a2) United States Patent
`US 11,117,056 B2
`(0) Patent No.:
`*Sep. 14, 2021
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Hartwell
`
`US011117056B2
`
`METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR UPDATING
`IN-GAME CONTENT
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC weeeecceeteneerteteees HO4L 12/1859; A63F 13/77
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`Applicant: GOSUB 60, INC., Santa Monica, CA
`(US)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2002/0166119 Al
`2003/0105669 Al
`
`11/2002 Cristofalo
`6/2003 Tsuchiya
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`International Search Report and the Written Opinion of the Inter-
`national Searching Authority or the Declaration; International Appli-
`cation No. PCT/US08/68250; International Filing Date Jun. 25,
`2008; 8 pages.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Hsinchun Liao
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Finnegan, Henderson,
`Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Systems and methods for updating content of a mobile video
`game allow for mobile communication devices to receive
`updated content for video gamesthat operate on the devices.
`The updates may be promotional in nature, and may be
`pre-selected based on the device type, service, or service
`provider. The game maycontain instructions that cause the
`mobile communication device to contact an interface and/or
`
`server to receive updated content. After the updated content
`is received by the mobile communication device, the content
`may bedisplayed in-game. The user of the mobile commu-
`nication device may be provided with one or more options
`that affect the frequency or ability to receive or display
`updated content. In addition,
`the server may track what
`content has already been received by the mobile communi-
`cation device.
`
`(54)
`
`(71)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Joshua Hartwell, Santa Monica, CA
`(US)
`
`(73)
`
`Assignee: GOSUB 60, INC., Santa Monica, CA
`(US)
`
`(*)
`
`Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 16/844,256
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Apr. 9, 2020
`
`(65)
`
`(60)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2020/0338455 Al
`
`Oct. 29, 2020
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 15/645,028, filed on
`Jul. 10, 2017, now Pat. No. 10,617,958, which is a
`(Continued)
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`
`A63F 13/77
`A63F 13/332
`
`(52)
`
`USS. Cl.
`
`(2014.01)
`(2014.01)
`(Continued)
`
`CPC Lo. A63F 13/77 (2014.09); A63F 13/332
`(2014.09); A63F 13/525 (2014.09); A63F
`13/60 (2014.09);
`
`16 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`(Continued)
`
`Playrix Ex. 1001, Page 1 of 17
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`

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`US 11,117,056 B2
` Page 2
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`division of application No. 11/768,892, filed on Jun.
`26. 2007. now Pat. No. 9.731.202.
`;
`;
`a
`
`51)
`(51)
`
`Cl
`Int.
`Cl.
`Int.
`A63F 13/60
`HAL 12/18
`AO3F 13/525
`(52) U.S. CL
`CPC ..... HO4L 12/1822 (2013.01); A63F 2300/406
`(2013.01); 463F 2300/552 (2013.01); A63F
`2300/6009 (2013.01); HO4L 12/1859 (2013.01)
`
`(2014.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2014.01)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2003/0224855 Al
`2004/0049419 Al
`2004/0127279 Al
`
`12/2003 Cunningham
`3/2004 Knight
`7/2004 Gattoet al.
`
`12/2004 Chatani
`2004/0266529 Al
`10/2005 Bigott
`2005/0240476 Al
`6/2006 Willis et al.
`2006/0128469 Al
`6/2006 O'Neill
`2006/0130046 Al
`6/2006 Willisetal.
`2006/0136297 Al
`1/2007 Gil et al.
`2007/0022442 Al
`5/2007 Bennett et al.
`2007/0124792 Al
`2008/0307412 AL* 12/2008 Matt wesc GO6F 16/9574
`TATAT7
`8/2011 Kajii wo. A63F 13/5372
`403/42
`
`2011/0190063 Al*
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`PCT Notification Concerning Transmittal of International Prelimi-
`nary Report on Patentability; International Application No. PCT/
`US/2008/068250, dated Jan. 14, 2010; 7 pages.
`PCT Notification Concerning Transmittal of International Prelimi-
`nary Report on Patentability; International Application No. PCT/
`US/2008/068249, dated Jan. 14, 2010; 6 pages.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
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`Sep. 14, 2021
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`US 11,117,056 B2
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`Sep. 14, 2021
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`US 11,117,056 B2
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`a
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 11,117,056 B2
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`US 11,117,056 B2
`
`1
`METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR UPDATING
`IN-GAME CONTENT
`
`This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applica-
`tion Ser. No. 15/645,028, filed Jul. 10, 2017, which is a
`divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
`11/768,892, filed Jun. 26, 2007,
`the contents of both of
`which are incorporated herein by reference in their entire-
`ties.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention relates generally to systems and methods
`for providing updated video game content
`to a mobile
`communication device.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Many mobile communication devices (including cellular
`phones, PDAs, and other handheld devices capable of com-
`municating with a server) are capable of operating video
`games. Most current mobile communication devices come
`equipped with one or more gamesat the time of purchase,
`and most modern mobile communication devices also allow
`
`users to download and/or purchase new games. As mobile
`communication device technology has advanced, the games
`available for these devices have become more robust. For
`example, most current mobile communication devices
`include color screens that can support games with detailed
`color graphics, and more content may generally fit onto
`these screens than on screens of older mobile devices. As a
`
`result, gaming on mobile communication devices has
`become a popular mode of entertainment in a mobile envi-
`ronment.
`
`However, all video games tend to have a popularity life
`span. As game elements become increasingly familiar to
`players, the game mayhold less surprises and/or no longer
`present a challenge to the user, at which point the user may
`stop playing that particular game in favor of others. Because
`mobile communication devices are generally less powerful
`than personal computers and stand-alone video game con-
`soles, some games for mobile communication devices may
`be relatively simple or repetitive by comparison. Typically,
`gamesthat hold user interest for longer periods of time are
`more valuable than games that users leave behind quickly.
`As a result, game creators are always looking for ways to
`make gamesthat hold the user’s interest for a longer period
`of time.
`The recent surge in technical capabilities of mobile com-
`munication devices has also spawnedattractive new promo-
`tional possibilities. Because an extremely large number of
`people worldwide own mobile communication devices,
`many third parties may wish to advertise within the screen
`of a mobile communication device. In particular, when a
`user plays a game on the mobile communication device, the
`user’s full attention may be directed to the screen of the
`mobile communication device. Therefore, providing in-
`game advertising space in the palm of the user’s hand is an
`attractive proposition for both buyers and sellers of the
`space.
`Permanent advertisements within a video game that is
`played on a mobile communication device may be presented
`in various ways. For example, the background of the video
`game might contain a permanent advertisement for a third
`party. In most cases,
`this advertisement would generate
`revenue for the maker of the game, while also serving as a
`valuable promotional opportunity for the third party.
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`However, the potential popularity of a mobile communi-
`cation device game may be unknownuntil after the gameis
`released to the public. Even then,it may be difficult to gauge
`how long the game will keep its popularity. This creates
`uncertainty in the process of buying andselling promotional
`space within a video game. Specifically, because long term
`popularity is difficult to determine, both the game company
`and the third-party advertiser may find valuation of the
`permanent in-game advertisement space difficult. The third
`party may not want to pay for a permanentad that spans the
`lifetime of the game, when the success of the game is
`relatively uncertain.
`It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide
`systems and methods for updating in-game content on a
`mobile communication device. Some embodiments may
`prolonguserinterest in a game for a mobile communication
`device, and make promotional opportunities more predict-
`able and/or desirable, as follows.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with embodiments of the invention, sys-
`tems and methods for updating in-game content on a mobile
`communication device are provided.
`In an embodiment, a mobile communication device may
`comprise a screen for viewing by the user, a processor, and
`a memory. The memory may contain instructions that, when
`executed by the processor, cause the communications device
`to operate a video game, contact a server to check for
`updated content to use in the video game, download the
`updated content to the communications device from a server,
`and display the updated content within the video game. The
`video gameitself may be presented on the screen.
`The displayed content may be, for example, promotional
`content. The content may be displayed within the gameat a
`location based on user interaction.
`
`In addition, various steps may exist for checking updated
`content on the server. For example, checking for updated
`content on the server may be performed upon launch of the
`video game, in some embodiments. The check may also be
`performed upon request by a user of the mobile communi-
`cation device. In addition, checking for updated content may
`also be performed periodically.
`In some embodiments, the mobile communication device
`may receive and utilize a message from the server in
`response to checking for updated content. For example, the
`message may contain information that is displayed to the
`user. Alternatively or in addition, the message may describe
`updated content available at the server.
`The communications device may, in some embodiments,
`check whether the updated content should be downloaded
`before downloading the updated content from the server. If
`downloading is appropriate,
`the communications device
`may send a follow-up request to the server indicating that the
`user wishes to download the updated content from the
`server. Subsequently,
`the communications device may
`download the updated content.
`Another embodiment disclosed herein includes a com-
`puter-readable medium containing instructions for execution
`by a mobile communication device. The instructions may
`cause the mobile communication device to operate a video
`game, contact a server to check for updated content for use
`in the video game, download the updated content to the
`communications device, and display the updated content
`within the video game. The video game may bepresented
`within a screen controlled by the mobile communication
`device.
`
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`US 11,117,056 B2
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`3
`A method for distributing updated content to a commu-
`nications device for use in a video gamethat runs on the
`communications device is disclosed herein. In an embodi-
`
`ment, the method may comprise the steps of storing updated
`content on a computer-readable medium,receiving a request
`for updated content from a mobile communication device,
`the updated content being usable in a video-game that
`already exists on the communications device, and uploading
`content to the communications device from the server, the
`content being usable when the video gameoperates on the
`communications device.
`For example, the content may be promotional content.
`Information may be sent
`to the communications device
`regarding the in-game placement location of the content. In
`addition, the content may include a helpful tip or suggestion
`to the user of the video game.
`Some embodiments may include the additional step of
`checking whether
`the communications device
`should
`receive the updated content before uploading the updated
`content
`to the communications device.
`In addition,
`the
`method maycall for tracking what updated content has been
`uploaded.
`Further, some embodiments may include a system for
`distributing updated video game content to a communica-
`tions device. The system may comprise a storage medium
`for storing updated content for use in a video game,a server
`in communication with the storage medium,and an interface
`coupled to the server and a network, wherein the interface
`receives a request for updated content from the communi-
`cations device over the network. In some systems,the server
`may be operative to receive a request through the interface
`and utilize the request to send the updated content from the
`storage medium to the communications device, the content
`being displayable in a video game on the communications
`device.
`
`The content may be promotional content. In addition, the
`server may send information to the communications device
`regarding the in-game placement location of the content.
`The server may send a message to the mobile communica-
`tion device in response to receiving the request, the message
`relating to the content. In some embodiments, the message
`is pre-selected by the server based on a model type associ-
`ated with the communications device, a service subscription
`associated with the communications device, or a service
`provider for the service subscription associated with the
`communications device.
`Further, the server may store an indicator of whether the
`mobile communication device should receive the updated
`content. In these embodiments, the server may check the
`indicator before uploading the updated content to the com-
`munications device. The server may also track the distribu-
`tion of updated content.
`It
`is to be understood that both the foregoing general
`description and the following detailed description are exem-
`plary and explanatory only and are notrestrictive of the
`invention, as claimed.
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
`and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several
`embodiments of the invention and together with the descrip-
`tion, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is an overview diagram of exemplary components
`used to update in-game content on a mobile communication
`device in accordance with some embodimentsof the present
`invention.
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`FIGS. 2A-B are diagrams of an exemplary scene in a
`video game played on a mobile communication device in
`accordance with some embodiments of the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIGS. 3A-B are exemplary flow charts that include steps
`taken by a mobile communication device to update in-game
`content in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`FIGS. 4A-B are exemplary flow charts that include steps
`taken by a server to update in-game content on a mobile
`communication device in accordance with an embodiment
`
`of the present invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
`
`to the present
`Reference will now be made in detail
`exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of
`whichareillustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wher-
`ever possible,
`the same reference numbers will be used
`throughout the drawings to refer to the sameorlike parts.
`It is to be understood that both the foregoing background
`description and the following detailed description are exem-
`plary and explanatory only andare notrestrictive of the
`invention as claimed.
`This application incorporates by reference in its entirety
`the U.S. Patent Application entitled “Systems and Methods
`for Providing In-Game HotSpots,” filed concurrently with
`this application.
`As used herein, a server includes any remote system
`capable of receiving communication from a handheld device
`over a network, such as the Internet, intranet, local area
`network, telecommunications network, and/or Ethernet.
`An embodimentof the invention described below allows
`a game company and/or provider to provide updated content
`to a mobile communication device for use in a mobile video
`
`game that operates on the mobile communication device.
`The ability to update in-game content may allow game
`companies to keep game elements fresh and prolong user
`enjoyment of the game. For example, a particular scene
`within the game may be rearranged so that the user has
`something newto look at or explore. In one embodiment, the
`updated content may comprise a new level within the game.
`In addition,
`the game company may charge third-party
`advertisers a fee per downloaded promotional update. Con-
`sequently, the game may sustain its popularity and be more
`profitable for the game creator than existing mobile com-
`munication device games.
`The game may be moreattractive to third-party advertis-
`ers and provide promotional revenue for the game provider.
`An embodiment may provide an avenue for selling time
`blocks of in-game advertising. Third parties may now have
`the option to advertise for a period of time, rather than
`permanently, within a video game for a mobile communi-
`cation device. This flexibility may allow the negotiation of
`promotional contracts that involve less guess-work with
`respect to the placing advertisements or virtual products
`within a video game on a mobile communication device.
`Further, an embodiment herein also provides promotional
`opportunities for third parties that could not previously
`afford to place advertisements within a game for a mobile
`communication device. For example, while purchasing a
`promotionalspotthatlasts the lifetime of the game may not
`be feasible, it may be much cheaper to purchase a smaller
`block of time.
`In some embodiments, advertisements may be tracked on
`a per-view or per-downloadbasis. In these embodiments,it
`
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`US 11,117,056 B2
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`5
`maybepossible for the game company and/or distributor to
`profit based upon when promotional content is downloaded
`and/or viewed.
`
`6
`tion device 110. Additionally, before the updated contentis
`downloaded,
`the user 105 may be prompted by mobile
`communication device 110 to make sure the user 105 wishes
`
`In addition, local third party advertisers may be able to
`place promotional content on mobile
`communication
`devices located within a proximity to the locality.
`The ability to place updated content within the game may
`also provide an avenue for signing additional promotional
`contracts after the game has already been publicly released.
`For example, in a previously-released game, a bar scene
`might be filled with updated bottles that show a company
`logo not present at the time of the game’s launch. The
`ongoing promotional aspects of such a system could be very
`attractive to both buyers and sellers of promotional space.
`FIG. 1 is an overview diagram of exemplary components
`used to update in-game content on a mobile communication
`device in accordance with several embodiments of the
`
`present invention. Turning to FIG. 1, both a distribution
`block 125 and a creation block 140 are shown. In the
`
`distribution block 125, the user 105 plays a mobile video
`game on mobile communication device 110.
`In some
`embodiments, the game includes instructions to check 115
`for updated content at server 120. The mobile communica-
`tion device may perform this check 115 by connecting to
`server 120 through network 122.
`In some embodiments, the mobile communication device
`110 may contain a processor and a memory. The program
`instructions for the mobile video game maybelocated in the
`memory and executed by the processor, causing the game to
`operate on the mobile communication device. The mobile
`communication device may also contain a screen for dis-
`playing the mobile video gameto the user 105.
`The network 122 may include, for example, the global
`internet. Alternatively or in addition, the network 122 may
`include a phone or data network. In an embodiment, the
`mobile communication device 110 may connect to an inter-
`face (not shown) that may,in turn, pass a request for updated
`content to server 120. The interface may be part of server
`120 or a separate device, depending on the embodiment. For
`example, the interface may recetve communications from
`the network, validate the communications as coming from a
`known or compatible source, and then relay the communi-
`cations to the server 120.
`In addition, server 120 may
`actually be implemented as one or more servers.
`In the example of FIG. 1, updated content for a particular
`mobile communications device is stored on a data storage
`medium 130 as part of a group of pre-selected content for the
`mobile communications device. In this example, the data
`storage medium 130 is computer-readable. Potential data
`storage mediums include a hard drive, memory (such as
`RAM), and other storage devices(e.g., flash memory, a USB
`drive, compact disk, DVD, tape, or other media). The data
`storage medium may be implemented by one or more
`distinct
`storage mediums.
`In some embodiments,
`the
`updated content may be organized or indexed by a database
`of pre-selected content. The storage medium 130 may be a
`part of server 120 in some embodiments.
`After server 120 receives a communication request from
`mobile communication device 110, server 120 may check
`whether updated content is available for one or more mobile
`video games. If updated contentis available, server 120 may
`send or provide(i.e., upload) the updated content to mobile
`communication device 110. Other steps, such as performing
`a check of whether the user wishes to receive the updated
`content, are possible in some embodiments. For example,
`the server 120 may store an indicator of whether updated
`content should be sent to the particular mobile communica-
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`to add the updated content to the mobile video game.
`Other user information may also be utilized to determine
`which updated content to download, such as the sex, age, or
`interests of the user. Other checksare also possible, such as
`the geographic location of the user. In one embodiment, the
`user may be queried for this information. In another embodi-
`ment,
`the mobile communications device automatically
`transmits the information to the server and/or the server
`stores the information for later use.
`
`Once the updated content has been downloaded by mobile
`communication device 110,
`the content may be placed
`in-game (i.e., within the video game environment). The
`updated content may replace or supplementpreviously exist-
`ing content within the game. For example,
`the updated
`content may be a new background, or it may include a new
`item that the user interacts with in-game.
`The updated content may be loaded into the server 120
`and/or storage medium 130 from any number of external
`sources (although typical server access restrictions may
`apply). In FIG. 1, computer 140 may upload the updated
`content to the server 120. In other embodiments, the updated
`content may be created on server 120. In still other embodi-
`ments, a user 105 may have the option create the updated
`content. For example, some embodiments may allow the
`user 110 to upload a picture to server 120, either via the
`mobile communication device 110 or some other device,
`such as a personal computer. An embodiment mayalso allow
`for the picture to be used as part of the updated content.
`The server 120 may be in communication with the storage
`medium 130 that contains the updated content so that the
`updated content may be retrieved and sent to the mobile
`communication device 110.
`
`FIGS. 2A-B are diagrams of an exemplary scene in a
`mobile video game played on a mobile communication
`device in accordance with several embodiments. The exem-
`
`plary screen is from a darts game, which includes dart board
`210. However, embodiments disclosed herein may benefit
`all types of mobile video games, and are notlimited to darts
`gamesor any otherparticular type of mobile video gamethat
`is available for mobile communication devices.
`
`Turning now to FIG. 2A, several items 210, 220, 225,
`230, and 235 are shown within scene 200. In this example,
`virtually any of these items may be changed by receiving
`updated content on the mobile communication device. For
`instance, the shirt 230 might be updated to include a logo
`associated with third party X (as shown). The poster 225
`might advertise an upcoming movie for third party Y, and
`chalk board 220 may contain a handwritten advertisement
`for third party Z (as shown).
`The timing of updated content becoming available may be
`driven by promotional contract terms, such as with third
`parties X, Y, and Z. In this example, when the promotional
`contract with third party X ends, the logo on shirt 230 may
`be removed. In addition, the mobile communication device
`may thereafter download updated content reflecting a new
`graphic, shirt, or entirely new object, to place at 230. The
`updated shirt 230 may not even be promotional item,orit
`may advertise the in-game availability of a promotional
`spot. As an example, the shirt may be replaced with a sign
`that states “space available.” Localized promotional content
`may removed and/or replaced in a shorter time frameif the
`mobile communication device enters a new local area with
`different localized promotional content in some embodi-
`ments.
`
`Playrix Ex. 1001, Page 12 of 17
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`Playrix Ex. 1001, Page 12 of 17
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`US 11,117,056 B2
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`7
`if third party X is a beverage
`Turning to FIG. 2B,
`company, a beverage 232 resembling those made by third
`party X could be placed within scene 200. In the example in
`FIG. 2B,
`the blackboard may be replaced with updated
`content, such as window 232. This may be done,
`for
`example, if the promotional contract with third party Z ends.
`Alternatively, the text on blackboard 220 of FIG. 2A may be
`erased and/or replaced with new text.
`Other content of the mobile video game, such as the
`shape, design, coloring of dartboard 210 or the texture or
`coloring of background 215 may be updated.In other games,
`new weapons, interactive characters, levels, hot spots, and
`other items may be provided as part of the update. In short,
`any content element used in the mobile video game may be
`updated, depending on the embodiment.
`FIGS. 3A-B are exemplary flow charts that include steps
`taken by a mobile communication device to update in-game
`content in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention. Turning to FIG. 3A, the mobile communication
`device operates a mobile video gameat step 305. The mobile
`video game may be any type of game operable on a mobile
`communication device.
`At step 310,
`the mobile communication device may
`contact a server. As will be explained in more detail with
`reference to FIG. 3B, contacting the server may betriggered
`by manydifferent events and occur at many different times,
`depending on the embodiment. The mobile video game may
`be concurrently operating in some embodiments, or not
`operating in other embodiments.
`the
`After the server has been contacted, at step 310,
`mobile communications device checks for an available
`
`update for the mobile video game. If updated contentfor the
`mobile video gameis available, the mobile communication
`device may begin downloading the content at step 320. The
`length of time that passes between contacting the server at
`310 and downloading the updated content varies between
`embodiments and depends on many factors, some of which
`are discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 3B. For
`
`example, other communications, such as an authorization to
`download files, may occur before downloading begins in
`some embodiments. Alternatively or in addition, download-
`ing may be delayed in an embodiment until a time when
`more bandwidth is available or when downloading will not
`disrupt gameplay.
`At step 340,
`the mobile communication device may
`display the updated content within the mobile video game
`(i.e., in-game). For example, the shirt 230 from FIG. 2A may
`be removedand replaced with the bottle 232 from FIG. 2B.
`The exact timing of when the updated content is displayed
`in-game varies depending on the embodiment.
`Additionally, user interaction within the game maydeter-
`mine the location of content placement. For example,
`motion sensing devices within the mobile communication
`device may be used to determine where the updated content
`is displayed within the gaming environment. In one such
`embodiment, the user may make a throwing motion while
`holding the mobile communication device, which detects the
`motion and displays a thrown dart on dartboard 210 along
`with a message based upon the updated content. The mobile
`communication device may detect the motion via a camera
`componentof the mobile communication device. In another
`embodiment, motion is detected by one or more gyroscopes
`within the mobile communication device.
`
`Some embodiments may require the user to agree to
`display the content before the updated content is displayed.
`An embodiment might also include presenting the user with
`a message explaining the updated content. For example,
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`before the updated content is displayed, the user might be
`presented with a message that states “X would like to
`redecorate this room”. In some of those embodiments, the
`user may have the option of accepting or declining the
`display of the updated content.
`The updated content may also be displayed in a pop-up
`window. Pop-up windowsthat are spawned from the opera-
`tion of the game are considered to be in-game for the
`purpose of this disclosure.
`Turning now to FIG. 3B, a more elaborate set of exem-
`plary steps followed by a mobile communication device in
`some embodiments is presented. At step 305, the mobile
`communication device may operate a mobile video game.
`Unlike in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B includes intervening steps
`306, 307, and 309 for triggering checks for updated content.
`Requests (i.e., checks) for updated content may or may not
`specify particular content, depending on the embodiment.
`For example, the mobile communication device may not
`know what updated content, if any, is available when the
`mobile communication device contacts the server at step
`310.
`In some embodiments,
`the mobile communication
`device mayidentify a particular game, scene, and/or element
`within the game when it contacts the server.
`In other
`embodiments,
`the mobile communication device may
`request updated content for several games during contact
`with the server at step 310.
`Someof the methodsfor triggering a content update will
`now be discussed. In some embodiments,
`the user may
`manually request updated content at step 306. For example,
`the video game operating on the mobile communication
`device may include a selectable option to retrieve updated
`content. Selecting this option may cause the mobile com-
`munication device to immediately contact the server and
`check for content to download at step 310 in some embodi-
`ments. Alternatively, there may be further options, including
`retrieving updated content when the game ends or at some
`other time.
`In one embodiment, the mobile communication device
`may request updated content uponin