US20110256933A1 - Internet based community game - Google Patents

Internet based community game Download PDF

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Publication number
US20110256933A1
US20110256933A1 US13/085,922 US201113085922A US2011256933A1 US 20110256933 A1 US20110256933 A1 US 20110256933A1 US 201113085922 A US201113085922 A US 201113085922A US 2011256933 A1 US2011256933 A1 US 2011256933A1
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game
content
sponsor
game content
created
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Abandoned
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US13/085,922
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Mary Ann Place
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US13/085,922 priority Critical patent/US20110256933A1/en
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/33Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using wide area network [WAN] connections
    • A63F13/335Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers using wide area network [WAN] connections using Internet
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/60Generating or modifying game content before or while executing the game program, e.g. authoring tools specially adapted for game development or game-integrated level editor
    • A63F13/61Generating or modifying game content before or while executing the game program, e.g. authoring tools specially adapted for game development or game-integrated level editor using advertising information
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/60Generating or modifying game content before or while executing the game program, e.g. authoring tools specially adapted for game development or game-integrated level editor
    • A63F13/63Generating or modifying game content before or while executing the game program, e.g. authoring tools specially adapted for game development or game-integrated level editor by the player, e.g. authoring using a level editor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/70Game security or game management aspects
    • A63F13/71Game security or game management aspects using secure communication between game devices and game servers, e.g. by encrypting game data or authenticating players
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/70Game security or game management aspects
    • A63F13/79Game security or game management aspects involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories
    • A63F13/792Game security or game management aspects involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories for payment purposes, e.g. monthly subscriptions
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/50Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
    • A63F2300/55Details of game data or player data management
    • A63F2300/5513Details of game data or player data management involving billing
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/50Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by details of game servers
    • A63F2300/55Details of game data or player data management
    • A63F2300/5546Details of game data or player data management using player registration data, e.g. identification, account, preferences, game history
    • A63F2300/556Player lists, e.g. online players, buddy list, black list
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/60Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program
    • A63F2300/6009Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program for importing or creating game content, e.g. authoring tools during game development, adapting content to different platforms, use of a scripting language to create content
    • A63F2300/6018Methods for processing data by generating or executing the game program for importing or creating game content, e.g. authoring tools during game development, adapting content to different platforms, use of a scripting language to create content where the game content is authored by the player, e.g. level editor or by game device at runtime, e.g. level is created from music data on CD
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/80Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
    • A63F2300/8064Quiz

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a game created using a web site, user(s), a network connecting the user(s), a game, game content, and game components.
  • Games are known in the prior art for providing entertainment to the players of the various games. Some games are directed familiarizing the game players with a specific topic or community. Some games are used as educational tools and help the game players learn about a particular topic. Games are in many forms, including playing cards, computer games, and board games. Many of these games involve trivia questions and answers.
  • the present invention is directed to a virtual or tangible game created using a web site, user(s), a network connecting the user(s), a game, game content, and game components where the user(s) help with the creation of the game and game sponsors are incorporated into the game.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram illustrating other possible steps that may be taken to incorporate a sponsor and an electronic order confirmation and payment feature into the game.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of the possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram illustrating other possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram illustrating other possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of the possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 8 is a screen shot of an example web page that may be used as a Log In page within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 9 is a screen shot of an example web page that may be used as a Main menu page within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 10 is a screen shot of an example web page that may be used as a page for creating a new game within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 11 is a screen shot of an example web page that may be used as a page for creating or amending a customer's account within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 12 is a screen shot of an example Web page that may be used to create new trivia cards within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 13 is the screen shot example of FIG. 12 where a card category title has been created and the question type has been selected.
  • FIGS. 14 , 15 , and 16 are screen shot examples of FIG. 13 with different trivia question types selected.
  • FIG. 17 is the screen shot example of FIG. 13 with sponsor information and sponsor questions entered onto the trivia card.
  • FIGS. 18 and 19 are screen shots of example Web pages where images are uploaded, edited, and displayed on trivia cards within an Internet based game.
  • FIG. 20 is a screen shot of an example Web page that shows a status summary of the trivia cards' creation.
  • FIG. 21 shows examples of community trivia and sponsor trivia cards and game pieces.
  • FIG. 22 shows example screen shots of an electronic version of the game.
  • FIGS. 23 , 24 , and 25 show the tangible, physical version of the game and its components.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an Internet 3 based community game 12 .
  • the game 12 is created using a community connected through the Internet 3 or another network 3 .
  • the game 12 includes a provider 1 , a community web site 2 , a plurality of user(s) 4 , and a network 3 that connects these parties such as the Internet 3 .
  • the provider 1 and user(s) 4 may be natural persons or legal entities (or any combination thereof) and may be unrelated except for their participation in the game community.
  • the user(s) 4 may include customer 5 of the provider 1 and non-customer user(s) 4 .
  • the user(s) 4 enter game content 16 , for example group and sponsor trivia questions, answers, and images, into the web site 2 provided by the provider 1 from an input terminal 15 , such as a computer, a mobile phone, an email device, a personal digital assistant, a television, a system-on-chip (SoC), or a handheld data collection scanners.
  • the provider 1 may provide the web sites and general infrastructure necessary to offer hosting services to Internet user(s) 4 .
  • the provider 1 may host the game 12 on behalf of the customer 5 . Alternatively, the game 12 may stand alone which would permit the customer 5 to select an outside host 19 .
  • the Internet 3 user(s) 4 that purchase services from the provider 1 become the customers 5 .
  • the game community may allow for the exchange of information among the provider 1 and the user(s) 4 , such as messages, customer reviews, testimonials, and chat forums, or information exchanged among the user(s) 4 themselves.
  • Sponsors 6 may use the game community to easily advertise on the game's web site(s) 2 .
  • the provider 1 offers its customers 5 a method of creating a game 12 and a game creation community using an online data collection and storage tool.
  • the game 12 may be a virtual game 23 , such as a computer or Internet-based game, or alternatively in the form of a tangible board game or set of playing cards.
  • the provider services may be fee-based and may include providing an online 2 , 7 for customers 5 to use to create a game 12 , as well as electronic storage space, customer support, technical support, printing services, web site hosting services, or editing services.
  • the provider 1 may also sell products such as game pieces 30 , trivia cards 27 , clothing, books, or any combination thereof related to its Internet based game community through a web site 2 .
  • the provider 1 may review the information entered by the user(s) 4 and verify whether it meets the standards (such as for quality, truthfulness, or accuracy) set by the provider 1 .
  • the provider 1 sells its game 12 community services to a user 4 , who pays a fee to use the web site 2 , and becomes a customer 5 for a limited period of time.
  • the customer 5 purchases the right to use the provider's online database 7 and web site 2 to create an Internet game 12 .
  • This customer 5 then creates a user profile for the customer, or a customer profile.
  • Multiple user(s) 4 may become customers 5 simultaneously.
  • One customer 5 may create multiple games 12 and versions of games 12 simultaneously.
  • the provider 1 is the web site 2 and game administrator and has full access to and control over all customers' 5 games' 12 content.
  • the provider 1 may store its customers' 5 information on a plurality of hosts 19 .
  • a host 19 may be a computer, a client, a server, a network appliance, a media player, a game console, a mobile phone, an email device, a personal digital assistant, a television, a system-on-chip (SoC), a set-top boxes, audio recorder, a handheld data collection scanners, a printer, or a monitoring device.
  • a hosting server may be located in a single or multiple data centers. If a plurality of data centers is used, they may be connected via a high speed network 3 such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet or other high speed packet-switched network.
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • Internet Internet
  • Each data center may have a central hub coordinating the servers at that data center with other central hub(s) coordinating the hosting servers in their respective data center(s).
  • a host 19 may have the hardware and software 8 needed for dedicated hosting, virtual dedicated hosting, shared hosting, managed hosting, temporary time sliced hosting, and/or other types of hosting that are currently known or will be developed in the future.
  • the provider 1 may store multiple customers' information on a single or alternatively on several hosts 19 .
  • Software 8 may be used on virtual dedicated hosting server(s) to provide much of the same functionality as dedicated hosting in a more cost-efficient manner.
  • the provider 1 may provide at least one web site 2 in order to facilitate communication among various user(s) 4 and the provider 1 .
  • the provider 1 may have unlimited access to review/edit all parts of the web sites 2 and monitor the web sites 2 for accurate and appropriate information.
  • the provider 1 offers its customers 5 access to a community web site 2 , which is illustrated in FIGS. 12-20 .
  • Access may be restricted as desired from other Internet user(s) 4 by the use of passwords, checking previous visited web pages or by other techniques known for controlling access to a web site.
  • Access may be open for unlimited numbers of user(s), for example any Internet user, or restricted to only certain user(s), such as customers 5 or customer-designated members of a specific community.
  • One possible method of controlling user access level is to require the user 4 to log into the web site 2 and verify its identity prior to accessing the web site 2 .
  • Some user(s) 4 may enter the web site 2 with general, limited access. These user(s) 4 may not need to enter a password to gain access to the web site 2 .
  • User(s) 4 who have greater access, such as customers 5 or editors, may be required to log into the community web site 2 and create a unique user profile 13 .
  • the web site 2 may include a home page from which the customers 5 may initially access the web site 2 . From the home page, user(s) 4 may log in and access other web pages in the web site 2 via drop down menus, tabs, or other types of links as is known in the art to navigate a web site.
  • the web site 2 may include a plurality of web pages created by the provider 1 , as shown in FIGS. 8-20 . Customers 5 may be allowed to enter reviews, testimonials or other information on the web site 2 which may be useful for other prospective user(s) 4 interested in purchasing the provider's services.
  • the web site 2 may also include features that enable the customer 5 to electronically purchase the provider's goods and services, such as customer support, technical support, printing services, or editing services, as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • the web site 2 may also include one or more community forums.
  • the provider 1 may monitor the content of the forums for accuracy, civility and usefulness.
  • the forums may be, as examples, in a general forum format or in a Wiki format.
  • the provider 1 and/or user(s) 4 may contribute information, such as support articles related to particular applications, which may be viewable by others.
  • Certain forums may be created that are restricted as to whom may contribute, edit or read the information presented in the forum. For example, a forum may be created that may only be written to and read by customers 5 .
  • FIGS. 2-7 illustrate flowcharts for methods of creating the game 12 .
  • the game 12 may be in a virtual, electronic form or alternatively be in a tangible board game 12 or playing cards.
  • a new game customer 5 navigates to the home page and logs into a web site 2 with a login screen, as shown in FIG. 8 .
  • the web site 2 may be accessed using any type of input terminal 15 known in the art, for example, a computer, a mobile phone, an email device, a personal digital assistant, a television, a system-on-chip (SoC), or a handheld data collection scanners.
  • An existing customer 5 may log in by entering its email address and password. A new customer 5 must register before it could log into the web site 2 and create a game 12 .
  • a new customer 5 who does not yet have a password may create a password when initially logging into the web site 2 .
  • a new user 4 must first create an account before it could create a new game 12 . After this, the user 4 could edit the game 12 .
  • a user 4 that is not a customer 5 with an account may enter game content 16 into a customer's game 12 if the customer 5 desires.
  • These non-customer user(s) 4 may log into a database 7 accessible from another web site 2 that is affiliated with the provider's web site 2 . They have limited access to the game content 16 . For example, the non-customer user(s) 4 may see a question previously uploaded and comment on it or upload images.
  • the customer 5 is then brought to a main menu 11 , as shown in FIG. 9 , where it may edit its profile, create a new game 12 , select an existing game 12 for further editing, or log off.
  • the main menu 11 page shows a list of the customer's 5 existing games 12 and links to the customer's 5 account information. Also from the main menu 11 , a customer 5 could navigate to another web page, as shown in FIG. 10 , in order to create a new game 12 . If a customer 5 wishes to create a new game 12 , it selects a “Create New Game” button 22 , which is connected to a hyperlink.
  • the customer 5 is then brought to a “Create New Game 12 ” screen, as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the customer 5 enters the name of the new game 12 and designates the type of game 12 .
  • a job number 10 generated by the Provider's web site 2 is automatically assigned to the game 12 when the customer 5 creates a new game 12 .
  • the customer 5 selects the “Your Account Information” link.
  • the customer 5 is then brought to the “Your Account Information” screen, as shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the customer 5 may edit its personal information, such as its name, address, and contact information.
  • the customer 5 may save its account information into the database 7 by clicking the “Create Account” button 22 .
  • a customer 5 pays a fee to the provider 1 for the game services, as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • the customer 5 may be prompted to pay electronically through a pop up window that appears when the customer 5 creates a new game 12 and selects the type of end product it desires.
  • the customer 5 may elect when it pays the fee for its services.
  • the customer 5 may log into the web site 2 , navigate to the main menu 11 , confirm its order, and pay its fee.
  • the pricing may differ, depending on the combination of products and services the customer 5 selects.
  • the game 12 may be a virtual game 23 , such as a computer or Internet 3 based game 12 , with virtual game 23 components such as virtual game 23 trivia cards 27 , or alternatively the game 12 may be a tangible game 25 , for example a game board 26 , a game piece 30 , or a set of playing cards.
