Patent US6183364B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6183364B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Simulated environment using procedural animation in a simulated city
Assignee: US Philips Corp
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Filing: 1995-12-21
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Granted: 2001-02-06
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Expires: 2015-12-21
Abstract
Abstract An electronic game uses electronic map data and an environment grower to create a rich environment. An avatar maintenance system further enhances the game environment. The game is then sufficiently complex to be used by thousands of users.
Inventors
- 👤 Karen I. Trovato
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:42
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T15/00; A; A63; A63F; A63F2300/00; A63F2300/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
26 words
Computer software stored in a computer memory comprising means for receiving electronic map data; and environment growing code for growing an environment from the map data.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
26 words
Computer software stored in a computer memory comprising means for receiving electronic map data; and environment growing code for growing an environment from the map data.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The software of claim 1 further comprising avatar maintenance code for maintaining avatars in the environment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A computer method comprising inputing electronic map data into a computer system, and in the system, growing a simulated environment from the electronic map data.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A computer method comprising inputing electronic map data into a computer system, and in the system, growing a simulated environment from the electronic map data.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A computer memory storing the environment grown according to the method of claim 3 .
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A computer system comprising the memory of claim 4 ; processor means for maintaining an electronic game that interacts with the environment stored in the memory.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The computer system of claim 5 wherein the processor is a game server and further comprising means for communicating data relating to the simulated environment to a remote processor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The computer system of claim 6 wherein the means for communicating comprises one of a network, the internet broadcast cable lines, and phone lines.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The computer system of claim 5 wherein the data is a portion of the simulated environment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The computer system of claim 5 wherein the portion comprises avatar data.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The computer system of claim 5 wherein the processor is a remote processor and further comprising means for communicating data relating to the environment with a central server.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The computer system of claim 10 wherein the means for communicating comprises one of a network connection, the internet, and a phone line.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The computer system of claim 10 wherein the data is a portion of the simulated environment.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
12 words
The computer system of claim 12 wherein the portion comprises avatar data.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of, in the computer system, automatically maintaining avatars in the simulated environment.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
A computer memory storing a simulated environment produced according to the method of claim 14 .
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
A computer system comprising: central processor means for maintaining an environment with avatars in that environment; means for communicating portions of the environment to distributed processor means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
A computer system comprising: central processor means for maintaining an environment with avatars in that environment; means for communicating portions of the environment to distributed processor means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the portions are the avatars.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the central processor is a game server.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 16 wherein the communicating means comprises one of a network connection, the internet, and a cable broadcast connection.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 21 wherein the communicating means is also for receiving local data from the distributed processor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 20 wherein the communicating means comprises a phone connection for receiving local data from the distributed processor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-02-06 | 2004-08-07 | 2005-02-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-02-06 | 2008-08-07 | 2009-02-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-02-06 | 2012-08-07 | 2013-02-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |