WO2015079252A1 - Système de gestion de communications avec un ou plusieurs dispositifs mobiles - Google Patents

Système de gestion de communications avec un ou plusieurs dispositifs mobiles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015079252A1
WO2015079252A1 PCT/GB2014/053538 GB2014053538W WO2015079252A1 WO 2015079252 A1 WO2015079252 A1 WO 2015079252A1 GB 2014053538 W GB2014053538 W GB 2014053538W WO 2015079252 A1 WO2015079252 A1 WO 2015079252A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mobile devices
server
mobile device
mobile
software program
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2014/053538
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jennifer SHERIDAN
Original Assignee
Togeva Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Togeva Limited filed Critical Togeva Limited
Publication of WO2015079252A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015079252A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
    • G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
    • G06F9/445—Program loading or initiating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
    • G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
    • G06F9/451—Execution arrangements for user interfaces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/326—Game play aspects of gaming systems
    • G07F17/3272—Games involving multiple players
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B5/00—Electrically-operated educational appliances
    • G09B5/08—Electrically-operated educational appliances providing for individual presentation of information to a plurality of student stations
    • G09B5/12—Electrically-operated educational appliances providing for individual presentation of information to a plurality of student stations different stations being capable of presenting different information simultaneously
    • G09B5/125—Electrically-operated educational appliances providing for individual presentation of information to a plurality of student stations different stations being capable of presenting different information simultaneously the stations being mobile
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B7/00—Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers
    • G09B7/06—Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers of the multiple-choice answer-type, i.e. where a given question is provided with a series of answers and a choice has to be made from the answers
    • G09B7/07—Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers of the multiple-choice answer-type, i.e. where a given question is provided with a series of answers and a choice has to be made from the answers providing for individual presentation of questions to a plurality of student stations
    • G09B7/073—Electrically-operated teaching apparatus or devices working with questions and answers of the multiple-choice answer-type, i.e. where a given question is provided with a series of answers and a choice has to be made from the answers providing for individual presentation of questions to a plurality of student stations all student stations being capable of presenting the same questions simultaneously
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/35—Details of game servers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for managing communications with one or more of mobile devices.
  • the invention relates to a system for managing user interfaces on each of one or more mobile devices, for maintaining a persistent identity of each of the one or more mobile devices within a system, and for executing a software program within a system that is in communication with one or more mobile devices.
  • the present invention aims to provide a system for communication with a plurality of such mobile devices, particularly as a tool for providing interactive
  • television programmes may invite viewers to take part at home in a quiz, poll or competition through their own mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet computer) whilst watching a television programme.
  • their own mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computer
  • interaction events will take place through a browser window at the mobile device.
  • interaction events will take place through an application (or "app") downloaded on to the mobile device from an online store (such as Google PlayTM, Blackberry WorldTM or the Apple App StoreTM).
  • US 2012/0202593 describes a home game system having a first display device and controller module having a second display device.
  • the first display device displays a first game image showing the output of one or more players.
  • the second display device displays a second game image showing the output of the player using the game controller.
  • One or more players of the game may each use a controller having an individual game image displayed.
  • the controller comprises a second display that wirelessly communicates with the game system (for example via Bluetooth or WiFi).
  • Such systems intend to provide an enhanced fan experience, including providing enhanced video displays, electronic ticketing, information about the nearby amenities within the stadium, merchandising opportunities, and live event statistics.
  • Such systems use multicast wired or wireless networks to communicate with custom built applications on each user's mobile device.
  • the use of multicast is not limited
  • communications is useful for allowing simultaneous broadcast of identical information to a large number of mobile devices, either as a one-to-many or a many-to-many
  • a single stream of data can be broadcast to a plurality of mobile devices through transmission to routers at branch points within a network. In this way, data is addressed to each of the plurality of devices by addressing the device at a given IP address.
  • existing systems can offer solutions for streaming data to multiple devices on mass, they are not suited for receipt of information returned from a large number of mobile devices. Therefore, they are not especially suitable for "mass participation" entertainment activities (for example, playing multiplayer games within a stadium venue).
  • wired or wireless networks implemented in existing systems must be custom designed for a given venue. This makes such systems costly to implement.
  • a system for managing simultaneous communication between a server and one or more mobile devices The server is configured to transmit or "push" a new user interface, Ul, or an instruction to initiate a Ul, to each of the mobile devices.
  • the Ul may be configured to control an interactive entertainment program, for example. This results in a new Ul being activated at each of the one or more mobile devices at the same time upon the command of the server (rather than upon selection of a new Ul by the user of the mobile device).
  • the system allows global and simultaneous control of the user interactions with a software program at each of the mobile devices. Furthermore, the user does not need to install new software for different interactive entertainment programs.
  • the system further comprises a server being configured to assign a unique identifier or distinctive label to each device of the one or more connected mobile devices. All subsequent communications between the server and the mobile device contain or are associated with the unique identifier. This has particular benefits when the system is implemented in an environment having users of a large number of mobile devices. In particular, it allows the system to recognise that a specific communication is received from a particular mobile device, even where the network connection (and associated IP address) of the mobile device to the server changes between communications.
  • the system of the present invention is particularly suitable for implementation in large stadiums or performance venues but is also applicable to other environments.
  • the provision of a unique identifier to each mobile device and the ability to push a Ul to each mobile device means that the system is particularly appropriate for execution of multiplayer games, in which the user of each mobile device of the one or more mobile device can participate.
  • a system an method for managing user interfaces, Ul, on one or more mobile devices.
  • the system comprises a server in communication with the one or more mobile devices.
  • the server is configured to implement an instruction to initiate a Ul on the one or more mobile devices.
  • the server implements this instruction by transmitting a signal to the one or more mobile devices to initiate the Ul.
  • the plurality of mobile devices comprises two or more portable computing devices that can be connected to a communications network (for example using a Wi-Fi connection, or a 3G or 4G connection).
  • the one or more mobile devices may include one or more mobile telephones, "smartphones" or tablet computers, or any mixture of these devices or other user equipment (UE).
  • the one or more devices may comprise any number of devices.
  • the system may comprise one mobile device, or in another example comprises two mobile devices.
  • the system is particularly advantageous for application to a plurality of mobile devices comprising a large number of simultaneously connected mobile devices.
  • the plurality may comprise one hundred or more mobile devices, or may comprise thousands of mobile devices or more.
  • the user interface (Ul) at each mobile device is configured to capture the interactions of a user with a software program.
  • the Ul receives inputs from the user that result in control of a software program. More specifically, the Ul receives commands from the user and gathers data to represent the user's interactions with the user interface.
  • the initiation of the Ul at the one or more mobile devices results in a change of the user interface presented to the user at the mobile device.
  • the change in the user interface is instigated by the server, rather than by a selection of a new user interface by the user (or each individual user) of the mobile device.
  • the server "pushes" a new Ul (or change of Ul) to each mobile device without requiring the user of that device to do so.
  • the system can change or initiate a Ul at one or more mobile devices (or a group or subset of mobile devices selected from the one or more mobile devices) quickly and substantially simultaneously.
  • simultaneously means the change of Ul occurs on each of the one or more mobile devices (or group of mobile devices) at the same time or approximately the same time or as a single step.
  • changes to the Ul occur at all the one or more mobile devices (or group of mobile devices) within the span of, and at the same rate as, the changes being transmitted from the server. This makes the technique particularly suitable for interactive software executed at a large number of devices.
  • the system does not require a web app or browser, and does not require an internet connection, JavaScript support or cookie support at the mobile device.
  • the system can run on any type of network (and preferably several different networks simultaneously), and does not rely on any custom networking requirements.
  • the server may be configured to receive the instruction to initiate the Ul from an administrator device.
  • the administrator device may be a mobile device (for example, a mobile phone, smartphone or table computer).
  • the server is configured to receive instructions from administrator device to modify or edit a Ul at the server before the Ul is initiated at the mobile devices or pushed to the mobile devices.
  • the server may send a new instruction to the one or more mobile devices to implement a new Ul, or to modify a Ul that is already in use.
  • the server can distribute information (including messages, images, audio and video) to each of the mobile devices upon receipt of an instruction from the administrator device.
  • the server may further be configured to transmit
  • the system may comprise an administrator device that allows a moderator using the administrator device to retain overall control of the execution of the software program at each of the mobile devices.
  • the system can be used as a tool for dissemination of information at a venue of event with a large number of attendees.
  • the signal transmitted by the server to the one or more mobile devices may be selected from the group consisting of: logic to implement a new Ul; logic to implement a modified Ul; and an instruction to execute a Ul stored at the mobile device.
  • the signal may comprise logic or code that when executed on the mobile device will result in a new Ul being displayed to the user.
  • the signal may comprise logic or code that makes changes or modifications to the Ul that is already in use at the mobile device (for example by displaying a new option or button, or changing the text or score displayed).
  • the signal may comprise an instruction to the mobile device to load and execute a pre-installed Ul, which is stored at the mobile device.
  • a selection of Uls is stored on the mobile device at the time of downloading a mobile application to the device.
  • the changes and modifications to the Ul take place in real-time.
  • the server has overall, global control over the Ul displayed at the mobile device, and so remotely controls the experience of the user of the mobile device.
  • the server is configured to receive instructions from the administrator device to modify the software program.
  • Instructions received from the administrator device may allow any type of modification to the software program, including editing and modifying the execution of the program (starting and terminating the program) or editing the Ul initiated at the mobile devices (changing the appearance of the Ul, for example).
  • This allows the system to be controlled by a moderator at the administrator device, to allow a rapid response to changing needs of the users and requirements of the system.
  • this feature allows a moderator using the administrator device real-time control of the Ul executed at the mobile device.
  • the signal may initiate a Ul simultaneously on each of the one or more mobile devices.
  • the user interface can be changed, implemented or modified at all of the mobile devices at the same time or substantially the same time.
  • simultaneously means the Ul is initiated concurrently on all devices.
  • the signal may be transmitted by the server to the one or more mobile devices initiating a Ul on a group of mobile devices selected from the one or more the mobile devices.
  • the Ul may be initiated on all of the one or more mobile devices.
  • the Ul may be initiated on all devices simultaneously.
  • the Ul may be initiated only on a portion of the one or more mobile devices (i.e. less than the total number).
  • the server can transmit a signal addressed to a selected group of the mobile devices within the one or more mobile devices by using a unique identifier. Using the unique identifier, the Ul can be initiated only on those mobile devices.
  • the selected group of mobile devices may be selected at the server according to an instruction received from an administrator device. Consequently, the system can provide a particular user experience to only a select group of users.
  • a game controller Ul can be sent to only portion of the one or more mobile devices (i.e. two or more), such that a selected group of users play a game.
  • the server can organise groups of mobile devices from the one or more mobile devices into a queuing system, such that a Ul is pushed to that group of users once a game that is currently underway is concluded.
  • the software program is selected from a group consisting of: a game, a quiz, a poll or other interactive and/or entertainment program or event.
  • a game a quiz
  • a poll other interactive and/or entertainment program or event.
  • Many alternative types of software could be implemented including a survey, a drawing canvas, a text editor, an image editor, or a video editor.
  • the software program is an interactive software program, although the software program may relate to any type of digital content.
  • the software program may include the delivery of audio, of images or of video, as well as other data.
  • the software program may be executed on the server. This means the software is executed at the server, for example by control of a games manager, a games processor and a voucher database. However, some portion of the software may be executed at the mobile device.
  • the software at least includes a mobile application installed at each of the one or more mobile devices, with the server being in communication with the mobile application.
  • the mobile application may be downloaded by the user of the mobile device from an online store.
  • the mobile application will be appropriate for the software platform of the mobile device (for example, on the Android, Apple or Blackberry operating system).
  • the Ul may be a graphical user interface.
  • the Ul may be selected from a group consisting of: a touch screen interface; a command line interface; a gesture based interface; a motion-tracking interface; a multi-screen interface; a voice- based interface; a text-based interface; an audio-based interface.
  • the interface may be any type of interface for generating data relating to and reflective of the user's interaction with the software.
  • the Ul can incorporate a wide range of interfaces to enhance the user experience, and may use more than one type of interface. In particular, this increases the variety of games or interactive software programs that can be executed on the system.
  • the server may initiate a Ul to capture interactions of a user with the software program using sensors at the mobile device.
  • the sensors may be selected from a group consisting of: a camera; a key pad; a touch screen; a gyroscope; a microphone; a global positioning system; a thermometer; a compass; an accelerometer; a barometer. Any type of sensor suitable for user interaction with a software program may be used within the Ul. In particular, sensors at the mobile device for monitoring the user's reactions whilst playing a game are suitable to be implemented in the Uls of this system.
  • the software program may be configured to provide an output or result.
  • the output is audio and/or image data, for example an animation having accompanying sound effects.
  • the output is a game image providing an image of the gaming environment and showing the relative position (within the virtual gaming environment) of each user engaged with the system at that time.
  • the software is a platform game, and the output is an image of the gaming platform, showing each player's position or status within the game.
  • the output may be continuously generated by the server, such that a stream of output data is generated in real-time according to a stream of input data received by the server from the one or more mobile devices.
  • the server may be configured to display the output of the software program on at least one central audio and/or visual display.
  • the output can be displayed on a "big-screen" (including a plurality of screens mirroring the output of the big screen) at a stadium or large venue.
  • the output could be audio data played over a public address system, or text displayed on a digital banner or advertising hoarding.
  • This allows the results or output of the software program to be communicated to a large group of people.
  • it allows the output to be displayed to each of the users of the one or more mobile devices simultaneously.
  • use of such means of display at a stadium-based event enhance the experience of attendees to the event, and allow the users to feel increased participation with the event.
  • the server may be configured to transmit a signal to each of the one or more mobile devices to display an output of the software program at the one or more mobile devices.
  • the server may transmit an output to the plurality of mobile devices (or a group of the one or more mobile devices) in the form of visual or audio data. This can be displayed at the mobile device.
  • an output may include a message to be displayed at the mobile device, or may be a noise or ring tone.
  • the output displayed may be a message transmitted to all of the one or more mobile messages, for example an informational message.
  • Other types of output to be displayed at the mobile devices will also be apparent to the skilled person.
  • this provides a useful means for fast and simple dissemination of data or information from the server to each user at each of the one or more mobile devices.
  • the server may be configured to transmit a different output to different mobile devices.
  • the server can be configured to transmit a particular output to a specific mobile device or a selected group of mobile devices from the one or more mobile devices, wherein the output contains information or data relevant to that mobile device or that group of devices.
  • the server is configured to transmit a first output of the software program to a first selected group of mobile devices from the one or more mobile devices, and a second output to a first selected group of mobile devices from the one or more mobile devices. In one example, this allows the first group of devices to be informed the result of a game in which they were participating, whilst informing the second group of mobile devices that a new game is about to begin.
  • the output may include a device-specific message to a particular mobile device of the one or more mobile devices (for example, showing a position on a leaderboard compared to other mobile devices taking part in a game).