  • the tangible game 25 is produced by submitting the game content 16 to be printed after it is completely uploaded onto the web site 2 .
  • the game content 16 may be printed out onto multiple tangible game components, for example, trivia cards 27 , a game board 26 , or game pieces 30 . Examples of such game 12 components are illustrated in FIGS. 21 , 23 , 24 , and 25 .
  • FIG. 21 illustrates examples of trivia game cards 27 .
  • Each card 27 may have an image on one side, a series of questions and answers, and sponsor information 29 on the opposite side.
  • FIG. 21 also illustrates a game piece 30 which like the trivia card 27 may have an image on one side and text and sponsor information on the opposite side.
  • the game board 26 , game box 31 , and storage tray 32 may be mass produced.
  • the trivia cards 27 and game pieces 30 may be created and ordered in limited quantities by the customer 5 .
  • the trivia cards 5 may be custom printed and placed in storage tray 32 in the game box 31 and shipped to the customer 5 .
  • Each customer 5 has a unique profile.
  • the customer 5 may limit other user(s)' access to its profile. For example, the customer 5 may allow an unlimited number of Internet user(s)' 4 to access its profile or alternatively restrict access to a specific set of user(s) 4 , for example, a particular family, school, political, or religious community.
  • the customer 5 logs into its profile at an input terminal 15 .
  • the customer 5 may designate itself, the provider 1 , or another user 4 as the game editor 8 .
  • Customers 5 and non-customer user(s) 4 may use the web site 2 to collectively create the game 12 .
  • User(s) 4 upload game content 16 , such as text, images, video, or sounds, into the game 12 .
  • the Provider 1 may create a core amount of basic game information on Web site 2 which is subsequently customized by the customer 5 and the user(s) 4 .
  • the game content 16 is uploaded into the web site 2 , it is displayed onto a host 19 , such as a computer or mobile computing device in the form of virtual game 23 components, for example, virtual game card 24 .
  • the customer 5 may track the game's development status using, for example, the web page shown in FIG. 25 .
  • a customer 5 may also delete, amend, or manipulate an existing game 12 or the previously uploaded game content 16 .
  • the customer 5 submits the game content 16 for editing and fact checking by an editor or reviewer, who researches and verifies the factual accuracy of the game content 16 .
  • the reviewer or editor may be a person or computer and examines the game content 16 , makes any edits if necessary, and saves the edits into the database 7 , and returns to the main menu 11 .
  • FIG. 3 illustrates how the game 12 may have sponsorship 6 and include sponsor information 29 and sponsor game content 16 .
  • the sponsor information 29 and sponsor game content 16 may comprise, for example, advertisements 18 , logos, contact information, text, images, or sounds that relate to the sponsor 6 .
  • a user 4 may incorporate the sponsor information 29 into the game 12 by uploading it into the web site 2 .
  • FIG. 19 shows example screen prints of web pages where a user 4 may upload sponsor information 29 and sponsor game content 16 . After uploading the sponsor information 29 and sponsor game content 16 , the user 4 may amend it. Upon completion, the user 4 returns to the main menu 11 , as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 21 illustrates how the sponsor information 29 and game content 16 may be displayed on the game 12 cards, game pieces 30 , or the user 4 interface 14 , and how sponsor 6 trivia questions are displayed on sponsor trivia game cards 28 .
  • FIGS. 2-7 illustrate the process for creating and editing a game 12 .
  • FIGS. 8-20 show the screen shots of the web pages used to create a new game 12 and upload the game content 16 .
  • FIG. 12 shows a screen print of a blank web page where customers 5 enter game content 16 , specifically the game trivia cards. The customer 5 enters a card category title for the game cards in the category title box. The customer 5 may choose the category from a predetermined list of categories designated by the provider 1 or alternatively create a new category.
  • Some examples of categories for a community game 12 are history, geography, natural resources, organizations, transportation, local government, recreation, services, volunteering, potpourri, or wildcard.
  • the customer 5 To upload sponsor content 16 the customer 5 also selects a question type, such as true/false, multiple choice, simple answer, or essay question.
  • This web page also displays guidelines, sample questions, a sample question card, and a help menu.
  • the card's content is harvested from the text and images which the customer 5 or a user 4 enters.
  • the card's image may update at regular, preset time intervals (e.g. every 30 seconds) or alternatively using a WYSIWYG system, which displays the card's content during editing and appears very similar to the final output, such as a printed trivia game card, web page, or electronic/virtual trivia game card. This allows the customer 5 to view an electronic/virtual and manipulate its layout continuously while creating the card.
  • FIGS. 12-19 also show the question and image status boxes which show the status of the game card's creation.
  • FIG. 20 shows a status web page which summarizes the game's creation by reporting the status of each card's creation.
  • the web page solicits the customer 5 to enter additional information.
  • the web page seeks information from the user 4 , in the form of question text, answer text, and follow-up information.
  • the follow-up information may be additional facts or trivia relating to the question.
  • a user 4 may opt to navigate to different cards by entering a specific card number in the “Go to Card” box.
  • FIGS. 12-19 also illustrate examples of the screens that appear when the customer 5 enters question and answer information in the form of text onto the virtual game card.
  • the customer 5 selects the “Questions” tab at the top of the screen and enters the question information.
  • FIGS. 12-19 show examples of the screens that appear based on the different question types selected. There are four question type options—simple answer, true/false, multiple choice, and essay.
  • FIG. 12 shows a blank, new card entry screen where a blank new category title can be input and deleted at any time.
  • FIG. 13 shows a blank, new card entry screen where a simple answer question type is selected but no text has been entered.
  • FIG. 14 shows the screen and virtual card of FIG. 13 where a question and answer text has been entered into the game 12 .
  • FIG. 12 shows a blank, new card entry screen where a blank new category title can be input and deleted at any time.
  • FIG. 13 shows a blank, new card entry screen where a simple answer question type is selected but no
  • FIG. 15 shows an example of a completed entry screen for a true/false question card.
  • FIG. 16 shows a blank, new card entry screen where a multiple choice question type is selected.
  • FIG. 17 shows a card entry screen where for a sponsor trivia card 28 .
  • FIG. 18 shows screen shots 20 of screens from which images for the trivia cards 27 are uploaded and edited.
  • FIGS. 18 and 19 show example screen shots 20 of the web page where the customer 5 enters image information onto a virtual game 23 card.
  • the customer 5 selects the “Images” tab at the top of the screen to enter the screen where the customer 5 could enter images and text regarding the images.
  • the customer 5 then indicates whether the image is a card image or sponsor image.
