CN110384927A - System and method for determining the type of player in online game - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system and method for determining the type of player associated with an online game. The system includes: at least one player device having one or more sensor modules, and a server device communicatively coupled to the at least one player device. The server apparatus is configured to: send a first set of information to the at least one player device; receive a second set of information from the at least one player device, wherein the second set of information includes game information and sensor information; and analyze the second set of information to calculate correlations reliability factors of the associated players; and determining the type of associated players based on the calculated reliability factors.

Description

System and method for determining the type of player in an online game

technical field

The present disclosure relates generally to network games and network applications, and more particularly, to a system for determining a type of player associated with a network game. Furthermore, the present disclosure also relates to a method for determining a type of player associated with an online game.

Background technique

Recently, online games have played an important role in the entertainment industry. Typically, a player performs one or more activities on a gaming device to win a network game in a single player mode or a multiplayer mode. Additionally, the gaming facility is configured to facilitate a multi-player mode in which multiple players participate as team members of a team and perform activities in a collaborative manner to defeat an opposing team. Additionally, online games may include skill-based games and wager-based games.

Typically, in wagering-based games, players place bets on the outcome of the game. In such games, the outcome of the game is uncertain. On the other hand, in skill-based games, the player can determine the outcome of the game by using his/her physical skills or intellectual skills. Gaming facilities provide the player with benefits including monetary or financial gain when he/she wins the game.

However, there are certain limitations associated with providing the aforementioned benefits to players associated with online games. Online games often involve various forms of fraudulent activity. For example, players may use autonomous programs (eg, such as robots) that interact with online games. This autonomous program is designed just like the player. Furthermore, such autonomous programs can apply perfect or near-perfect strategies to determine the outcome of online games for monetary or financial gain. To overcome the above limitations, most online games use a computer program or system (eg, captcha) to differentiate between human and machine input. However, robots often use a variety of techniques such as optical character recognition and machine learning to bypass these computer programs.

Accordingly, in view of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages associated with determining the type of player associated with an online game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure aims to provide a system for determining the type of player associated with an online game. The present disclosure also aims to provide a method for determining a type of player associated with an online game.

The present disclosure seeks to provide a solution to the existing problem of fraudulent activity associated with online gaming. It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that at least partially overcomes the problems encountered in the prior art and provides a safe, cost-effective, easy-to-implement and reliable system for determining the type of player.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for determining a type of player associated with an application, comprising:

- at least one player device with one or more sensor modules;

- a server device communicatively coupled to the at least one player device, wherein the server device is configured to:

(i) sending the first set of information to at least one player device;

(ii) receiving a second set of information from at least one player device, wherein the second set of information includes game information and sensor information from one or more sensor modules;

(iii) analyzing the second set of information to calculate a reliability factor for the associated player; and

(iv) Determining the type of associated player based on the calculated reliability factor.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for determining a type of player associated with an application, comprising:

(i) sending the first set of information from the server device to the player device;

(ii) receiving a second set of information from the player device, wherein the second set of information includes game information and sensor information;

(iii) analyzing the second set of information to calculate a reliability factor for the associated player; and

(iv) Determining the type of associated player based on the calculated reliability factor.

Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially obviate or at least partially address the above-described problems of the prior art, and enable determining a player's type in a safe, cost-effective, easy-to-implement, and reliable system for determining a player's type.

Other aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, which are explained in conjunction with the appended claims.

It should be understood that the features of the present disclosure may be easily combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims.

Description of drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there are shown in the drawings exemplary constructions of the disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

1 shows a block diagram of a system for determining the type of player associated with an online game according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

2 is an exemplary sequence diagram of an implementation of a system (eg, such as the system of FIG. 1 ) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

3 is an illustration of sensor data game information and sensor information in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

4 is an illustration of method steps for determining a type of player associated with an online game, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the drawings, an underlined reference number is used to indicate the item to which the underlined reference number is located or the item adjacent to the underlined reference number. An ununderlined reference number refers to the item identified by the line linking the ununderlined reference number to the item. When a reference number is not underlined and is accompanied by an associated arrow, the ununderlined reference number is used to identify the general item to which the arrow points.

Detailed ways

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and the manner in which they may be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the disclosure are possible.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for determining a type of player associated with an application, comprising:

- at least one player device with one or more sensor modules;

- a server device communicatively coupled to the at least one player device, wherein the server device is configured to:

(i) sending the first set of information to at least one player device;

(ii) receiving a second set of information from at least one player device, wherein the second set of information includes game information and sensor information from one or more sensor modules;

(iii) analyzing the second set of information to calculate a reliability factor for the associated player; and

(iv) Determining the type of associated player based on the calculated reliability factor.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for determining a type of player associated with an application, comprising:

(i) sending the first set of information from the server device to the player device;

(ii) receiving a second set of information from the player device, wherein the second set of information includes game information and sensor information;

(iii) analyzing the second set of information to calculate a reliability factor for the associated player; and

(iv) Determining the type of associated player based on the calculated reliability factor.

The application may be, for example, an application program, an online game or an online game application. In the following, these terms are used interchangeably.

In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for determining the type of player currently playing/using an application/online game/online game application, wherein the system includes:

- at least one player device with one or more sensor modules;

- a server device communicatively coupled to the at least one player device, wherein the server device is configured to:

(i) sending the first set of data elements to at least one player device in which the online game is active;

(ii) receiving a second set of data elements from the player device, wherein the second set of data elements includes responses to the first set of data elements and sensor data from one or more sensor modules;

(iii) analyzing the second set of data elements, and calculating reliability factors for the second set of data elements based on the analysis;

(iv) determining the type of player currently playing the online game on the player device based on the calculated reliability factor; and

If the type of player is determined to be a bot, the server apparatus is configured to at least partially disable network gaming on the player's device.

Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may advantageously determine when a machine rather than a human is playing a network game. Limit abuse of systems and games by ensuring that only humans play against each other and that machines (such as robots) are taking over the game and competition. This advantageously balances the playing field, especially when it is difficult to see or know who the other opponent or opponents are in a network game.

In another aspect, the server apparatus is configured to at least partially disable network gaming on the player device by preventing game-related data from being sent to and received from the player device. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments advantageously limit the ability of machines, such as bots, to play online games. This is especially useful when the other players are humans.

On the other hand, when the type of the associated player is determined to be a real player, the server device is configured to award points to the associated player's gaming account. Additionally or alternatively, the server device is configured to reward the associated player for access to the next level in the game/application being used by the associated player. In general, bonus points may also relate to, for example, turning on a tool/skill or disabling/enabling some feature of the associated game/application being played by the player.

In another aspect, the sensor data includes one or more of the following: position data for the location of the player device; images captured by the player device; orientation of the player device relative to a predetermined XYZ plane and temperature measured by the player device. Sensor data can advantageously help determine who is playing an online game on a device, rather than a machine or robot.

In another aspect, the response to the first set of data elements includes detecting, by the server apparatus, an interaction with the user interface of the player device. During game play, game information is presented on the device's screen. During game play, the user's physical interaction with the device, especially the interaction or response to game data or information presented on the user interface or display, is used to determine that an actual person is playing the game rather than a machine or robot.

On the other hand, the detected interaction is one or more of a touch or a proximity touch to the screen of the user interface. When game data needs to interact with objects on the display, touch or proximity touch can indicate an actual human rather than a robot.

In another aspect, presenting the first set of data elements includes generating a pop-up window on the display, and detecting the response includes detecting a selection of at least one object in the pop-up window. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may provide a mechanism that requires user interaction that is difficult for a machine to overcome.

In another aspect, the one or more sensing modules include at least one of an accelerometer sensor, a temperature sensor, a position sensor, and an imaging sensor. As an example, an accelerometer sensor may be used to detect movement of a player's device. For example, if movement is detected substantially simultaneously with selection of a user interface element (eg, using a touch screen), the user may be a human rather than a robot. Also, a temperature sensor can be used to detect the proximity of a person to the player's device. An imaging sensor (the player's device's face camera) can be used to detect that a real user is playing. A sensing module or multiple sensing modules may include any combination of sensors, and different sensing modules may include different sensors and combinations of sensors. For example, one sensing module may include an accelerometer sensor and a temperature sensor, while another sensing module may include an accelerometer sensor and an imaging sensor. The sensing module can also be the same.

In another aspect, the server device is configured to perform steps (i) to (iii) iteratively to determine a plurality of reliability factors, wherein the plurality of reliability factors are processed to determine an overall reliability factor.

On the other hand, the server device is further configured to compare the calculated overall reliability factor with a predetermined value. This comparison can then be used to determine the type of player.

On the other hand, online games are multi-player games. The term network game may refer to a generic application/app that executes in a player's device. Such an application may be downloaded to the player device, eg, from an application store. The application may be an online game. The application may also refer to a web browser application. In one embodiment, the defined types of associated players are selected from humans and robots.

According to an embodiment, the time stamp information is assigned to each of the game information and the sensor information, and wherein the reliability factor is calculated by processing the time stamp information, the game information and the sensor information.

On the other hand, the server device may thus also be configured to assign the real-time timestamp data to the data elements of the first set of data elements, the data elements of the second set of data elements and the sensor data, wherein by processing the timestamp data, the first A set of data elements, a second set of data elements, and sensor data to calculate reliability factors. Timestamp data can be used to determine when game information is presented and when responses to game information are detected or received. For example, users typically require minimal time to prepare responses and interact with the device. However, machines or robots can respond faster. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may look at response times and determine how likely it is that a response is generated by a game-playing machine or a human. Timestamp data can also correlate the timeliness of game data and responses, and when sensor data was detected relative to game data and responses to game data. In one embodiment, this may ensure that sensor data occurs substantially concurrently with one or more of game data and detected responses.

According to an embodiment, the first set of information refers to data associated with an application presented on the player's device. In another aspect, the first set of data elements includes data for the network game that is presented on the player device and is currently active.

According to another embodiment, game information is generated based on player interaction with the first set of information. In another aspect, the second set of data elements is generated based on detection of player interaction with at least one player device responsive to data presented on the player device and currently active network game.

In another aspect, the disclosed embodiments provide a method for determining a type of player associated with a network game presented on a user device using a processor, the processor comprising non-transitory machine-readable computer program instructions , wherein the method comprises executing, by a processor, non-transitory machine-readable computer program instructions:

- sending the first set of data elements to the player device of which the online game is at least one player device that is active;

- receiving a second set of data elements from the player device, wherein the second set of data elements includes responses to the first set of data elements and sensor data from one or more sensor modules;

- analyze the second set of data elements and calculate reliability factors for the second set of data elements;

- determining the type of player playing the online game on the player's device based on the calculated reliability factor; and

- If the player's type is determined to be a bot, at least partially disabling the online game on the player's device.

On the other hand, when the type of the associated player is determined to be a real player, the method includes awarding points to the associated player's gaming account.

In another aspect of the method, the first set of data elements includes data for a currently active online game presented on the player device, and the second set of data elements is presented on the player device based on responses to the player and the at least one player device and Generated by detecting the interaction of the data of the currently active online game.

In another aspect, the disclosed embodiments relate to a system for determining a type of player associated with an online game, wherein the system includes:

- at least one player device with one or more sensor modules;

- a server device communicatively coupled to the at least one player device, wherein the server device is configured to:

- sending the first request to a player device of which the online game is at least one player device that is active;

- presenting the first request on the display of the player's device;

- detecting the response to the first request and sensor data from the sensor module of the player's device;

- analysis of responses and sensor data to calculate reliability factors for players associated with online games and player devices on which the online game is active;

- determining the type of associated player based on the calculated reliability factor; and

- at least partially disabling online gaming on a player's device by restricting the sending and receiving of game-related data to and from the player's device when the type of associated player is determined to be a bot; or

- When the type of the associated player is determined to be a real player, award points to the associated player's gaming account.

In another aspect of the system, the sensor data includes one or more of: location data of the location of the player device; images captured by the player device; orientation of the player device and temperature measured by the player device.

In another aspect of the system, the response to the first request is to detect an interaction with a user interface of the player device.

In another aspect of the system, the detection interaction is a touch to the screen of the user interface.

The present disclosure seeks to provide a system and method for determining the type of player associated with an online game. The present disclosure analyzes sensor information to calculate reliability factors. Additionally, the sensor information enables the system to determine whether the player device is being used by a human (eg, by determining whether the player device is being used by a hand) or a robot. This analysis of sensor information helps to accurately calculate reliability factors and thus accurately determine the type of player. Beneficially, the present disclosure allows analysis of player sensor information in an iterative or predefined manner. This detection of the player's sensor information enables a safe, cost-effective, easy-to-implement, and reliable system for determining the type of player.

It should be understood that online games involve structured forms of games played partly or primarily over a communication network. Online games can be played by a single player or by multiple players. Examples of online games may include, but are not limited to, wagering based games such as games of chance, slot machines or any other wagering games, castle games, strategy based games (eg city building games), or games such as multiplayer games and other group games. The player uses at least one player device to play the online game.

As previously mentioned, the system includes at least one player device having one or more sensor modules. Throughout this disclosure, the term "player device" as used herein refers to an electronic computing device on which a player plays a network game. Examples of at least one player device may include, but are not limited to, personal computers, handheld computing devices, tablet computers, gaming consoles, laptop computers, mobile computers, wearable computers, communication devices such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, Video slot machines, video poker machines, kiosks, casino personal devices, etc. In an embodiment, at least one player device may include a combination of hardware and firmware operable to receive information. Optionally, the at least one player device includes a display unit for displaying the first set of information to the player. Additionally, at least one player device includes a plurality of electronic components, such as a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a memory unit, a plurality of sensors, a battery, and a user interface.