  • This type of device-specific output can be transmitted by the server to a particular mobile device (or a selected group of mobile devices) by using a unique identifier, as described below.
  • the server may be configured to transmit a first output of the software program to at least one central audio and/or visual display screen for display, and a second output to one or more of the one or more mobile devices for display.
  • the second output may contain device-specific information or data, and be addressed to a particular device using a unique identifier.
  • the server may be configured to transmit a first output comprising a leaderboard to a central display or "big-screen", with a second output congratulating the winner of the game to a specific mobile device of the one or more mobile devices.
  • a system and method for maintaining persistent identities of one or more mobile devices comprises the steps of: receiving at a server an initial communication from a mobile device of the one or more mobile devices; assigning a unique identifier to the mobile device; and storing the unique identifier at the mobile device and at the server. Further communications received by the server from the mobile device are then associated with the unique identifier.
  • the method enables maintaining a persistent identity for one or more mobile devices.
  • a persistent identity means that the mobile device can be uniquely identified by the system (specifically by the server) even when the network connection used for transmission of communications between the server and mobile device has changed.
  • the mobile device can also be recognised by the server even where there is a significant time interval between receipt of a first and second communication by the server.
  • the recognition of the mobile devices may be passive, and may therefore take place without any input from the user.
  • the system is configured to be able to identify a mobile device that has been in communication with the server at a first event using a first network connection, at a second event using a second network connection and occurring a few months later.
  • the server stores information relating to communications received from a mobile device having a given unique identifier.
  • the initial communication from the mobile device may be the first communication or message received by the server from a particular mobile device.
  • the first communication is the first communication or message that is received by the server from a mobile application downloaded and installed at a mobile device.
  • the mobile application can send a message which is received by the server to notify the server of a new mobile device to be added to the one or more mobile devices.
  • the server will assign a unique identifier to the mobile device, which is transmitted to the mobile device by the server in a
  • the unique identifier is a number or code.
  • the unique identifier may be a code composed of letters, numbers or other characters.
  • the unique identifier will have a specific format such that the unique identifier can be recognised by the server and by the mobile device.
  • the server may assign the unique identifier sequentially according to the order in which the server receives a first communication from new mobile devices joining the one or more mobile devices. However, other methods of assignment of the unique identifier may be appropriate. Once assigned, the unique identifier may be stored in a file or database at the server.
  • the unique identifier may be enclosed with or embedded in the communication.
  • the unique identifier may be embedded in the communication in such a position or format that the mobile device and server can locate the unique identifier in any communications.
  • the method for managing persistent identities of one or more mobile devices allows one mobile device or a selected group of mobile devices from the one or more devices to be directly addressed by the server.
  • the identification of the mobile device is automatic, without requiring any details (such as a user name, MAC address or SIM ID) to be entered by the user or to be obtained from the operating system of the mobile device.
  • the method is independent of the network connection, and does not require the same IP address to be maintained for subsequent communications between the server and mobile device.
  • the method of assigning unique identifiers is operating system (or platform) independent, and can be used in conjunction with any type of mobile device.
  • the further communications received by the server from the mobile device may be associated with the unique identifier such that the mobile device is uniquely identified by the server, independent of the network connection over which the communication is received.
  • the initial communication may be received via a first network connection and at least one further communication is received via a second, different network connection.
  • Subsequent communications can be received over a variety of network connections, each with different IP addresses.
  • the system can still identify the mobile device exclusively, using the unique identifier embedded within each communication.
  • the use of unique identifiers can allow a specific mobile device to be identified, even if the communications are separated by a significant time (for example, more than a few months).
  • the initial communications and further communications are received by the server from a mobile application stored at the mobile device, the assigned unique identifier being stored with the mobile application at the mobile device.
  • the assigned unique identifier is stored in the persistent memory of the mobile device.
  • the communications from the mobile device are transmitted from a mobile application stored and installed at the mobile device. Consequently, using this method communications do not need to be sent using an internet browser.
  • a further communication from the mobile device has a header including the unique identifier.
  • the server may assign the unique identifier to the mobile device.
  • the server may assign the unique identifiers sequentially as a first communication is received from each new mobile device requesting to join the one or more mobile devices.
  • this allows the server to manage and organise the assigned unique identifiers.
  • a specific unique identifier can be assigned by the server to a particular mobile device upon the server receiving an instruction from an administrator device.
  • the mobile application at the mobile device may assign the unique identifier.
  • the method may further comprise transmitting communications addressed to the mobile device of the one or more mobile devices together with the unique identifier.
  • the server is configured to both send and receive communications with a mobile device that is associated with a unique identifier.
  • the server may be configured to send distinct communications to a mobile device of the one or more mobile devices that are specifically intended for that device.
  • the server addresses a message to a specific mobile device by embedding the unique identifier into each message transmitted from the server. Beneficially, this allows a message and information to be sent to a mobile device of the one or more mobile devices uniquely, the message contains information intended only for that device.
  • the further communications may comprise an instruction to initiate a user interface, Ul, on the mobile device, the Ul being configured to capture interactions of a user with a software program.
  • Ul an instruction to initiate a user interface
  • the Ul being configured to capture interactions of a user with a software program.
  • use of a unique identifier allows a particular Ul to be initiated at one or more selected mobile devices of the one or more mobile devices.
  • the software program may be selected from the group consisting of: a game, a quiz, a poll. However, many alternative software could be implemented including a survey, a drawing canvas, a text editor, an image editor, or a video editor.
  • the software program is an interactive and/or entertainment software program, although the software program may relate to any type of digital content.
  • the software program may include the delivery of audio, of images or of video, as well as other data.
  • the server may be configured to provide an output of the software program.
  • the output may be audio and/or image data.
  • the server may transmit an output to the one or more mobile devices (or a group of the one or more mobile devices) in the form of visual or audio data. This can be displayed at the mobile device.
  • an output may include a message to be displayed at the mobile device, or may be a noise or ring tone.
  • the server may be arranged to display an output of the software program on at least one central audio and/or visual display.
  • the output can be displayed on a "big-screen" at a stadium or large venue.
  • the output could be audio data played over a public address system, or text displayed on a digital banner or advertising hoarding. This allows the results or output of the software program to be communicated to a large group of people.
  • the output of a multi-player game software program could be displayed on a central display screen, increasing engagement of the attendees to the event in the game.
  • the method is repeated for each of the one or more mobile devices.
  • a unique identifier is assigned to each of the one or more mobile devices separately.
  • this allows the system to provide a means of addressing a large number of mobile devices simultaneously, whilst also providing functionality to address a specific communication to a particular mobile device.
  • use of unique identifiers allows the system to enable a single communication to be transmitted simultaneously to more than one mobile devices (one-to-many), or to enable device- specific communications to be transmitted simultaneously to a selected group of mobile devices within the one or more mobile devices (in other words, a number of simultaneous one-to-one communications).
  • the system comprises a management server for communicating with the one or more mobile devices.
  • the management server is configured to receive user interaction data from a user interface at each mobile device of the one or more mobile devices.
  • the management server is further configured to provide an output of the software program based on the user interaction data.
  • the management server may be further configured to manage the user interactions according to instructions received from an administrator device.
  • the server may further be configured to transmit communications to the administrator device.
  • the system allows a moderator or compere (or other user) inputting instructions or controls to the administrator device to control at least some of the processes and tasks managed by the server.
  • the administrator device may act to issue instructions, which the server is configured to receive, to manage or manipulate the processing of the software program.
