US 12070691

US Patent 12070691: Systems and Methods for Capture and Use of Local Elements in Gameplay

Title: Systems and methods for capture and use of local elements in gameplay

Assignee: Imaginear Inc

Inventors: Yousuf Chowdhary, Jeffrey Brunette, Ravinder (“Ray”) Sharma

Filing Date: June 2, 2023

Issue Date: August 27, 2024

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for enabling virtual gameplay. Access is provided to at least one video game in which a player is able to interact with the video game according to a storyline. A player location is detected and stored. A local element is retrieved from a database based on the player location, and the local element is correlated to a local element script actuatable in the video game. This local element script is retrieved and actuated in the video game to supplement or replace the video game's storyline.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

Claim 1: This claim describes a computer-implemented method for enhancing virtual gameplay in a video game. It involves:

1. Providing a video game where a player, situated in a real-world geographic location, interacts with the game and other players. The player's virtual character has statistics, as do the other players' virtual characters.
2. Using a location sensor to detect the player's real-world geographic location and storing this information.
3. Retrieving a "local element script" from a database, which is specifically linked to the detected real-world player location. This script can alter a virtual character's statistics or a specific plot point in the game.
4. Retrieving mapping information related to the player's real-world location.
5. Actuating this local element script in the video game to modify the player's virtual character statistics and the virtual character statistics or plot nodes of other players. This actuation occurs only when the player's real-world geographic location is not already represented by another player in the game. If another player already represents that location, the script is not actuated.

Litigation Status:

US Patent 12070691B2 is currently active. It is involved in litigation, including a case filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit with case number 26-1720. Additionally, a PTAB case (IPR2025-01276) was filed and not instituted on its merits, and a US case was filed in the Delaware District Court.