Additionally, one or more sensor modules are operable to detect sensor information associated with at least one player device. Optionally, the one or more sensing modules include at least one of an accelerometer sensor, a temperature sensor, a position sensor, and an imaging sensor. In this case, the sensor information includes data related to the movement of the player's device, the temperature around the player's device, the position of the player's device, and the associated image information of the player.

As previously mentioned, the system includes a server device communicatively coupled to the at least one player device. As used herein, the term "server device" refers to a structure and/or module comprising programmable and/or non-programmable components configured to receive, store, process and/or share a first set of information and a second set of information. In an example, the server apparatus may include components such as memory units, processors, network adapters, etc., to receive, store, process and/or share the first set of information. Optionally, the memory unit stores any data related to the game (eg, number of users, winners, awards awarded to winners) in the database.

The server apparatus may include a single server or multiple servers communicatively coupled to each other. The server device is operable to execute network game related data. Optionally, the server device is a game server or a server deployed in a cloud environment connected to a remote server. Optionally, the server arrangement is implemented as two or more servers operating in a parallel and/or distributed architecture.

Furthermore, the server device is communicatively coupled with the at least one player device through a communication network. Optionally, the at least one player device is communicatively coupled to the server device via a wired network, a wireless network, or any combination thereof. Examples of communication networks between the at least one player device and the server apparatus include, but are not limited to: local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), radio networks, the Internet, radio networks, telecommunications networks. In one embodiment, the communication between the server device and the at least one player device occurs over a short-range network and/or a long-range network.

As before, the server apparatus is configured to send the first set of information from the server apparatus to the at least one player device. Throughout this disclosure, the term "first set of information" as used herein refers to data content associated with an online game. In this case, the first set of information includes game-related data content (eg, game instructions, levels, scores, characters/objects, animations, etc.). In one embodiment, the first set of information is in text format. In another embodiment, the first set of information is provided in an image format. In such an embodiment, the image format may be JPEG, JFIF, Exif, TIFF, GIF, BMP, PNG, or the like. In another embodiment, the first set of information is provided in a video format. In such an embodiment, the video format may be: AVI (Audio Video Interleaved), FLV (Streaming Media Format), WMV (Windows Media Video Format), MOV (Apple QuickTime Movie Format), MP4 (Moving Picture Experts Group 4) format) etc. In another embodiment, the first set of information is provided in audio format. In such an embodiment, the audio format may be Waveform Audio File Format, Audio Interchange File Format, MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3, Advanced Audio Coding. In yet another embodiment, the first set of information is provided in a combination of text format, image format, audio format or video format. The first set of information includes information with which the player interacts (eg, such as one or more questions, a set of rules, a game level, etc.).

Upon receiving the first set of information, at least one player device presents the first set of information on the user interface. Examples of user interfaces include, but are not limited to, touch-sensitive input, mice, keyboards, joysticks, gesture controllers, displays (eg, such as flat panel displays, liquid crystal displays, light emitting diodes, etc.). The player interacts with the presented first set of information according to the user interface of the at least one player device. For example, if the user interface of at least one player device is a touch-sensitive surface, the player interacts with the network game through tactile input using a finger or a stylus. In another example, if the user interface is gesture-based, the player interacts with the network game by hovering hands and/or other body parts. In yet another example, if the user interface is a display screen, the user may use a mouse or touchpad to interact with the network game. Information related to this interaction of the player with the network game is sent to the server device.

As previously mentioned, the server apparatus is configured to receive a second set of information from the at least one player device, wherein the second set of information includes game information and sensor information. Throughout this disclosure, the term "second set of information" as used herein refers to data content associated with an interaction that is a player's interaction with the first set of information and at least one player device. Specifically, the second set of information is generated based on player interaction with the first set of information presented on the user interface of the player device. In this case, the second set of information includes responses to the player and associated player devices (eg, game instructions, levels, scores, characters/objects, and animations) while playing the network game. In one embodiment, the second set of information is in text format. In another embodiment, the second set of information is provided in an image format. In another embodiment, the second set of information is provided in a video format. In another embodiment, the second set of information is provided in audio format. In yet another embodiment, the second set of information is provided in a combination of text format, image format, audio format or video format. Alternatively, in such an embodiment, the image format may be JPEG, JFIF, Exif, TIFF, GIF, BMP, PNG, or the like. In addition, optionally, the video format can be: AVI (audio video interleave format), FLV (streaming media format), WMV (Windows media video format), MOV (Apple QuickTime movie format), MP4 (Moving Picture Experts Group 4 format) )Wait.

Throughout this disclosure, the term "game information" as used herein refers to data associated with an interaction that is a player's interaction with a first set of information presented on a user interface of at least one player device. In other words, the game information is the data content obtained during the player's interaction with the first set of information. In an example, if the player is playing a network puzzle game, a question and four options (a first set of information) are received at at least one player device. In such an example, the player may respond to the question by selecting one of four options. In this case, the selection of such an option is considered game information. In another example, if a player controls the acceleration, deceleration, direction, etc. of a car by interacting with a user interface, interacting with a network car racing game. In this example, this acceleration, deceleration, directional control of the car is considered game information. In another example, a player may play with another player in a multi-player network game. In such an example, selecting a card, jumping to the next game level, taking advantage of the game life, etc. are considered game information. Other exemplary game information includes, but is not limited to: selecting a game level, selecting a background theme, managing audio settings, controlling one or more graphical objects, and the like. Optionally, the game information further includes data related to time spent by the player for interacting with the first set of information presented on the user interface of the at least one player device. In general, the term "game information" generally refers to information related to the use of an application/network game/multiplayer network game. According to one embodiment, the application is an online game. According to yet another embodiment, the network game is a multi-player game.

Furthermore, throughout this disclosure, the term "sensor information" as used herein refers to data associated with an interaction that is a player interacting with at least one player device to interact with a first set of information. The sensor information includes information related to movement of the player's device, temperature around the player's device, location of the player's device, and associated image information of the player. In one embodiment, sensor information is sensed by one or more sensor modules configured on at least one player device.

One or more sensing modules are configured to detect information based on their design/configuration. In an example, the location sensor may detect the location of the at least one player device. In such an example, the location sensor may be a global positioning tracking unit for detecting the location of the at least one player device. In this case, if the player is playing a network game while traveling from one point to another, the global positioning tracking unit may continuously detect the position of the at least one player device during the travel.

In another example, an imaging sensor captures image information of an associated player and/or surrounding environment while playing a network game. In such an example, the imaging sensor may be a camera configured to capture image information of the associated player. In this case, the camera captures video feeds and/or still images of the player while playing the online game. The captured video and/or still images are sent to the server device through the communication network. Optionally, when the player provides game information by selecting options using the user interface, the camera transmits image information to the server device. This image information is analyzed to detect the physical appearance of the player.

Furthermore, in another example, the accelerometer measures orientation changes and movement of at least one player device. These changes are performed by the player while playing the online game. For example, when a player interacts with a user interface to play an online game, there may be some movement in at least one player device and thus the orientation of the device may change. In such an example, sensor information may be sent 1 second before and 1 second after the player provides game information by selecting an option using the user interface.

In yet another example, the temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the surrounding environment of the at least one player device. In such an example, the temperature sensor detects the air temperature or ambient temperature of the surroundings of the at least one player device. In another example, the proximity sensor measures the proximity of the player to the associated at least one player device during gameplay. In another example, a gyroscope may also be used to detect movement of the associated at least one player device during a player holding a player device in a hand and playing a network game.

As before, the server device is configured to analyze the second set of information to calculate the reliability factor for the associated player. Based on the analysis/processing of the game information and the sensor information, the reliability factor is calculated by the server device. Throughout this disclosure, the term "reliability factor" as used herein refers to a score assigned to a player using at least one player device by analyzing the second set of information. The server device may calculate the reliability factor by using a set of algorithms. In this case, this algorithm is stored in the memory unit of the server device. Examples of such algorithms may include, but are not limited to, linear algorithms, logarithmic algorithms, fuzzy logic, artificial intelligence, machine learning mechanisms, and the like.

Optionally, the reliability factor can be a floating point number or an integer. In one embodiment, the server device calculates the reliability factor at fixed time intervals (eg, every 2 seconds, every 10 seconds, or every 2 minutes). In one embodiment, the server device calculates the reliability factor in real-time (ie, while continuously receiving game information and sensor information from at least one player device).

As previously mentioned, the server device is configured to determine the type of associated player based on the calculated reliability factor. The server device processes one or more reliability factors to determine the type of associated player. Throughout this disclosure, the term "type of player" as used herein refers to a classification of players who play online games. In one embodiment, the type defines that the player is a human or a robot. Throughout this disclosure, the term "robot" as used herein refers to a non-human player. Bots are artificial intelligences that enable commands to play online games and earn points by cheating.