  • the server may receive instructions from the administrator device to send a new Ul to one or more mobile devices that are identified according to their unique identifier.
  • the management server may be configured to receive a sequence of user interaction data from each user interface at each mobile device of the one or more mobile devices simultaneously. In other words a stream or succession of interaction data is received by the server from each mobile device at the same time. The sequence of interaction data received by the server from each mobile device can be generated simultaneously at different mobile devices having different users.
  • communications between the server and the one or more mobile devices can contain the embedded unique identifier.
  • the server can receive from the mobile device a stream of user interaction data, wherein all of the data is recognised by the server as having been received from a particular device.
  • streams of interaction data can be received from two or more of the mobile devices simultaneously, each stream identified by inclusion of the unique identifier (which can also allow particular users to be excluded by the compere).
  • the server can use the unique stream of data received form each mobile device to generate an output that reflects the comparative user interaction of the users at two or more of the mobile devices. This may be particularly advantageous where the software program is a multi-player game, as it allows users of two mobile devices to compete in the game.
  • the output may be audio and/or image data.
  • the server may transmit an output to the one or more mobile devices (or a group of the one or more mobile devices) in the form of visual or audio data. This can be displayed at the mobile device.
  • an output may include a message to be displayed at the mobile device, or may be a noise or ring tone.
  • the system may further comprise at least one central audio and/or visual display, wherein the server is configured to display the output of the software program on at least one central audio and/or visual display.
  • the output can be displayed on a "big-screen" at a stadium or large venue.
  • the output could be audio data played over a public address system, or text displayed on a digital banner or advertising hoarding. This allows the results or output of the software program to be communicated to a large group of people. In a stadium event, such means of display enhances the experience of attendees to the event, and allow the users to feel increased participation with the event.
  • the management server may be configured to manage the software program by performing functions selected from the group consisting of: excluding a mobile device from interacting with the software program; admitting a mobile device to interact with the software program; inviting one or more mobile devices to interact with the software program; selecting a group of mobile devices from the one or more mobile devices;
  • queuing communications to be sent to a mobile device or at least one mobile device of the one or more of mobile devices; pushing a user interface to a mobile device or at least one mobile device of the one or more mobile devices; implementing instructions to initiate changes to the user interface at a mobile device or at a group of mobile devices selected from the one or more mobile devices; modifying the information displayed at least one audio and/or visual output; and starting or ending execution of the software program.
  • each of these functions is executed by the server upon receipt of an instruction from the administrator device. Therefore, a user at the administrator device can exercise more control of the execution of the software program at the server.
  • the management server may be configured to manage a voucher system for transmitting a voucher to the one or more mobile devices. Furthermore, the management server may be configured to manage a voucher system for transmitting a voucher to at least one mobile device selected from the one or more mobile devices. The voucher may then be redeemable at a retailer in exchange for goods.
  • the voucher may comprise a code or other unique identifier such as a barcode.
  • the voucher may be transmitted to a specific mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices by the server by embedding the mobile device's unique identifier in the voucher.
  • the management server may further comprise a voucher database for recording information relating to the vouchers that have been issued, including the unique identifier of the mobile device to which the voucher was issued. Beneficially, issuing vouchers can reward and engage the users of each mobile device in communication with the system, and encourages participation in the interaction with the software program (e.g. games).
  • the management server may be configured to transmit a voucher to one or more mobile devices according to instructions received from an administrator device.
  • the server may issue a voucher to a specific mobile device (or group of mobile devices) of the one or more mobile devices after receipt of an instruction from the administrator device to do so.
  • the voucher can be addressed to the selected mobile devices by embedding of the assigned unique identifier of those devices.
  • the management server may be configured to select the one or more mobile devices to which a voucher is transmitted according to instructions received from an administrator device. In other words, the server is configured to receive an instruction from the administrator device which nominates a specific mobile device (having an assigned unique identifier) to receive a voucher.
  • the management server may be configured to select the one or more mobile devices to which a voucher is transmitted based on the received interaction data or the output of the software program.
  • the server may be configured to automatically issue a voucher in the event that the received interaction data from a specific mobile device conforms to pre-determined criteria.
  • the server may automatically issue a voucher to a specific mobile device (or a group of mobile devices) of the one or more mobile devices on the basis of the output of the software program (for example, where the software program is a game, the server may be configured to automatically issue a voucher to the winner or highest scorer(s) of the game).
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for executing a software program at one or more mobile devices
  • Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the system for managing user interfaces on one or more mobile devices
  • Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a system for maintaining persistent identities of one or more mobile devices.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a further example of a system for executing a software program at one or more mobile devices.
  • the system 100 comprises a management server
  • the management server 101 configured to communicate with a plurality of mobile devices 102.
  • the management server 101 is configured to receive user interaction data from a user interface at each of the mobile devices 102a, 102b, 102c in the plurality of mobile devices
  • Figure 1 further illustrates a central display screen 103.
  • the management server 101 is configured to display on the central display screen 103 the output of the software program, based on the user interaction data.
  • the system 100 further comprises an administrator device 104.
  • the management server 101 is configured to manage the user interactions based on instructions received from the administrator device 104.
  • the server 104 is further configured to transmit communications to the administrator device 104.
  • An application configured to be in communication with the management server 101 is downloaded to each of the plurality of mobile devices 102 from an online store 105 (such as Google PlayTM, Blackberry WorldTM or the Apple App StoreTM).
  • the system 100 of Figure 1 executes a software program at a plurality of mobile devices 102.
  • the software program is a game.
  • the management server 101 is configured to receive interaction data from each of the plurality of mobile devices 102, wherein the interaction data represents the user's input to a user interface at the mobile device 102a, 102b, 102c.
  • the user interaction data received from each mobile device represents each interaction of the user with the user interface, including key presses at a key pad, or selection of a graphical portion of a user interface through a touch pad.
  • the management server 101 receives, processes and manipulates the interaction data received from each mobile device 102a, 102b, 102c of the plurality of mobile devices 102 to generate an output.
  • the output may be a graphical representation of game and the result of the user interactions with that game software.
  • the graphical representation is then displayed on a central display screen 103.
  • the software program is a game
  • the graphical representation may be a leader board or an image representing an in-game environment or game image.
  • the management server 101 receives instructions from an administrator device 104.
  • the instructions from the administrator device 104 provide overall control to the execution of the software on the management server 101 .
  • the server 101 may receive instructions from the administrator device 104 to begin and end the game.
  • the management server 101 may also receive instructions from the administrator device 104 to display a particular output of the software.
  • the server 101 may receive instructions from an administrator device 104 to display a leaderboard or message at the central display screen 103.
  • Other types of instruction are possible, and are described in further detail below.
  • FIG. 2 there is shown a schematic illustration of a system 200 for managing user interfaces, Ul, on one or more mobile devices 202.
  • Each user interface is configured to capture the interactions of a user with a software program. For example, the user interface will capture the key presses or gestures of a user via a touch screen of a mobile device.
  • the user interface comprises the instrument or method by which the user interacts with a mobile device.
  • the user interface comprises logic which is executed at the mobile device, and which results in controls for operation and manipulation of the software program.
  • the user interface includes the functionality for input and output to the system 200 (for example using control sequences such as keystrokes or selection of a touch screen keypad), as well as displaying information (graphics, text and sound) to the user at the mobile device. Any suitable method of input to the user interface at the mobile device may be implemented (examples of such input methods are discussed further below).
  • the system 200 of Figure 2 comprises a management server 201 in
  • the server 201 is configured to implement an instruction 206 to initiate a Ul at each of the mobile devices 202a, 202b, 202c within the plurality of mobile devices 202.