  • the customer 5 may upload a new image or select an image that has already been uploaded by for example, selecting a “Choose File” button, which triggers a browser that allows the customer 5 to select an image from the location where it is stored.
  • the customer 5 may enter text relating to the image, such as an image title or an image credit.
  • the user 4 may submit the information and save the information to a database 7 by selecting “Submit”. Alternatively, the customer 5 may delete the image by selecting “Delete Photo”.
  • the customer 5 After the customer 5 uploads the question text, the customer 5 must define what the question status is by selecting the status from a group of pre-determined options, for example, “not started”, “rough”, “complete”, and “final approval”. The question status is then displayed on the screen.
  • the customer 5 For the image status, after the customer 5 uploads the image, the customer 5 must define what the image status is by selecting the status from a group of pre-determined options, for example, “not started”, “complete”, and “final approval”.
  • a customer 5 may also navigate to a different card front this screen by entering the desired card destination in the “Go to Card” box.
  • FIG. 19 shows screen shots 20 of screens from which images for the sponsor trivia cards 28 are uploaded and edited.
  • a sponsor's information 29 such as the sponsor's name, web site, address, and phone number, are added to the game card.
  • the sponsor information 29 is immediately displayed on the virtual card on the same web page. After the customer 5 enters sponsor information 29 on to the virtual card, the customer 5 selects a question type and enters question and answer information relating to the sponsor 6 .
  • FIG. 20 shows a screen shot 20 of an example Web page that shows a status summary of the trivia cards' creation relating to the card text and images.
  • a customer 5 may navigate to this page by clicking the “Manage” tab, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-20 .
  • the status summary page displays the status designation of each question and image entered onto the virtual game card 24 .
  • the customer 5 may view, sort, display or print the question and image status information as the customer 5 wishes.
  • the status summary page may also depict the status designations in an alternative form, such as a bar graph or pie chart.
  • the virtual game card 24 may also be displayed in a WYSIWYG format on the web pages. This also helps the customer 5 monitors the status of the game cards' development.
  • the information that the customer 5 enters into the customer profile is automatically saved into the online database 7 .
  • the customer 5 may return to the main menu 11 or log out without losing game content 16 that the customer 5 has entered.
  • the customer 5 may submit the game 12 to the provider 1 to be displayed on the medium of the customer's choice.
  • FIG. 21 shows example large, small, sponsor trivia game cards 28 and an example game piece 30 .
  • Trivia game cards 27 may contain questions, answers, and sponsor information 29 , and images relevant to the questions, answers and sponsors 6 .
  • Each card contains an image side and a question side.
  • the image side may show at least one image, an image background, an image credit, an image title, a unique job number, a unique card number, a unique side card ID.
  • the question side may show a card category, questions, answers, follow-up information, or sponsor information 29 .
  • Sponsor information 29 may include logos, web sites 2 , addresses, contact information, or trivia relating to the sponsor 6 .
  • the small game 12 card may contain images, questions, answers, and sponsor information 29 .
  • FIGS. 21 , 24 , and 25 show examples of game pieces 30 .
  • Each game piece 30 may contain images and text and may also be assigned a unique identification (ID) number which is randomly assigned by the provider's web site 2 .
  • ID unique identification
  • FIG. 22 shows an electronic version of the game product.
  • the electronic game 12 may be played by various game 12 players connected by the Internet 3 or any other network 3 by, for example, computers or any other known mobile computing devices.
  • players see the virtual game card 24 and answer questions online.
  • FIGS. 23 , 24 , and 25 show a tangible, physical version of the game 12 and its components, including a game box 31 , a foldable game board 26 , a spinner, and a storage tray 32 .
  • Each game piece 30 may have a base and a card containing images and text.
  • FIG. 25 shows how the game components fit together into a compact game box 31 .
  • the provider 1 may create at least one forum to answer specific questions or to allow user(s) 4 to help and answer each other's questions.
  • the forums may have an instant messaging service or live chat room to facilitate communication among user(s) 4 , the provider 1 , customer(s) 5 , and a technical or customer service team.

Abstract

A game is created by a group connected by a network where the members contribute trivia questions and answers with corresponding images for the game through the use of an online database. The game content can be edited before it is finalized. The game may be virtual or tangible. The game may have sponsorship. The sponsors' trivia information is incorporated into and played as part of the game. The game may also be used as a promotional fundraising product.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • The present application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/342,417, filed Apr. 14, 2010.
  • FIELD OF INVENTION
  • This invention relates to a game created using a web site, user(s), a network connecting the user(s), a game, game content, and game components.
  • BACKGROUND
  • A multitude of various games are known in the prior art for providing entertainment to the players of the various games. Some games are directed familiarizing the game players with a specific topic or community. Some games are used as educational tools and help the game players learn about a particular topic. Games are in many forms, including playing cards, computer games, and board games. Many of these games involve trivia questions and answers.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is directed to a virtual or tangible game created using a web site, user(s), a network connecting the user(s), a game, game content, and game components where the user(s) help with the creation of the game and game sponsors are incorporated into the game.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram illustrating other possible steps that may be taken to incorporate a sponsor and an electronic order confirmation and payment feature into the game.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of the possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram illustrating other possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram illustrating other possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of the possible steps that may be taken within the Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 8 is a screen shot of an example web page that may be used as a Log In page within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 9 is a screen shot of an example web page that may be used as a Main menu page within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 10 is a screen shot of an example web page that may be used as a page for creating a new game within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 11 is a screen shot of an example web page that may be used as a page for creating or amending a customer's account within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 12 is a screen shot of an example Web page that may be used to create new trivia cards within an Internet based community game.
  • FIG. 13 is the screen shot example of FIG. 12 where a card category title has been created and the question type has been selected.
  • FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 are screen shot examples of FIG. 13 with different trivia question types selected.
  • FIG. 17 is the screen shot example of FIG. 13 with sponsor information and sponsor questions entered onto the trivia card.
  • FIGS. 18 and 19 are screen shots of example Web pages where images are uploaded, edited, and displayed on trivia cards within an Internet based game.
  • FIG. 20 is a screen shot of an example Web page that shows a status summary of the trivia cards' creation.
  • FIG. 21 shows examples of community trivia and sponsor trivia cards and game pieces.
  • FIG. 22 shows example screen shots of an electronic version of the game.
  • FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 show the tangible, physical version of the game and its components.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
  • The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood however that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.
  • Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
  • FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an Internet 3 based community game 12. The game 12 is created using a community connected through the Internet 3 or another network 3. The game 12 includes a provider 1, a community web site 2, a plurality of user(s) 4, and a network 3 that connects these parties such as the Internet 3. The provider 1 and user(s) 4 may be natural persons or legal entities (or any combination thereof) and may be unrelated except for their participation in the game community. The user(s) 4 may include customer 5 of the provider 1 and non-customer user(s) 4. Some user(s), for example, may be customers 5, editors, Internet user(s), and any other end user(s) 4 who contribute to the game's creation yet have no relationship with the customer 5, sponsors 6, or specific community members designated by the customer 5. The user(s) 4 enter game content 16, for example group and sponsor trivia questions, answers, and images, into the web site 2 provided by the provider 1 from an input terminal 15, such as a computer, a mobile phone, an email device, a personal digital assistant, a television, a system-on-chip (SoC), or a handheld data collection scanners. The provider 1 may provide the web sites and general infrastructure necessary to offer hosting services to Internet user(s) 4. The provider 1 may host the game 12 on behalf of the customer 5. Alternatively, the game 12 may stand alone which would permit the customer 5 to select an outside host 19. The Internet 3 user(s) 4 that purchase services from the provider 1 become the customers 5.
  • The game community may allow for the exchange of information among the provider 1 and the user(s) 4, such as messages, customer reviews, testimonials, and chat forums, or information exchanged among the user(s) 4 themselves. Sponsors 6 may use the game community to easily advertise on the game's web site(s) 2.
  • The provider 1 offers its customers 5 a method of creating a game 12 and a game creation community using an online data collection and storage tool. The game 12 may be a virtual game 23, such as a computer or Internet-based game, or alternatively in the form of a tangible board game or set of playing cards. The provider services may be fee-based and may include providing an online 2, 7 for customers 5 to use to create a game 12, as well as electronic storage space, customer support, technical support, printing services, web site hosting services, or editing services. The provider 1 may also sell products such as game pieces 30, trivia cards 27, clothing, books, or any combination thereof related to its Internet based game community through a web site 2.
  • The provider 1 may review the information entered by the user(s) 4 and verify whether it meets the standards (such as for quality, truthfulness, or accuracy) set by the provider 1. The provider 1 sells its game 12 community services to a user 4, who pays a fee to use the web site 2, and becomes a customer 5 for a limited period of time. The customer 5 purchases the right to use the provider's online database 7 and web site 2 to create an Internet game 12. This customer 5 then creates a user profile for the customer, or a customer profile. Multiple user(s) 4 may become customers 5 simultaneously. One customer 5 may create multiple games 12 and versions of games 12 simultaneously. The provider 1 is the web site 2 and game administrator and has full access to and control over all customers' 5 games' 12 content.
  • The provider 1 may store its customers' 5 information on a plurality of hosts 19. A host 19, for example, may be a computer, a client, a server, a network appliance, a media player, a game console, a mobile phone, an email device, a personal digital assistant, a television, a system-on-chip (SoC), a set-top boxes, audio recorder, a handheld data collection scanners, a printer, or a monitoring device. A hosting server may be located in a single or multiple data centers. If a plurality of data centers is used, they may be connected via a high speed network 3 such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet or other high speed packet-switched network. Each data center may have a central hub coordinating the servers at that data center with other central hub(s) coordinating the hosting servers in their respective data center(s). A host 19 may have the hardware and software 8 needed for dedicated hosting, virtual dedicated hosting, shared hosting, managed hosting, temporary time sliced hosting, and/or other types of hosting that are currently known or will be developed in the future. The provider 1 may store multiple customers' information on a single or alternatively on several hosts 19. Software 8 may be used on virtual dedicated hosting server(s) to provide much of the same functionality as dedicated hosting in a more cost-efficient manner. The provider 1 may provide at least one web site 2 in order to facilitate communication among various user(s) 4 and the provider 1. The provider 1 may have unlimited access to review/edit all parts of the web sites 2 and monitor the web sites 2 for accurate and appropriate information.
  • The provider 1 offers its customers 5 access to a community web site 2, which is illustrated in FIGS. 12-20. Access may be restricted as desired from other Internet user(s) 4 by the use of passwords, checking previous visited web pages or by other techniques known for controlling access to a web site. Access may be open for unlimited numbers of user(s), for example any Internet user, or restricted to only certain user(s), such as customers 5 or customer-designated members of a specific community. One possible method of controlling user access level is to require the user 4 to log into the web site 2 and verify its identity prior to accessing the web site 2. Some user(s) 4 may enter the web site 2 with general, limited access. These user(s) 4 may not need to enter a password to gain access to the web site 2. User(s) 4 who have greater access, such as customers 5 or editors, may be required to log into the community web site 2 and create a unique user profile 13.
  • The web site 2 may include a home page from which the customers 5 may initially access the web site 2. From the home page, user(s) 4 may log in and access other web pages in the web site 2 via drop down menus, tabs, or other types of links as is known in the art to navigate a web site. The web site 2 may include a plurality of web pages created by the provider 1, as shown in FIGS. 8-20. Customers 5 may be allowed to enter reviews, testimonials or other information on the web site 2 which may be useful for other prospective user(s) 4 interested in purchasing the provider's services. The web site 2 may also include features that enable the customer 5 to electronically purchase the provider's goods and services, such as customer support, technical support, printing services, or editing services, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • The web site 2 may also include one or more community forums. The provider 1 may monitor the content of the forums for accuracy, civility and usefulness. The forums may be, as examples, in a general forum format or in a Wiki format. The provider 1 and/or user(s) 4 may contribute information, such as support articles related to particular applications, which may be viewable by others. Certain forums may be created that are restricted as to whom may contribute, edit or read the information presented in the forum. For example, a forum may be created that may only be written to and read by customers 5.
  • FIGS. 2-7 illustrate flowcharts for methods of creating the game 12. The game 12 may be in a virtual, electronic form or alternatively be in a tangible board game 12 or playing cards. Using the Internet 3, a new game customer 5 navigates to the home page and logs into a web site 2 with a login screen, as shown in FIG. 8. The web site 2 may be accessed using any type of input terminal 15 known in the art, for example, a computer, a mobile phone, an email device, a personal digital assistant, a television, a system-on-chip (SoC), or a handheld data collection scanners. An existing customer 5 may log in by entering its email address and password. A new customer 5 must register before it could log into the web site 2 and create a game 12. A new customer 5 who does not yet have a password may create a password when initially logging into the web site 2. A new user 4 must first create an account before it could create a new game 12. After this, the user 4 could edit the game 12. A user 4 that is not a customer 5 with an account may enter game content 16 into a customer's game 12 if the customer 5 desires. These non-customer user(s) 4 may log into a database 7 accessible from another web site 2 that is affiliated with the provider's web site 2. They have limited access to the game content 16. For example, the non-customer user(s) 4 may see a question previously uploaded and comment on it or upload images.
