lanes, each sub-lane containing cues indicating a drum input element; and displaying, to the player, an additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes, the additional cue indicating a foot pedal action. In some embodiments, the additional cue may span all the sub-lanes. In some embodiments, each sub-lane may contain cues indicating a drum input element of a set of linearly arranged drum input elements. In other embodiments, each sub-lanes may correspond to a fret button of a simulated guitar and the additional cue may correspond to an open strum.


Illustrative Claim:

1. A method executed by a game platform for rendering, on a screen display, a foot-pedal cue in a rhythm-action video game, the method comprising: a. displaying via the screen display, to a player of the rhythm-action video game, a lane divided into at least two sub-lanes, each sub-lane containing cues indicating a drum input element; b. displaying via the screen display, to the player, an additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes and not confined to a distinct sub-lane, the additional cue indicating a foot pedal action; and c. displaying via the screen display, to the player, a cue contained within a sub-lane and overlaid over the additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes.

Summary:

The ‘955 patent describes a method for accumulating data in order to successively match users during online gaming. One way players are matched together is based upon their style of play. The system attempts to match players who are looking for similar game styles, have similar skill levels, and have similar reputations. The invention uses measurements for several different characteristics before it matches up players, including: aggressiveness, playing likeability, and trash talking. After analyzing the several factors, the system matches players based upon its determination of whether the first player is a good match for the second player.

Abstract:

A method and system for accumulating data to match and matching a user, based upon a play style and/or personal attribute, in an online gaming environment is described. One aspect of the invention provides a matchmaking system that matches players based upon a play style of the players. The system matches players who are looking for games with players who prefer similar play styles. Similarly the system can match players based upon a personal attribute of the player. The system can be built into existing general skill level and technical capabilities based matchmaking systems to provide more user desired matchmaking parameters, allowing a user to choose based upon play style, personal attribute, general skill level, and/or technical capabilities.

Illustrative Claim:

1. A method for matching users over a network in an online gaming environment, the method comprising steps of: entering a user into a first online game available over the network; receiving from the user by way of the network at least one response to at least one query to the user about the first online game experience following completion of the first online game by the user; determining a play style parameter of a requesting user based on the at least one response, the determined play style parameter for being employed to connect the requesting user to a second online game available over the network, the second game being different from the first online game; and connecting the requesting user to the second online game based at least in part on the determined play style parameter; the connecting being based at least in part on a collaborative filtering method that aids the requesting user in the selection of the second online game based upon evaluations of the second online game made by other users.

Summary:

The ‘300 patent provides a new way to treat character damage during a game. In past games, a player could heal his character by receiving a power-up (plants in the Resident Evil series).  Once these power ups were ingested, the character’s health would be fully restored. This invention features a new way to restore health—under this invention a character’s health is restored slowly based on what part of his body is injured. Thus, healing will be quicker if only one part of the body is injured, but slower if more parts of the body are hurt.


Abstract:

Game program has a procedure for renewing, for reducing a value of a life power parameter according to volume of damage received and for renewing it, a procedure for setting parameter value, for setting the value of the life power parameter reduced and renewed as a standard parameter value and for storing it in a memory, a procedure for recovering, for increasing the value of the life power parameter by a value of recovery parameter which is set on a recovery item which is instructed to be used by a player and for renewing it, a procedure for reducing, for reducing the value of the life power parameter in the memory which was increased and renewed at a predetermined reduction velocity with the passage of time and for renewing it.

Illustrative Claim:

1. A damage control game program embodied in a computer readable medium being used in a game program, for getting each character to take an action in a game world on the basis of a value of life power parameter which is set on said each character and for displaying said action on a monitor as an image, comprising: an item data file for storing a recoverable value of said life power parameter concerning a recovery item for temporarily recovering said value of said life power parameter of said character, said game program for setting a standard parameter value which shows a wounded state of said character in connection with said life power parameter, and a parameter value which shows present life power of said character; said damage control game program for executing the following procedures, a procedure for renewing life power parameter, for reducing said value of said life power parameter which is set on, said character and is stored in a memory of a computer according to a volume of damage received on said life power parameter of said character in said game world and renewing it; a procedure for setting standard parameter value, for setting said value of said life power parameter reduced and renewed by said procedure for renewing life power parameter as said standard parameter value and storing it in said memory of said computer; a procedure for natural recovery, for expressing a wounded state of said character by gradually successively recovering and renewing said standard parameter value which is stored in said memory by said procedure for setting standard parameter value at a predetermined natural recovery velocity with a passage of time up to a full state of said life power parameter of said character; a procedure for temporary recovery, for reading a value of a recovery parameter which is set on a recovery item which is instructed to be used by a player through input means out of said item data file which stores a value of said recoverable life power parameter concerning a recovery item through which said value of said life power parameter of said character can be temporarily recovered, and for increasing said value of said life power parameter of said character stored in said memory, independent of said standard parameter value by a value corresponding to a value of said read recovery parameter concerning said character who received said damage and for renewing it; a procedure for controlling said procedure for natural recovery and said procedure for temporary recovery, independently from each other; a procedure for judging wounded state, for judging whether or not said standard parameter value of said character at the time when being recovered by said procedure for temporary recovery, is in a wounded state where the value is smaller than a full parameter value of said character; a procedure for judging damage, for judging an amount of said damage received by said character from an enemy character in a battle and storing said amount of damage in a memory; a procedure for determining reduction velocity, for determining a reduction velocity according to said amount of damage stored in said memory by accessing a reduction velocity file containing a reduction velocity value of said life power parameter for each of a plurality of body portions of said character; wherein in said reduction velocity file, the reduction velocity associated with a first set of body portions is greater than the reduction velocity associated with a second set of body portions; a procedure for reducing life power parameter, for reducing said value of said life power parameter in said memory which was increased and renewed by said procedure for temporary recovery for said character, who has been judged to be in said wounded state by said procedure for judging wounded state, up to said standard parameter value at said reduction velocity which was determined by said procedure for determining reduction velocity with the passage of time and renewing it; a procedure for storing damage image data, for storing a body position of said damaged portion of said character received from said enemy character in said battle scene on a body image as damage image data for each said character; a procedure for controlling an old wound, for storing said body position of said damage with is stored in said damage image data as an old wound without erasing even if said character naturally recovers from said wounded state up to a full state of said life power parameter of said character by said procedure for natural recovery; and a procedure for displaying damage record, for displaying said old wound which has already been recovered and said damaged portion which has not yet been recovered on said monitor so as to differentiate in color and form to be displayed in response to an instruction from said player through said input means; wherein an effect of said recovery item on said life power parameter in a recovery action when said first set of body portions receive damage is smaller than an effect of said recovery item on said life power parameter in a recovery action when said second set of body portions receive damage.

Summary:

Put away your joysticks! The ‘616 patent describes a new way to control your character—with your voice. In this invention, the user controls his character’s actions using speech commands. There are two modes described within the invention, a learning mode and a non-learning mode. During the learning mode there are three stages shown in order to control a character. During the first stage the player is presented with a list of characters he can control. Once the player says one of the character names, the second stage is activated. In the second stage the player has to select an available action from the list of available actions. After selecting an action, the third stage is activated which includes more specific commands for the user to speak. If the player selects a correct command, a notification appears and the character performs the chosen action. The other mode, the non-learning mode, differs from the first in that no menu appears for the player to select from. Instead, the player is expected to have the speech commands memorized and to have the ability to seamlessly command his character without the help menus present in the other mode.

Abstract:

In a gaming system, a user controls actions of characters in the game environment using speech commands. In a learning mode, available speech commands are displayed in a command menu on a display device. In a non-learning mode, the available speech commands are not displayed. A speaker-independent context-sensitive speech recognition module contains a vocabulary of available speech commands. Use of speech commands is combined with input from a controller device to control actions of a character or characters in the game environment.

Illustrative Claim:

1. A method for training a user to utter a sequence of commands in a game environment by using voice control, the method comprising: executing first instructions stored in memory to determine a context based on a state of the game environment, the first instructions executed using a processor; displaying a menu of available commands based on the context; prompting the user to issue a vocal utterance associated with an available command from the menu of available commands; receiving a vocal utterance from the user; executing second instructions stored in memory to match the received vocal utterance with an available command from the menu of available commands, whereby the matching of the vocal utterance with an available command selects the command, the second instructions executed using a processor; adding the selected command to a sequence of commands including commands selected since a previously executed complete command; and executing the sequence of commands when the sequence of commands forms a complete command.