  • the instruction 206 is implemented by transmitting a signal to the plurality of mobile devices 202 to initiate a Ul.
  • the system 200 of Figure 2 further comprises a central display screen 203.
  • the server 201 is configured to generate an output of the software program based on the user interactions.
  • the server 201 is further configured to display this output at the central display screen 203.
  • the server 201 is configured to receive instructions from the administrator device 204.
  • the server is further configured to transmit communications to the administrator device.
  • the server is configured to receive instructions from the administrator device 204.
  • the server is further configured to transmit communications to the administrator device.
  • the server is configured to transmit communications to the administrator device.
  • the server 201 receives instructions from the administrator device 204 to initiate the Ul on the plurality of mobile devices 202. Additionally, the server 201 may receive further instructions from the administrator device 204 as discussed below.
  • the system 200 of Figure 2 acts to manage the user interface, Ul, on the plurality of mobile devices 202.
  • the user interface is configured to capture interactions of a user with a software program.
  • the software program is a game.
  • the Ul at each mobile device 202a, 202b, 202c represents a game controller, and allows users to input to and control a portion of the game from their own mobile device.
  • the Ul is a touch screen interface and takes the form of a joystick or keypad.
  • Other alternative embodiments for the Ul are described below.
  • Each user of each of the plurality of mobile devices 202 can take part in the game.
  • the system 200 of Figure 2 is installed within a performance stadium, and each audience member can take part in the game through a user interface initiated on their mobile device 202a, 202b, 202c by the server.
  • the server 201 communicates with each mobile device 202a, 202b, 202c within the plurality of mobile devices 202. Specifically, the server 201 transmits and receives communications from the plurality of mobile devices 202. In this example, the server 201 transmits a signal to the plurality of mobile devices 202 to implement an instruction to initiate or alter a Ul on the plurality of mobile devices 202.
  • the signal comprises logic which is implemented at the mobile device to result in a new Ul.
  • implementation of an instruction to initiate a Ul results in a change from a first type of game controller to a second type of game controller. For example, when the Ul in use is a keypad, upon receipt of the signal comprising an instruction to initiate a Ul at the mobile device, the Ul changes to a drawing canvas.
  • the server 201 is configured to receive an instruction to initiate the Ul from an administrator device 204.
  • the administrator device 204 can instruct the server to initiate a Ul in all of the plurality of mobile devices 202 or in a group of mobile devices selected from the plurality of mobile devices 202 (making use of the device unique identifiers, as discussed further below). Therefore, the server 201 is configured to receive instructions from the administrator device 204 to implement a change at the mobile devices.
  • the user of the administrator device 204 controls and moderates the system 200.
  • the server 201 is further configured to receive instructions from the administrator device 204 to modify the software program.
  • the server 201 receives instructions from the administrator device 204 to commence and to terminate execution of the software program at the server 201 , and also at the plurality of mobile devices 202.
  • the system 200 initiates a Ul simultaneously on each of the plurality of mobile devices 202.
  • the Ul is pushed to each of the plurality of mobile devices 202 such that the new Ul, or the change of Ul, is executed at all of the plurality of mobile devices 202 at the same time or concurrently.
  • the server 201 is configured to implement a new Ul simultaneously on only a selected portion of the plurality of mobile devices 202.
  • the group may be selected by the server 201 automatically or according to instructions received by the server 201 from the administrator device 204.
  • the selected mobile devices may be addressed using a unique identifier.
  • the server 201 implements an instruction to initiate a Ul for a game on mobile device 202b and 202c simultaneously, by transmitting a signal to these devices specifically.
  • the signal is transmitted to mobile devices 202b and 202c specifically using a unique identifier (which is described in more detail below).
  • Mobile device 202a does not take part in the game, and so does not receive an instruction to initiate the new Ul from the server.
  • the software program is executed on the server 201 , such that the interaction data is processed primarily at the server 201 .
  • the interaction data may undergo some processing at the mobile application before the interaction data is received by the server 201 .
  • the server 201 is in communication with a mobile application installed on each of the plurality of mobile devices 202.
  • This mobile application (or "app") can be downloaded by the user of the mobile device from an online store 205, and may be specific to the operating system of the mobile device (for example, an application obtained from Google Play for an Android device, or from the Apple App store for an Apple device).
  • the example illustrated in Figure 2 includes a central audio and visual display 203.
  • This display 203 is a "big screen" of the type often found in a stadium or performance venue.
  • the central audio and visual display 203 is visible to users of at least a portion of the plurality of mobile devices 202.
  • the server 201 is configured to provide an output of the software program.
  • this output will be audio and visual data being a game image representing the aggregate response from each of the users that are interacting with the software program.
  • the game image could be an image representing the gaming environment within the software program, providing a view of the game on which each player (or user of a mobile device within the plurality of mobile devices 202) is represented.
  • Many alternatives for the form of the output to the software program would be apparent to the skilled person.
  • the server 201 is configured to display the output of the software program on the central audio and visual display 203. In the example of Figure 2, this results in a game image being displayed on the central display 203 (or "big screen") such that the game image can be viewed by all the players of the game.
  • the visual display on the central screen 203 is accompanied by an audio announcement on a public sound system.
  • the server 201 is further configured to transmit an output of the software program to at least some of the mobile devices 202b, 202c.
  • the output is then displayed on the screen of the mobile device.
  • This output is a different output to the output displayed on the central audio and visual display 203.
  • the output transmitted to each mobile device comprises image data that provides information regarding the interactions of an individual user with a particular mobile device.
  • the output is a player score for the user of a specific mobile device 202b of the plurality of mobile devices 202.
  • the output transmitted to each mobile device is different and individual to that mobile device.
  • the transmission of an individual output to a specific mobile device uses unique identifiers, as described below.
  • the signal comprises logic to implement a new Ul.
  • the signal may result in a change of Ul, or an adaptation or modification to the Ul that is in use.
  • the signal could be a command to execute a Ul already stored at the mobile device (for example, a Ul which had been previously downloaded as part of the mobile application software and stored within the persistent memory of the device).
  • the Ul is pushed to the mobile devices by the server 201 . Once pushed, implementation of the Ul takes place at each of the mobile devices without any instruction from the user.
  • the server 201 controls the Ul that is executed and displayed at the mobile device.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a system 300 for maintaining persistent identities of one or more mobile devices 302.
  • the system 300 includes a server 301 in communication with a plurality of mobile devices 302.
  • the server 301 is configured to transmit and receive communications from each of the plurality of mobile devices 302 simultaneously.
  • the server 301 receives an initial communication (illustrated as a dashed line in Figure 3) from each of the mobile devices 302a, 302b, 302c of the plurality of mobile devices 302.
  • the initial communication is the first communication received from each of the plurality of mobile devices 302 to the server 301 , and is sent by the mobile application installed at the mobile device the first time the mobile application is activated.
  • the server 301 Upon reception of the initial communication from a mobile device 302a of the plurality of mobile devices 302, the server 301 assigns a unique identifier 307a.
  • the unique identifier 307a may be a code composed of letters, numbers or other text characters.
  • the unique identifier 307a will have a specific format such that the identifier can be recognised by the server 301 .
  • the unique identifiers may be assigned sequentially (or non-sequentially) by the server 301 to the mobile devices 302a, 302b, 302c in the order in which new mobile devices join the system 300.
  • the unique identifiers may be assigned sequentially in the order in which the initial communication is received by the server 301 .