Optionally, in this regard, the server device is configured to compare the calculated reliability factor with a predetermined value. In this case, the predetermined value may be stored in the server device. Notably, if the calculated reliability factor is greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the player is a human, and if the calculated reliability factor is less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the player is a robot.

In one example, the image information is analyzed to detect the physical appearance of the player. If the detected image information depicts the appearance of a person, a higher reliability factor can be provided to the player.

Optionally, the server device is configured to perform steps (i) to (iii) iteratively to determine a plurality of reliability factors, wherein the plurality of reliability factors are processed to determine an overall reliability factor. In this case, the server apparatus transmits the first set of information iteratively after receiving the second set of information from the at least one player device. In this regard, after each cycle of sending and receiving the first set of information and the second set of information, the server device calculates a reliability factor for each cycle. In one example, if the server device completes three of the above-mentioned cycles, the reliability factor is also calculated three times, ie, the reliability factor is calculated once after each cycle is completed. Therefore, multiple reliability factors are obtained. Additionally, optionally, the processing module is operable to process a plurality of reliability factors to determine an overall reliability factor. Optionally, the overall reliability factor is determined by calculating an average of multiple reliability factors. Or, optionally, the overall reliability factor is determined by calculating a weighted average of multiple reliability factors. It should be understood that various other mathematical formulas may be employed to determine the overall reliability factor.

In the foregoing example, the image information may be received by the server device in an iterative manner. In such an example, the different image information is analyzed to determine whether the player of the player device is moving (such as having a different expression on the face). Notably, if no movement is detected, the server device may provide the player with a lower overall reliability factor.

In one embodiment, the overall reliability factor is calculated at the end of the game session. In another embodiment, the overall reliability factor is calculated at the end of each level of the multi-level game. In yet another embodiment, the overall reliability factor is calculated in a periodic manner (ie, at fixed time intervals).

It should be understood that if the reliability factor is calculated only once by the server device, the calculated reliability factor is considered to be the overall reliability factor.

Optionally, the server device is further configured to compare the calculated overall reliability factor with a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the predetermined value is a floating point number (eg, such as 4.602, 3.426, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the predetermined value is a positive integer.

The server device compares the overall reliability factor to a predetermined value to determine the type of player. In this case, if the overall reliability factor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the type of player is human. Alternatively, if the overall reliability factor is less than a predetermined value, the player type is a robot.

Optionally, the server device is further configured to assign time stamp information to each of the game information and the sensor information, wherein the reliability factor is calculated by processing the time stamp information, the game information and the sensor information. In this case, the at least one player device includes time sensing means. The time sensing device is configured to assign time stamp information to each of the game information and the sensor information. The time sensing device assigns time stamp information to game information and sensor information from the beginning of a game session. Notably, at least one player device sends timestamp information, game information and sensor information to the server device. The server device receives the transmitted time stamp information, game information and sensor information. In one embodiment, the server device receives timestamp information, game information and sensor information from at least one player device at regular intervals (eg, every 5 milliseconds or 10 seconds). In an alternative embodiment, the server apparatus receives timestamp information, game information and sensor information from at least one player device in real-time (eg, as the player interacts with the first set of information). The server device is also configured to match the timestamps of the game information and the sensor information. In this case, if the time stamps of the game information and the sensor information are the same, the server device may determine that the player is a human, and thus provide the associated player with a higher reliability factor. However, if the time stamps of the game information and the sensor information are different, the server device may determine that the player is a robot and thus provide the associated player with a low reliability factor. More optionally, the server device processes the timestamp information to calculate the player's reaction time. Also, alternatively, the server device may process the time stamp information only when the player continuously wins the network game. Or, alternatively, the server device may process the timestamp information in a predefined manner.

In an example, the timestamp information of the game information (eg, selection of an answer to a puzzle) is time XX, and the timestamp information of the sensor information (eg, moving the player device by touching the player device to select an answer) is also at time XX. In this case, since the time stamp information of both the game information and the sensor information are the same, the server device assigns a higher reliability factor to the associated player. In another example, the timestamp information of the game information (eg, selection of an answer to a puzzle) is time XX, while the timestamp information of the sensor information (eg, moving the player device by touching the player device to select an answer) is at YY time. In this case, since the time stamp information of the game information and the sensor information are not the same, the server device assigns a lower reliability factor to the associated player.

Optionally, the sensing module is further operable to detect a mode in use of the user interface. In this case, if a similar pattern is detected for a longer duration, the server device may determine that the type of player is a robot.