  • The customer 5 is then brought to a main menu 11, as shown in FIG. 9, where it may edit its profile, create a new game 12, select an existing game 12 for further editing, or log off. The main menu 11 page shows a list of the customer's 5 existing games 12 and links to the customer's 5 account information. Also from the main menu 11, a customer 5 could navigate to another web page, as shown in FIG. 10, in order to create a new game 12. If a customer 5 wishes to create a new game 12, it selects a “Create New Game” button 22, which is connected to a hyperlink. The customer 5 is then brought to a “Create New Game 12” screen, as shown in FIG. 10. Here, the customer 5 enters the name of the new game 12 and designates the type of game 12. A job number 10 generated by the Provider's web site 2 is automatically assigned to the game 12 when the customer 5 creates a new game 12. Alternatively, from the main menu 11, if the customer 5 wishes to edit its profile, it selects the “Your Account Information” link. The customer 5 is then brought to the “Your Account Information” screen, as shown in FIG. 11. Here, the customer 5 may edit its personal information, such as its name, address, and contact information. The customer 5 may save its account information into the database 7 by clicking the “Create Account” button 22.
  • A customer 5 pays a fee to the provider 1 for the game services, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The customer 5 may be prompted to pay electronically through a pop up window that appears when the customer 5 creates a new game 12 and selects the type of end product it desires. Alternatively, the customer 5 may elect when it pays the fee for its services. For example, the customer 5 may log into the web site 2, navigate to the main menu 11, confirm its order, and pay its fee. The pricing may differ, depending on the combination of products and services the customer 5 selects.
  • The game 12 may be a virtual game 23, such as a computer or Internet 3 based game 12, with virtual game 23 components such as virtual game 23 trivia cards 27, or alternatively the game 12 may be a tangible game 25, for example a game board 26, a game piece 30, or a set of playing cards. The tangible game 25 is produced by submitting the game content 16 to be printed after it is completely uploaded onto the web site 2. The game content 16 may be printed out onto multiple tangible game components, for example, trivia cards 27, a game board 26, or game pieces 30. Examples of such game 12 components are illustrated in FIGS. 21, 23, 24, and 25. FIG. 21 illustrates examples of trivia game cards 27. Each card 27 may have an image on one side, a series of questions and answers, and sponsor information 29 on the opposite side. FIG. 21 also illustrates a game piece 30 which like the trivia card 27 may have an image on one side and text and sponsor information on the opposite side. The game board 26, game box 31, and storage tray 32 may be mass produced. The trivia cards 27 and game pieces 30 may be created and ordered in limited quantities by the customer 5. The trivia cards 5 may be custom printed and placed in storage tray 32 in the game box 31 and shipped to the customer 5.
  • Each customer 5 has a unique profile. The customer 5 may limit other user(s)' access to its profile. For example, the customer 5 may allow an unlimited number of Internet user(s)' 4 to access its profile or alternatively restrict access to a specific set of user(s) 4, for example, a particular family, school, political, or religious community. After the customer 5 creates its profile, the customer 5 logs into its profile at an input terminal 15. The customer 5 may designate itself, the provider 1, or another user 4 as the game editor 8.
  • Customers 5 and non-customer user(s) 4 may use the web site 2 to collectively create the game 12. User(s) 4 upload game content 16, such as text, images, video, or sounds, into the game 12. The Provider 1 may create a core amount of basic game information on Web site 2 which is subsequently customized by the customer 5 and the user(s) 4. After the game content 16 is uploaded into the web site 2, it is displayed onto a host 19, such as a computer or mobile computing device in the form of virtual game 23 components, for example, virtual game card 24. The customer 5 may track the game's development status using, for example, the web page shown in FIG. 25.
  • A customer 5 may also delete, amend, or manipulate an existing game 12 or the previously uploaded game content 16. After the game content 16 is uploaded and manipulated to the customer's 5 satisfaction the customer 5 submits the game content 16 for editing and fact checking by an editor or reviewer, who researches and verifies the factual accuracy of the game content 16. The reviewer or editor may be a person or computer and examines the game content 16, makes any edits if necessary, and saves the edits into the database 7, and returns to the main menu 11.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates how the game 12 may have sponsorship 6 and include sponsor information 29 and sponsor game content 16. The sponsor information 29 and sponsor game content 16 may comprise, for example, advertisements 18, logos, contact information, text, images, or sounds that relate to the sponsor 6. A user 4 may incorporate the sponsor information 29 into the game 12 by uploading it into the web site 2. FIG. 19 shows example screen prints of web pages where a user 4 may upload sponsor information 29 and sponsor game content 16. After uploading the sponsor information 29 and sponsor game content 16, the user 4 may amend it. Upon completion, the user 4 returns to the main menu 11, as illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 21 illustrates how the sponsor information 29 and game content 16 may be displayed on the game 12 cards, game pieces 30, or the user 4 interface 14, and how sponsor 6 trivia questions are displayed on sponsor trivia game cards 28.
  • FIGS. 2-7 illustrate the process for creating and editing a game 12. FIGS. 8-20 show the screen shots of the web pages used to create a new game 12 and upload the game content 16. FIG. 12 shows a screen print of a blank web page where customers 5 enter game content 16, specifically the game trivia cards. The customer 5 enters a card category title for the game cards in the category title box. The customer 5 may choose the category from a predetermined list of categories designated by the provider 1 or alternatively create a new category. Some examples of categories for a community game 12 are history, geography, natural resources, organizations, transportation, local government, recreation, services, volunteering, potpourri, or wildcard. To upload sponsor content 16 the customer 5 also selects a question type, such as true/false, multiple choice, simple answer, or essay question. This web page also displays guidelines, sample questions, a sample question card, and a help menu. The card's content is harvested from the text and images which the customer 5 or a user 4 enters. The card's image may update at regular, preset time intervals (e.g. every 30 seconds) or alternatively using a WYSIWYG system, which displays the card's content during editing and appears very similar to the final output, such as a printed trivia game card, web page, or electronic/virtual trivia game card. This allows the customer 5 to view an electronic/virtual and manipulate its layout continuously while creating the card. This helps the customer 5 visualize the end product game 12 card while the customer 5 is still producing it. FIGS. 12-19 also show the question and image status boxes which show the status of the game card's creation. FIG. 20 shows a status web page which summarizes the game's creation by reporting the status of each card's creation.