  • the assigned unique identifiers are recorded at the server 301 and stored in memory.
  • An assigned unique identifier can be stored at the server 301 together with data associated with each communication transmitted and received by the server 301 from and to the mobile device having the given unique identifier. This allows a profile of historical activity to be compiled and stored in relation to a particular mobile device 302a having a particular unique identifier.
  • Each communication received by the server 301 from a mobile device, subsequent to the initial communication, is associated with the unique identifier assigned to that device.
  • Communications may be associated with the unique identifier by inclusion or embedding of the unique identifier in each communication as metadata.
  • the unique identifier may be embedded in a pre-determined position within a communication (for example, within the header of a communication) such that it can be recognised as a unique identifier by the server 301 .
  • the server 301 Upon receipt of a communication from the mobile device, the server 301 looks for and recognises a unique identifier that has been previously assigned. The received unique identifier can then be compared to the database of assigned unique identifiers stored at the server 301 .
  • the system 300 of Figure 3 allows the server 301 to uniquely identify a previously encountered mobile device. Moreover, the mobile device can be uniquely identified irrespective of the network connection through which a communication is received, and despite any extended disruption in the network connection.
  • the system 300 provides a persistent connection that is independent of the connection over which the communication is received.
  • the system 300 for unique identification of a mobile device 302a does not rely upon complex, high bandwidth IP infrastructures.
  • the system can operate though any type of network, and does not necessarily require an internet enabled network. In other words, the system does not need to address each mobile device through an assigned IP address, and the identity of the device is unaffected if the IP address changes.
  • each mobile device 302a, 302b, 302c within the system 300 can be uniquely identified without requiring the user to sign-in to the system or software application using an individual user name and password.
  • the presently described system does not require any input from the user for a persistent identity of the device to be maintained. Instead, the system provides a method for passive and automatic identification of the mobile device by the system. Advantageously, this decreases the effort required for a user to be able to interact with the system.
  • an initial communication (dotted line) is received via a 3G network connection from a mobile device 302a, and the server assigns a unique identifier 307a.
  • a second communication 308a (having the unique identifier embedded therein) is received by the server 301 via a first Wi-Fi network connection.
  • a third communication 308a (having the unique identifier embedded therein) is received by the server 301 via a second Wi-Fi network connection.
  • the mobile device takes a different IP address at the time of transmitting each of the initial, second and third communications.
  • the server 301 recognises that the communications are received from the same mobile device 302a by recognition and comparison of the unique identifier 307a.
  • the assignment of the unique identifier 307b, 302c is repeated with respect to each mobile device 302b, 302c of the plurality of mobile devices 302 upon receipt of the initial communication from those devices.
  • Communications received by the server 301 from the mobile device 302a are transmitted by a mobile application at the mobile device 302a.
  • the unique identifier 307a is stored with the mobile application, and the mobile application is configured to embed the unique identifier 307a into any communication to be transmitted to the server 301 .
  • the unique identifier 307a will be embedded in such a way as to be recognised as a unique identifier by the server 301 upon receipt of the communication.
  • the server 301 transmits further communications to the particular mobile device 302a of the plurality of mobile devices 302. All further communications from the server 301 to the mobile device 302a have the unique identifier 307a embedded in the communication.
  • the mobile application at the mobile device 307a compares the unique identifier 307a to the identifier stored at the application. If the unique identifier 307a of the communication matches the unique identifier for the particular mobile device 302a, any instruction in the communication will be executed by that specific mobile device 302a.
  • the system 300 allows a single, selected mobile device 302a within the plurality of mobile devices 302 to be addressed by the server 301 .
  • the server 301 can cause a specific instruction to be executed on that mobile device 302a alone.
  • the system 300 using unique identifiers can receive data from a particular mobile device 302a of the plurality of mobile devices 302, with the server associating that data with that mobile device 302a.
  • this allows the server 301 to process and receive interaction data from a particular mobile device 302a having a particular Ul, and then process that interaction data such that the software program output is linked with a particular player (at the mobile device 302a).
  • the server 301 can address a particular player of a game by transmitting a communication to a specific mobile device 302a.
  • this communication could be an instruction to display the player's score or their standing in a leaderboard at the Ul.
  • the server can issue prizes to a particular player in the form of vouchers associated with a specific unique identifier.
  • Some communications transmitted from the server 301 will be transmitted without a unique identifier (for example, where a message is intended to be transmitted to all the plurality of mobile devices 302). This allows the server 301 to multicast to all devices 302 simultaneously. This is useful when general information messages, which do not need to be addressed to a single user, are to be distributed.
  • the system 300 allows information about an event or stadium venue to be transmitted or pushed to all of the plurality of mobile devices 302 simultaneously.
  • the server 301 may communicate to each mobile device 302a, 302b, 302c of the plurality of mobile devices 302 an instruction to initiate a Ul on the mobile device 302a, 302b, 302c.
  • the signal transmitted to the mobile device for this function may comprise logic to implement a new Ul. Alternatively, it could comprise logic to implement modifications to the Ul being executed.
  • the signal could comprise an instruction to execute a Ul stored at the mobile device (for example, an instruction to indicate that a particular Ul (say, Ul number 3) of a group of pre-installed Uls should be executed).
  • a unique identifier in a system 300 can be particularly advantageous when the system 300 is used to manage Uls (for example, in the matter described in relation to Figure 2) at a plurality of mobile devices 302.
  • a Ul can be pushed to one or more specific mobile devices 302a, 302b, 302c within the plurality of mobile devices 302, using their unique identifier.
  • a Ul can be pushed to a selected mobile device 302a by the server 301 by embedding the assigned unique identifier 307a for that mobile device 302a in the instruction to initiate a new Ul.
  • the one or more devices upon which the Ul is initiated can be selected by the server after receipt of an instruction from an administrator device 304 which identifies each device using the unique identifier.
  • the system 300 allows a moderator controlling an administrator device 304 to select particular players to play a new game.
  • the moderator can select a group of players by selecting a corresponding group of mobile devices 302a, 302b from the plurality of mobile device 302.
  • the moderator can then "push" the new game Ul directly to the selected group of players by sending an instruction to initiate the new Ul to the particular mobile devices 302a, 302b.
  • the instruction includes the embedded unique identifiers 307a, 307b for the particular mobile devices.
  • the new Ul does not need to be "pushed" to all of the plurality of mobile devices 302.
  • the instruction can be two separate communications (for example, one including a first unique identifier 307a and a second including a second unique identifier 307b) or can be a communication including all of the selected unique identifiers 307a, 307b.
  • the data from each mobile device 302a, 302b is received simultaneously, but can be uniquely identified by the server 301 and associated with a particular device.
  • the data generated simultaneously by each individual user at each mobile device 302a, 302b can be directly compared by the server 301 in "real-time".
  • the interaction data streamed to the server 301 can be time stamped before being transmitted from each mobile device 302a, 302b.
  • the output of the software program is displayed on a central display screen 303.
  • the output generated by the server 301 by processing of the interaction data received from each mobile device 302 can be displayed on a screen 303.
  • the output includes both visual and audio data.
  • the software program is a game
  • the output displayed is a game image that is constantly updated whilst the game is in progress, followed by any eventual result of the game which can be displayed on the "big screen" 303 of a stadium.
  • the system is configured to display the output of the game, with an image of the gaming environment, centrally in the stadium such that all players (in other words, each user of each of the plurality of mobile devices 302) can view their progress.
  • a corresponding audio commentary or other sounds effect can be played alongside the visual output at the central display screen.
  • the server 301 can process interaction data from a large number of users.