Summary:

The ‘410 patent provides a score verification system which verifies that a score of a player in an online game is an unaltered score obtained during the game. The invention features two units: one of them receives the player’s game information as the game advances while the second unit verifies the score to insure no one tampered with the game. High scores are stored on a server where they are analyzed to make sure of their accuracy.

Abstract:

A score verification system for verifying that a score of a player having played an online game is a true score of the player. A player terminal receives a game program from an online game server, and the game is played on the player terminal. Plural players execute the same online game, and compete for high score. The score acquired by the player, together with an operation history of the player, is transmitted to the online game server. In the case where the score may be a high score, the same play is reproduced based upon the operation history received by the online game server, and the fairness of the received score is verified based on the score obtained by the reproduction.

Illustrative Claim:

1. A score verification system for preventing alteration of a score in an online game, comprising: a game program storer that stores a game program of the online game with identification information attached thereto for identifying the game program; a game transmitter that transmits the game program to a player terminal for playing the online game; a game result receiver that receives information relating to a game result from the player terminal, the information including at least the identification information for identifying the game program, a first score calculated based upon an operation of the game program by the player, and an operation history of operation commands of the player; a score calculator that reads the game program corresponding to the identification information from the game program storer and executes the operation commands based on the operation history to reproduce the operation of the game program by the player to calculate a second score; and a score verifier that compares the first score with the second score to verify whether the first score is a true score, wherein the game program records, in the operation history and at a time of receiving each operation command of the player, a frame and a time elapsed from when the frame was displayed by the game program, the frame and the time elapsed being recorded in association with each received operation command of the player, and wherein the score calculator reproduces the operation of the game program by the player based upon the frame and the elapsed time recorded in the operation history.

Summary:

The ‘742 patent seeks to make video games more interested by describing a random map generation system. The invention randomly generates a map by assigning values to a number of different elements that may appear on the map (hills, water, weapons, etc.). The generator analyzes the weights of objects, the character in play, and the situation in order to make the fairest map possible. The invention seeks to make the game play fun for the user by changing the landscape, but it is programmed to not make unfair maps which would make the playing difficult for the player’s character.

Abstract:

The generation of a random map for use in a video game may involve a random value generation function, with weighted texture and/or object values to control whether certain textures and/or objects are placed at certain locations on the map. Some locations may have no objects, or may have rivers or cliffs added. Additionally, equitable object placement for multiple players may be accomplished using object constraints. Closest point determination may be used for certain object types, while other objects may have constraints relaxed if initial placement efforts are unsuccessful. As a further addition, physical modeling of a humanoid form may be accomplished using a three-part model, where angles on the model drive the display of animation frames for the object.

Illustrative Claim:

1. A computer-implemented method of generating a random map at a computing system having a processor and memory, comprising the steps of the computing system performing the following: the computing system defining a plurality of elements to be distributed across a plurality of tiles on a map to be generated; the computing system assigning a plurality of weight values to said plurality of elements; the computing system using a random value function to generate a value for each of said plurality of tiles; the computing system comparing said generated value with one or more of said assigned weight values to select one of said elements for one of said tiles; and the computing system adding said selected element, comprising a first object, to said one of said tiles in the map by at least performing the following: defining one or more placement constraints for a first object to be placed on a the map, said constraints identifying an object type, and indicating a distance value to be used in placing said first object if another object of said identified object type is already placed on said map; proposing a location on said map for said first object; determining whether said proposed location satisfies said one or more constraints; and if said proposed location does not satisfy said constraints, then finding a second location on said map for said first object, wherein said second location is found based on said proposed location.

Summary:

The ‘225 patent describes a system where the environment of the game changes based on the player’s movement during the game. A player, when he looks around him in a game, sees the surrounding environment immediately surrounding his character. The invention calculates the distance between the player and the boundary to determine what display should be shown. Whenever his character reaches the boundary of what the character can see, the invention updates the map and a new section is loaded; this provides a seamless transition from scene to scene without the player having to wait while the new area is loaded.