  • Once the customer 5 selects a game 12 question number and/or type, the web page solicits the customer 5 to enter additional information. In FIG. 13, the web page seeks information from the user 4, in the form of question text, answer text, and follow-up information. The follow-up information may be additional facts or trivia relating to the question. A user 4 may opt to navigate to different cards by entering a specific card number in the “Go to Card” box.
  • FIGS. 12-19 also illustrate examples of the screens that appear when the customer 5 enters question and answer information in the form of text onto the virtual game card. The customer 5 selects the “Questions” tab at the top of the screen and enters the question information. FIGS. 12-19 show examples of the screens that appear based on the different question types selected. There are four question type options—simple answer, true/false, multiple choice, and essay. FIG. 12 shows a blank, new card entry screen where a blank new category title can be input and deleted at any time. FIG. 13 shows a blank, new card entry screen where a simple answer question type is selected but no text has been entered. FIG. 14 shows the screen and virtual card of FIG. 13 where a question and answer text has been entered into the game 12. FIG. 15 shows an example of a completed entry screen for a true/false question card. FIG. 16 shows a blank, new card entry screen where a multiple choice question type is selected. FIG. 17 shows a card entry screen where for a sponsor trivia card 28. FIG. 18 shows screen shots 20 of screens from which images for the trivia cards 27 are uploaded and edited.
  • FIGS. 18 and 19 show example screen shots 20 of the web page where the customer 5 enters image information onto a virtual game 23 card. The customer 5 selects the “Images” tab at the top of the screen to enter the screen where the customer 5 could enter images and text regarding the images. The customer 5 then indicates whether the image is a card image or sponsor image. For both a card or sponsor image, the customer 5 may upload a new image or select an image that has already been uploaded by for example, selecting a “Choose File” button, which triggers a browser that allows the customer 5 to select an image from the location where it is stored. For a card image, the customer 5 may enter text relating to the image, such as an image title or an image credit. After uploading the image, the user 4 may submit the information and save the information to a database 7 by selecting “Submit”. Alternatively, the customer 5 may delete the image by selecting “Delete Photo”. After the customer 5 uploads the question text, the customer 5 must define what the question status is by selecting the status from a group of pre-determined options, for example, “not started”, “rough”, “complete”, and “final approval”. The question status is then displayed on the screen. For the image status, after the customer 5 uploads the image, the customer 5 must define what the image status is by selecting the status from a group of pre-determined options, for example, “not started”, “complete”, and “final approval”. A customer 5 may also navigate to a different card front this screen by entering the desired card destination in the “Go to Card” box. Once the image has been uploaded, the customer 5 will have the option of manipulating the image by cropping, resizing, or rotating it before saving it. From this screen the customer 5 may also be able to begin uploading an additional image. FIG. 19 shows screen shots 20 of screens from which images for the sponsor trivia cards 28 are uploaded and edited. A sponsor's information 29, such as the sponsor's name, web site, address, and phone number, are added to the game card. The sponsor information 29 is immediately displayed on the virtual card on the same web page. After the customer 5 enters sponsor information 29 on to the virtual card, the customer 5 selects a question type and enters question and answer information relating to the sponsor 6.
  • FIG. 20 shows a screen shot 20 of an example Web page that shows a status summary of the trivia cards' creation relating to the card text and images. A customer 5 may navigate to this page by clicking the “Manage” tab, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-20. The status summary page displays the status designation of each question and image entered onto the virtual game card 24. The customer 5 may view, sort, display or print the question and image status information as the customer 5 wishes. The status summary page may also depict the status designations in an alternative form, such as a bar graph or pie chart. The virtual game card 24 may also be displayed in a WYSIWYG format on the web pages. This also helps the customer 5 monitors the status of the game cards' development.
  • The information that the customer 5 enters into the customer profile is automatically saved into the online database 7. At any point in the card development process, the customer 5 may return to the main menu 11 or log out without losing game content 16 that the customer 5 has entered. When the game 12 is completed, the customer 5 may submit the game 12 to the provider 1 to be displayed on the medium of the customer's choice.
  • FIG. 21 shows example large, small, sponsor trivia game cards 28 and an example game piece 30. Trivia game cards 27 may contain questions, answers, and sponsor information 29, and images relevant to the questions, answers and sponsors 6. Each card contains an image side and a question side. The image side may show at least one image, an image background, an image credit, an image title, a unique job number, a unique card number, a unique side card ID. The question side may show a card category, questions, answers, follow-up information, or sponsor information 29. Sponsor information 29 may include logos, web sites 2, addresses, contact information, or trivia relating to the sponsor 6. Like the regular, larger-size trivia card 27, the small game 12 card may contain images, questions, answers, and sponsor information 29. The questions and answers may be directed to group or sponsor 6 trivia. Additional types of printed cards are contemplated, such as product display cards, game 12 instructions, acknowledgements, or lists of sponsors 6.
  • FIGS. 21, 24, and 25 show examples of game pieces 30. Each game piece 30 may contain images and text and may also be assigned a unique identification (ID) number which is randomly assigned by the provider's web site 2.
  • FIG. 22 shows an electronic version of the game product. The electronic game 12 may be played by various game 12 players connected by the Internet 3 or any other network 3 by, for example, computers or any other known mobile computing devices. In the electronic game 12, players see the virtual game card 24 and answer questions online.
  • FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 show a tangible, physical version of the game 12 and its components, including a game box 31, a foldable game board 26, a spinner, and a storage tray 32. Each game piece 30 may have a base and a card containing images and text. FIG. 25 shows how the game components fit together into a compact game box 31.
  • The provider 1 may create at least one forum to answer specific questions or to allow user(s) 4 to help and answer each other's questions. The forums, for example, may have an instant messaging service or live chat room to facilitate communication among user(s) 4, the provider 1, customer(s) 5, and a technical or customer service team.
  • Various numbers and arrangements of the present invention may be applied without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • LIST OF ELEMENTS
    • 1 Provider
    • 2 Web site
    • 3 Network/Internet
    • 4 User 4(s)
    • 5 Customer
    • 6 Sponsor
    • 7 Database
    • 8 Software
    • 9 Game editor
    • 10 Job number
    • 11 Main menu
    • 12 Game
    • 13 User profile
    • 14 User interface
    • 15 Input terminal
    • 16 Game content
    • 17 Game component
    • 18 Advertisement
    • 19 Host
    • 20 Screen shot
    • 21 text box
    • 22 button
    • 23 Virtual game
    • 24 Virtual game card
    • 25 Tangible game
    • 26 Game board
    • 27 Trivia card(s)
    • 28 Sponsor trivia card
    • 29 Sponsor information
    • 30 Game piece
    • 31 Game box
    • 32 Storage tray

Claims (25)

1. A game created by the method comprising the steps of:
Providing a database, software, a game editor, a job number, a main menu, a game, a user profile, a user, a user interface, an input terminal, game content, a game component, a website, and a host,
Logging into the website from the input terminal,
Creating the user profile,
Navigating to the main menu,
Creating the game,
Assigning the job number to the game,
Uploading the game content into the game,
Saving the game content into the database,
Displaying the game content on the host,
Tracking the status of the game's creation, and
Returning to the main menu,
wherein the user comprises a customer, a non-customer user, a reviewer, and an editor.