  • the system 300 allows, for example, a large number of participants in a game within a stadium venue, with server 301 able to identify the winner of the game and other characteristics of the game.
  • the system 300 allows comparison of the performance of each user judged on their unique interactions with the software at each mobile device 302a, 302b, 302c.
  • a record of the unique identifiers that have been assigned (and any associated data) is recorded at the server 301 .
  • it can be recorded in persistent memory at the server 301 .
  • the record of assigned unique identifiers can be stored externally to the server 301 at a storage device, but such that the server 301 is in communication with the storage device.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a system 400 having a number of corresponding features to those described in relation to other embodiments of the system.
  • Corresponding features include: a server 401 ; a number of mobile device 402a, 402b, 402c forming a plurality of mobile devices 402; a central display 403 for displaying the output of a software program executed at the server 401 ; an administrator device 404 from which the server 401 receives instructions and to which the server 401 is configured to transmit
  • the server 401 additionally comprises a games manager 409, a games processor 410 and a voucher database 41 1 .
  • the games manager 409 is configured to control and manage the data received and transmitted by the server 401 .
  • the games manager 409 manages the assignment of unique identifiers to the mobile devices 402, manages the storage of unique identifiers, manages the storage of interaction data received and associated with a unique identifier, and/or manages instructions from the administrator device 404.
  • the games manager 409 is configured to both transmit and receive communications with the administrator device 404 and the plurality of mobile devices 402.
  • the game manager 409 governs a queuing system for mobile devices within the plurality of mobile devices 402.
  • the queuing system stores a list of mobile devices who have requested to participate in a game or activity being executed on the system, and creates a queue of the mobile devices (identified by their unique identifier) accordingly.
  • the games manager 409 compiles leaderboards showing the scores of players of a game executed on the system 400.
  • the games manager 409 further co-ordinates the output of the software program to the display 403.
  • the games manager 409 co-ordinates communications with both the voucher database 41 1 and the games processor 410.
  • the games processor 410 executes a software program and more particularly a games software program. In most cases, a single game will be executed by the games processor 410 at one time. However, more than one game may be executed at any one time. For example, the games processor 410 may execute a first game processing interaction data received from a first group of mobile devices within the plurality of mobile devices 402, whilst also executing in parallel a second game processing interaction data received from a second group of mobile devices within the plurality of mobile devices 402.
  • the games processor 410 receives inputs (interaction data) from the mobile devices 402 via the game manager 409, and returns one or more outputs of the software to the games manager 409.
  • the games manager 409 transmits and receives messages from a voucher database 41 1 .
  • the voucher database 41 1 manages voucher data.
  • the system 400 is configured to allow vouchers to be distributed to one or more mobile devices within the plurality of mobile devices 402. For example, a voucher may be issued to a specific mobile device 402a (or user of that device) as a prize for winning a game executed on the system 400.
  • the vouchers comprise an interface that can be displayed at a mobile device 42a.
  • the voucher may be an image, and may further comprise a code.
  • the code may be entirely visible, or may only be visible after instruction by a user to reveal additional information.
  • the voucher is intended to be used for exchange of goods and services at a retailer or at the venue.
  • the voucher can result in a physical, printed token, but ideally will comprise only digital media.
  • the voucher may include one or more bar codes or other types of encoded information.
  • the voucher database 41 1 records and manages the vouchers that have been issued and assigned to a mobile device. Furthermore, the voucher database 41 1 records and manages vouchers that have been redeemed.
  • the server may store a record of the goods and services for which the vouchers have been redeemed.
  • the voucher database 41 1 manages the issuance of a voucher to a specific mobile device 402a by associating a voucher with a particular unique identifier 407a assigned to that device. In this way, the voucher can be issued to a specific, selected mobile device (and user).
  • the voucher database 41 1 enables creation, issuance and redemption of the vouchers.
  • the games manager 409 may manage the transmittal of vouchers, as well sending instructions to the voucher database 41 1 that a voucher should be issued to a specific mobile device 402a.
  • the instruction to issue a voucher from the voucher database 41 1 will originate from an administrator device 404.
  • the management server may perform a number of functions to control the system, to organise the users of the system and to govern the processing of received interaction data.
  • the management server may perform all of these functions, or may perform only a selection of the possible functions.
  • the management server may perform each of these functions in relation to only one or more of the plurality of mobile devices, and will address instructions to these mobile devices by embedding the assigned unique identifier in the instructions sent by the server.
  • the management server may exclude a mobile device from the plurality of mobile devices.
  • the management server may exclude interaction data received from one or more of a plurality of mobile devices.
  • the mobile device to be excluded can be identified according to the unique identifier embedded in communications.
  • the management server may exclude interaction data from a particular mobile device based on an instruction from the administrator device.
  • this allows a user of the administrator device to manage users, and to exclude users who are disruptive or abuse the system (or who have already participated).
  • the management server may be configured to admit a mobile device to the plurality of mobile devices, or to begin execution of the software at a mobile device. For example, the management server may allow a particular mobile device to join a game that is beginning or proceeding. The management server may admit a mobile device to the plurality of mobile devices upon receipt of an instruction from the administrator device.
  • the management server may be configured to invite a mobile device to join the plurality of mobile devices.
  • the management server may be configured to invite a mobile device to join a game that is commencing or proceeding amongst a plurality of mobile devices.
  • the management server may invite a mobile device to the plurality of mobile devices upon receipt of an instruction from the administrator device.
  • the management server may be configured to select a group of mobile devices from the plurality of mobile devices.
  • the groups of mobile devices may be selected to execute a software program, with the remaining mobile devices of the plurality of mobile devices awaiting instructions to execute a software program.
  • the management server may be configured to select a group of mobile devices from the plurality of mobile devices.
  • the groups of mobile devices may be selected to execute a software program, with the remaining mobile devices of the plurality of mobile devices awaiting instructions to execute a software program.
  • management server may be configured to select a first group of devices from the plurality of mobile devices upon which a first software program is executed, and to select a second group of mobile devices from the plurality of mobile devices upon which a second software program is executed.
  • the management server may be configured to allow a first group of users of a first group of mobile devices to play a first game, with a second group of user at a second group of mobile devices to play a second game.
  • the management server may generate a corresponding first and second output, which can be displayed on a corresponding first and second central display screen.
  • the management server may select a group of mobile devices upon receipt of one or more instructions from the administrator device.
  • the management server may be configured to pair two mobile devices from the plurality of mobile devices.
  • the management server may be configured to select two mobile devices from the plurality of devices and to execute a software program on only that pair of mobile devices. This allows users of two mobile devices to, for example, play a game against each other.
  • the management server may select a pair of mobile devices upon receipt of one or more instructions from the administrator device.
  • the management server may be configured to queue communications to be sent to one or more of the plurality of mobile devices. Alternatively, the management server may queue one or more mobile devices of the plurality of mobile devices to join a preselected group of mobile devices. For example, the management server may queue devices to join an upcoming game that will commence upon conclusion of a presently proceeding game. The management server may queue devices upon receipt of one or more instructions from the administrator device.
  • the management server is configured to push a user interface to one or more of the plurality of mobile devices.
  • the management server may push a new user interface to a selected group of mobile devices from the plurality of mobile devices.
  • the new user interface may allow the users of the group of mobile devices to interact with the software program in a new way (for example, to play a new game via a new Ul or game controller).
  • the management server may push the new user interface to the plurality of mobile devices (or a group of mobile devices selected from the plurality of mobile devices) upon receipt of an instruction from the administrator device.