Abstract:

When movement of a player character is instructed, a position and a direction of the player character after movement thereof are calculated. When the calculated position of the player character after movement thereof is in a moving-to area moved from a current area over a boundary therebetween, map data of a body of the area moved from the current area and map data of a boundary area including a part of the moving-to area are loaded into a RAM from a recording medium, and then the player character is positioned in the moving-to area to be displayed on a display screen. When the player character is positioned in the boundary area near the boundary, a boundary object is displayed at a predetermined position above the boundary in a virtual three-dimensional space.

Illustrative Claim:

1. A game apparatus that executes a game which progresses by moving a player character in a virtual three-dimensional space having a field including a first field and a second field provided therein, the second field communicating with the first field via a predetermined moving path, and displays a screen showing a status of the game on a display device, the game apparatus comprising: a map data fixed storage for storing first map data including graphic data of the entire first field and a partial area of the second field near the moving path, and second map data including graphic data of the entire second field; a movement input for inputting an instruction to move the player character in the virtual three-dimensional space according to a player operation; a mover for moving the player character in the virtual three-dimensional space having the first field and the second field according to the instruction input from the movement input; a high-speed storage, having a faster data reading speed than the map data fixed storage, comprising a character data area for storing character data comprising graphic data of the player character, a map data area for storing map data corresponding to a field that includes a position to which the player character has moved, and a boundary data area for storing boundary data including graphic data of a boundary object indicating a boundary position between the first field and the second field, the boundary object not constituting the field; a map data loader for retrieving the second map data from the map data fixed storage, and for storing the retrieved second map data as a substitute for the first map data having been stored so far when the player character is moved to the second field from the first field; a positional relationship determiner for determining a positional relationship between the boundary position between the first field and the second field and a position of the player character when the player character is positioned in the first field, the positional relationship determiner including a distance determiner for determining a distance between the position of the player character and the boundary position; a boundary object layout device for laying out the boundary object at the boundary position between the first field and the second field when the player character is determined to be positioned in a predetermined range set with the boundary position being a criterion, by the positional relationship determiner; a perspective transformer for performing perspective transformation of a range of the virtual three-dimensional space including the position of the player character, onto a virtual screen from a virtual camera to generate a two-dimensional image to be displayed on the display device based upon the map data stored in the map data area and the character data stored in the character data area, and additionally the boundary data stored in the boundary data area when the boundary object is laid out; and a display controller for displaying the two-dimensional image generated by the perspective transformer on the display device, wherein the boundary object layout device comprises a distance mode changer for changing a display mode of the boundary object laid out at the boundary position in accordance with the distance determined by the distance determiner, and wherein the distance mode changer changes a transparency of the boundary data so that the transparency becomes lower as the distance determined by the distance determiner becomes shorter.

Summary:

The ‘326 patent describes a system where the weather of a real space is reflected on the weather of a virtual space. The invention allows a player with an internet connection to connect to a weather server and download the current weather forecast for the area and then place the actual weather into the game being played. Here, the game described is for a virtual pet game. Thus, whenever the player selects a current weather pattern the weather will then be downloaded to the game and the pet will experience the same real-time weather as the human controller. This allows the game to have a more life-like feel since the player and the animal will both experience the same weather pattern.

Abstract:

An information processing apparatus and method as well as a program storage medium wherein the weather of a real space is reflected on the weather of a virtual space. A plurality of personal computers can communicate data with a weather server over a display section. The weather server provides the look of the sky imaged by a video camera as weather information. Each of the personal computers displays, for example, when it is operating with an application for an electronic pet, a weather of a virtual space in which an electronic pet lives based on the weather information provided from the weather server.

Illustrative Claim:

1. An information processing method, comprising the steps of: requesting weather data regarding a desired district from an external apparatus; receiving the weather data and information corresponding to a time at which the weather data was requested regarding the desired district from the external apparatus; displaying the received weather data and the information corresponding to the time as a background for an electronic pet in a virtual space; displaying a command display section along with the electronic pet said command display section including commands a user may activate to control the electronic pet; displaying a weather setting button along with the electronic pet; and displaying a setting window when the weather setting button is selected said setting window including acquiring options for acquiring the weather data.