2. The game created by the method of claim 1, the step of creating the game content further comprising the steps of:
Navigating to the main menu,
Adding, editing, or deleting the game or the game content,
Manipulating the game content,
Submitting the game content for editing and fact checking by the reviewer,
Checking the factual accuracy of the game content,
Editing and revising the game content,
Reviewing the game content, and
Returning to the main menu.
3. The game created by the method of claim 1, further comprising
Navigating to the main menu,
Providing a sponsor, sponsor information, sponsor game content, and advertisement,
Uploading the sponsor game content,
Saving the sponsor content into the database,
Adding, editing, or deleting the sponsor, the sponsor information, the sponsor game content, or the advertisement, and
Displaying the sponsor, the sponsor information, or the advertisement on the game components, the game, or the user interface, and
Returning to the main menu,
Wherein the sponsor information and the sponsor game content comprises text, images, video, or sounds.
4. The game created by the method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of
displaying the sponsor, the sponsor information, or the advertisement on the game or on the user interface and
Returning to the main menu.
5. The game created by the method of claim 1, wherein the user profile comprises a customer profile, an editor profile, and a contributor profile.
6. The game created by the method of claim 1, wherein the game content comprises text, images, video or sounds.
7. The game created by the method of claim 1, wherein the host comprises a computer, a customer, a server, a network appliance, a media player, a game console, a mobile phone, an email device, a personal digital assistant, a television, a system-on-chip (SoC), a set-top boxes, audio recorder, a handheld data collection scanners, a printer, or a monitoring device.
8. The game created by the method of claim 1, wherein the reviewer comprises a person or a computer.
9. The game created by the method of claim 1, wherein the input terminal comprises a computer, a mobile phone, an email device, a personal digital assistant, a television, a system-on-chip (SoC), or a handheld data collection scanners.
10. The game created by the method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of
Navigating to the main menu
Confirming order,
Paying a fee, and
Returning to the main menu.
11. The game created by the method of claim 1, wherein the user profile comprises a customer profile, an editor profile, and a contributor profile.
12. The game created by the method of claim 1, wherein the reviewer comprises a person or a computer.
13. The game created by the method of claim 1, further comprising
Submitting the game content to be printed,
Printing the game content onto the game component, and
Returning to the main menu.
14. The game created by the method of claim 1, wherein the game component comprises a game board, a game piece, and a set of playing cards.
15. The game created by the method of claim 1, wherein the game component comprises a foldable board, a game card, a game piece, a spinner, ancillary card, a shelf, or a storage box comprising a window, wherein the foldable board comprises aperture sized to accommodate the spinner.
16. The game created by the method of claim 1,
17. A game created by the method comprising the steps of:
Providing a database, software, a game editor, a job number, a main menu, a game, a user profile, a user, a user interface, an input terminal, game content, a game component, a game product type, a website, a host, an electronic display, and a printer,
Logging into the website from the input terminal,
Indicating whether the user profile is a trial profile,
Creating the user profile,
Navigating to the main menu,
Creating the game,
Assigning the job number to the game,
Selecting the game product type,
Selecting the game's format, style, and font from a predetermined group of options,
Creating the game component,
Uploading the game content,
Saving the game content into the database,
Displaying the game content on the host,
Manipulating the game content,
Submitting the game content for review,
Checking the factual accuracy of the game content,
Editing and revising the game content,
Submitting the game content to the database,
Displaying the game content on the electronic display,
Viewing the game content,
Tracking the status of the game's creation,
Submitting the game to be printed,
Printing the game content onto the game component,
Returning to the main menu,
Adding, editing, or deleting the game or the game profile, and
Returning to the main menu,
wherein the user comprises a customer, a non-customer user, a reviewer, and an editor.
18. The game created by the method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of
Navigating to the main menu,
Providing a sponsor, sponsor information, sponsor game content, and advertisement,
Uploading the sponsor game content,
Saving the sponsor content into the database,
Adding, editing, or deleting the sponsor, the sponsor information, the sponsor game content, or the advertisement,
Displaying the sponsor, the sponsor information, or the advertisement on the game components, the game, or the user interface, and
Returning to the main menu,
Wherein the sponsor information and the sponsor game content comprise text, images, video or sounds.
19. The game created by the method of claim 17, further comprising:
Uploading additional game content,
Saving the additional game content into the database,
Displaying the additional game content on the host,
Manipulating the additional game content,
Submitting the additional game content for review,
Checking the factual accuracy of the additional game content,
Editing and revising the additional game content,
Submitting the additional game content to the database,
Displaying the additional game content on the electronic display,
Viewing the game content and the additional game content, and
Returning to the main menu.
20. The game created by the method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of
Navigating to the main menu
Confirming order,
Paying a fee, and
Returning to the main menu.
21. The game created by the method of claim 17, wherein the game component comprises a component identification number.
22. The game created by the method of claim 17, wherein the game component comprises a game board, a game card or a game piece.
23. The game created by the method of claim 22, the step of creating the game component further comprising the steps of
Navigating to the main menu,
Selecting the game card,
Selecting a category or creating a new category for the card,
Selecting a question style for the card,
Entering text onto the card,
Submitting the text to the database,
Entering the component identification number on the card,
Selecting an image,
Uploading the image,
Adjusting the image,
Entering text adjacent to the image,
Submitting the image and text to the database,
Adding, editing, or deleting the card,
Adding, editing, or deleting the card category,
Returning to the main menu.
24. The game created by the method of claim 22, the step of creating the game component further comprising the steps of
Selecting the game piece,
Entering the component identification number on the piece,
Selecting an image,
Uploading the image,
Adjusting the image,
Entering text adjacent to the image,
Submitting the image and text to the database, and
Adding, editing, or deleting the piece, and
Returning to the main menu.
25. An game created by the method comprising the steps of:
Providing a website, users, a network connecting the users, a game, game content, and game components,
Entering the network,
Creating the game,
Uploading game content into the game through the website,
Editing the game content, and
Displaying the game,
Wherein the game comprises a virtual or tangible game.
US13/085,922 2010-04-14 2011-04-13 Internet based community game Abandoned US20110256933A1 (en)

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