In one embodiment, if the player is determined to be a human, the player is awarded points/bounty/cash in the player's account. Maintain account related data in a database. Points earned can be redeemed for transactions performed at the point of sale or while shopping online. Alternatively, points can be redeemed to play games. All transaction information is updated in real-time in the player's account.

In another embodiment, if the player is determined to be a bot, a cheating countermeasure is used to prevent the bot from participating in the game. In one embodiment, the bot is disqualified as a player and thus cannot earn points. Optionally, the robotic device and the server device are prohibited from receiving and/or sending game-related data. Bots will be blocked immediately at the current stage of the online game or at the end of the online game or at the end of a specific game level. Optionally, at least one player device cheating as a bot may be permanently blocked from all future game-related activities. This provides the technical advantage of ensuring consistency of player types among all players of a network game in a time efficient manner. Otherwise, the player verification process would be more time consuming and resource consuming if login and other data needs to be stored. Furthermore, aspects of the disclosed embodiments allow for the determination of the player type while the game is being played and being played. This prevents replacing real players with machines later in the game. Requiring such verification during game play would be time consuming and disruptive. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosed embodiments advantageously provide a more efficient process.

According to an alternative embodiment, a system for determining a type of player associated with a network game/application is provided. The system includes: at least one player device having one or more sensor modules, a server device communicatively coupled to the at least one player device. The server apparatus is configured to: send a first request to at least one player device in which the network game is active; present the first request on a display of the player device; detect a response to the first request and a response from a sensor module of the player device sensor data; analyzing the responses and sensor data to calculate reliability factors for players associated with the online game and player devices for which the online game is active; determining the type of associated players based on the calculated reliability factors. The determined type can be a bot or a player. If and when the type of the associated player is determined to be a bot, the system is configured to at least partially disable network gaming on the player device by restricting sending and receiving game-related data to and from the player device. This way bots can be excluded from game/app sessions. Or when it is determined that the type of the associated player is a real player, maintaining the sending and receiving of game-related data to and from the player device. Alternatively or additionally, points may be awarded to the player's gaming account. Additionally, the first set of data elements includes data for a network game that is presented on the player device and is currently active, and the second set of data elements is based on a response to the player and the at least one player device in response to the network presented on the player device and is currently active. Generated by detecting the interaction of game data.

According to additional embodiments, a method for determining the type of player/user associated with a network game (or in general applications) is provided. In the method, content related to the online game/application is presented on a user device using a processor, the processor comprising non-transitory machine-readable computer program instructions, wherein the method comprises executing, by the processor, the non-transitory machine Computer program instructions readable to:

- sending the first set of data elements to at least one player device in which the online game is the active player device;

- receiving a second set of data elements from the player device, wherein the second set of data elements includes responses to the first set of data elements and sensor data from one or more sensor modules;

- analyze the second set of data elements and calculate reliability factors for the second set of data elements;

- determining the type of player playing the online game on the player's device based on the calculated reliability factor; and

- if the player's type is determined to be a bot, at least partially disabling online gaming on the player's device; or

- if the type of the associated player is determined to be a real player, the method comprising continuing the online game with the associated user, or optionally awarding points to the associated player's gaming account;

as well as

Wherein, the first set of data elements includes data of the network game that is presented on the player device and is currently active, and the second set of data elements is based on the response to the player and at least one player device. Present on the player device and is currently active network Generated by detecting the interaction of game data.

According to an alternative embodiment, a system for determining a type of player currently playing a network game (or application) includes: at least one player device having one or more sensing modules; communicatively coupled to the at least one player device connected server device.

The server appliance is configured to:

(A) sending the first set of data elements to the player device for which the network game in at least one player device is active;

(B) receiving a second set of data elements from the player device, wherein the second set of data elements includes responses to the first set of data elements and to sensor data from one or more sensor modules;

(C) analyzing the second set of data elements and calculating a reliability factor for the second set of data elements based on the analysis, wherein the server device is further configured to assign real-time timestamp data to the data elements in the first set of data elements, the first the data elements and sensor data in the two groups of data elements, wherein the reliability factor is calculated by processing the timestamp data, the first group of data elements, the second group of data elements and the sensor data;

(D) determining the type of player currently playing the online game on the player device based on the calculated reliability factor; and