  • the management server may implement instructions to initiate changes to the user interface at the plurality of mobile devices.
  • the management server may push to the plurality of mobile devices changes to the user interface executed on the mobile devices.
  • the management server may send instructions to change the appearance of the user interface, to change the functionality of buttons on the user interface, or to display information (such as a points score) at the user interface.
  • the management server may implement instructions to the mobile devices to execute a selected, pre-determined user interface, which may or may not be pre-loaded on the software application at the mobile device.
  • the management server may implement instructions to initiate changes to the user interface at the plurality of mobile devices upon receipt of an instruction from the administrator device.
  • the management server may be configured to control the information displayed on the central display screen.
  • the management server may be configured to change the output of the software program sent to the central display screen.
  • the management server may change the output from the result of the game or quiz to the leaderboard, for example.
  • the management server may be configured to control the information displayed on a central display screen upon receipt of an instruction from the administrator device.
  • the management server may be configured to start or end execution of the software program. For example, the management server may initiate a new game software program to be executed at each of the plurality of mobile devices. Alternatively, the management server may be configured to halt or exit a game software program running on the plurality of mobile devices. The management server may issue
  • the management server may be configured to start or end execution of the software program upon receipt of an instruction from the administrator device.
  • the management server may be configured to receive the user details of a user of a particular mobile device and associated with a particular unique identifier.
  • the management server may be further configured to record the user details. For example, the user can enter their name and contact details at their mobile device, and these can be transmitted to the server together with device's unique identifier. This can be helpful to associate a user with a given device. For example, this allows a voucher rewarded as a prize to a user to be awarded to the user, as well as simply sent to the "winning" mobile device.
  • the administrator device is represented as a tablet computer in Figures 1 to 4. However, the administrator device may be a mobile telephone or other mobile device, or may be a personal computer (PC).
  • PC personal computer
  • the plurality of mobile devices is represented at a plurality of mobile telephones.
  • the plurality of mobile devices may comprise a mixture of any type of mobile devices, for example mobile telephones or tablet computers.
  • the plurality of mobile devices may include any number of devices.
  • each of the embodiments described above show a plurality of mobile devices, the system may be suitable for use with one or more devices. In certain embodiments, the plurality will include 100s or many 1000s of mobile devices.
  • the examples described above include a software program being a game or quiz.
  • the software program may be any type of interactive program. Further examples include a poll, a survey, a drawing canvas, a text editor, an image editor, or a video editor.
  • the software program may relate to any type of digital content.
  • the software program may include the delivery of audio, of images or of video, as well as other data.
  • the user interface may be any type of user interface for interaction of the mobile device user with the software program.
  • the Ul will be any type of program that presents information to the user and allows the user to input control sequences, by any means, to the software program within the system.
  • Suitable Ul include a touch screen interface, a command line interface, a gesture based interface, a motion-tracking interface, a multi-screen interface, a voice-based interface, a text-based interface, an audio-based interface, attentive user interfaces, gesture interfaces, and intelligent user interfaces.
  • the user interface at the mobile device might take the form of any type of controller.
  • the user interface might take the form of a game touch pad, a joy stick, a game wheel, a pointer.
  • the interaction data may represent interaction of the user through the user interface with any means provided within the hardware of the mobile device.
  • the Ul initiated by the server captures interactions of a user with the software program using the sensors available at the mobile device.
  • Sensors commonly available on mobile devices, and which may be suitable for collection or capture of interaction data include a camera for still images or for video images, a key pad, push buttons or other manual controls (such as a wheel or slider), a touchscreen, a gyroscope, a pointer, a microphone, a global positioning system (GPS), a thermometer, a compass, an accelerometer, or a barometer.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the software program may provide an output.
  • the output will be audio or image data, which may then be displayed.
  • the display may be an audio-visual display such as a television or "big screen" in a stadium.
  • the display may be only audio, with an audio output played on a sound system.
  • the output is only visual, with an image or text being displayed on a digital "banner" or advertising hoarding.
  • Other types of output will be apparent to the skilled person, which can be displayed by other means.
  • an output from the software program may cause another type of indicator to be activated (examples include a siren or a shower of ticker tape).
  • the output might be an in-game image, a quiz result, a leaderboard, a user's own image or photograph.
  • the management server may receive instructions from the administrator device that cause the system to display or to change the output shown on the central display screen.
  • the administrator device may be used to change the game or the software program executed at the management server.
  • the administrator device gives global control of the software being executed, and allows the functionality of the management server to be changed and adapted.
  • the management server is configured to receive instructions from the administrator device which changes the nature of the interactions of each user with the mobile device, and the nature of the output displayed at the central screen.
  • Each display screen may by an audio and visual display, but may also be either an audio or a visual display. Ideally, at least one central display will be visible to each user of the plurality of mobile devices.
  • the game is a quiz played by a large number of players within a live concert stadium venue.
  • the system collects each player's quiz answer through a user interface at the player's own mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet computer).
  • Each player enters their quiz answer by pressing a portion of a user interface at the touch screen of the mobile device. For example, each user selects a quiz answer from a list of possible answers shown at the touch screen of the user's smartphone.
  • the user interface at the mobile devices generates interaction data upon selection of a quiz answer by the user.
  • the interaction data indicates the quiz answer nominated by the user through a touch screen.
  • the management server Upon commencement of the game, and during the game, the management server receives simultaneously the interaction data generated at each of the player's mobile devices.
  • the management server executes a software program comprising instructions for the manipulation and processing of the interaction data, resulting in an output.
  • the management server compares the interaction data representing the quiz answer nominated by the user at each of the mobile devices with the pre-determined correct answer to the quiz.
  • the server compiles the number of mobile devices of the plurality of mobile devices from which the correct answer is received.
  • the management server outputs an image representing the correct answer to be displayed at the central display screen.
  • the output is an image showing the number of users who have selected the correct answer to the quiz (for example, via a graphical display of the proportion of right answers given by users within the stadium).
  • the output flashes up the identity of the player from whom the first correct answer was received. This player was identified using the unique identifier assigned to the mobile device from which the first correct answer was received.
  • the output can be displayed at the central display unit.
  • the system can not only recognise the mobile device from which the winning answer is received, but also transmits a message specifically to that mobile device within the plurality of mobile devices (for example, offering
  • the administrator can authorise the server (and voucher database) to create, issue and transmit a voucher to the winning mobile device as a reward.
  • the winner could be issued with a voucher that can be exchanged at one of the local retailers within the stadium or venue.
  • the voucher will be associated with the unique identifier of the "wining" mobile device.
  • the presently described system overcomes the problems often associated with manipulation and simultaneous "real-time" processing of concurrently generated data from a large number of users at a plurality of mobile devices.

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  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Educational Administration (AREA)
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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un système de gestion de communications avec un ou plusieurs dispositifs mobiles. Le procédé consiste à gérer les interfaces utilisateur, UI, sur un ou plusieurs dispositifs mobiles, chaque UI étant conçue pour capturer des interactions d'un utilisateur avec un programme logiciel. Le procédé et le système peuvent en outre gérer des identités permanentes desdits un ou plusieurs dispositifs mobiles et exécuter, à l'aide d'un serveur de gestion à distance, un programme logiciel au niveau desdits un ou plusieurs dispositifs mobiles.
PCT/GB2014/053538 2013-11-29 2014-11-28 Système de gestion de communications avec un ou plusieurs dispositifs mobiles WO2015079252A1 (fr)

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GB1321136.2A GB2520931A (en) 2013-11-29 2013-11-29 A system for managing communications with a plurality of mobile devices
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