If the type of player is determined to be a bot, the server apparatus is configured to at least partially disable network gaming on the player's device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system 100 for determining a type of player associated with a network game is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system includes at least one player device (depicted as player devices 102 and 104) having one or more sensor modules (depicted as sensor modules 106 and 108). The system 100 includes a server device 110 communicatively coupled with at least one player device 102 , 104 . The server apparatus 110 is configured to: send a first set of information to the at least one player device 102, 104; receive a second set of information from the at least one player device 102, 104, wherein the second set of information includes game information and sensor information; analyze the first set of information Two sets of information to calculate the reliability factor of the associated player; and determining the type of the associated player based on the calculated reliability factor.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary sequence diagram of an implementation of a system 200 (eg, such as system 100 of FIG. 1) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In step S2.1 , the server apparatus 202 sends a first set of information to at least one player device, depicted as player device 204 . As shown, at least one player device 204 includes one or more sensor modules, depicted as sensor modules 206 . In step S2.2, the server apparatus 202 receives a second set of information from the at least one player device 204, wherein the second set of information includes game information and sensor information. In step S2.3, the server device 202 analyzes the second set of information to calculate the reliability factor of the associated player. In step S2.4, the server apparatus 202 sends the first set of information to the at least one player device 204 again. It should be understood that the first set of information sent in step S2.4 is different from the first set of information sent in step S2.1. In step S2.5, the server apparatus 202 receives a second set of information from the at least one player device 204. In step S2.6, the server device 202 analyzes the second set of information to calculate the reliability factor of the associated player. In step S2.7, the reliability factors calculated in steps S2.3, S2.6 are processed to determine an overall reliability factor, wherein the server device 202 is further configured to compare the calculated overall reliability factor with a predetermined value The comparison determines the type of associated player based on the calculated reliability factor.

Referring to FIG. 3, an illustration of game information 302a, 302b and sensor information 304a, 304b is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Game information 302a, 302b and sensor information 304a, 304b are represented over time. Game information 302a, 302b and sensor information 304a, 304b are time stamped.

As shown, sensor information 304a and game information 302a occur simultaneously, and sensor information 304b and game information 302b occur simultaneously. This analysis of game information 302a, 302b and sensor information 304a, 304b enables a system (eg, such as system 100 of FIG. 1) to determine an associated player's reliability factor.

4, the steps of a method 400 for determining a type of player associated with a network game are shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 402, a first set of information is sent from the server device to the player device. In step 404, a second set of information is received from the player device, wherein the second set of information includes game information and sensor information. In step 406, the second set of information is analyzed to calculate reliability factors for the associated players. In step 408, the type of associated player is determined based on the calculated reliability factor.

Steps 402 to 408 are illustrative only, and other alternatives may be provided in which one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or in a different order without departing from the scope of the claims herein Provide one or more steps.

Modifications may be made to the embodiments of the disclosure described above without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the appended claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "have", "is" and the like used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to Interpreted in a non-exclusive manner, ie, the presence of items, components or elements not expressly described is also permitted. References to the singular are also understood to refer to the plural.

Claims (19)

1. a kind of for determining and the system of the type using associated player, comprising:

At least one player device that there are one or more sensing modules；

With at least one described player device can be communicatively coupled server unit, wherein the server unit is matched It is set to:

(i) at least one described player device is sent by the first group information；

(ii) the second group information is received from least one described player device, wherein second group information includes game information With the sensor information from one or more sensing modules；

(iii) second group information is analyzed to calculate the reliability factor of associated player；And

(iv) type of the associated player is determined based on reliability factor calculated.

2. system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of sensing modules include accelerometer sensor, temperature Spend at least one of sensor, position sensor and imaging sensor.

3. system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the type of the associated player of restriction is selected from people and machine Device people.

4. system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the server unit is configured as iteratively holding Row step (i) with the multiple reliability factors of determination, and wherein, handles the multiple reliability factor to step (iii) with true Determine the overall reliability factor.

5. system according to claim 4, wherein the server unit is additionally configured to totality calculated is reliable Sex factor is compared with predetermined value.

6. system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the application is online game.

7. system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein timestamp information is assigned to the game information Each of with the sensor information, and wherein, by handling the timestamp information, the game information and described Sensor information calculates the reliability factor.

8. system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein first group information is related to following data, institute It is associated with the application presented in the player device to state data.

9. system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the game information be based on the player with it is described The interaction of first group information generates.

10. a kind of for determining and the method for the type using associated player, comprising:

(i) player device is sent from server unit by the first group information；

(ii) the second group information is received from the player device, wherein second group information includes game information and from one The sensor information of a or multiple sensing modules；

(iii) second group information is analyzed to calculate the reliability factor of associated player；And

(iv) type of the associated player is determined based on reliability factor calculated.

11. according to the method described in claim 10, wherein, be iteratively performed step (i) to step (iii) with determination is multiple can By sex factor, and wherein, the multiple reliability factor is handled to determine the overall reliability factor.

12. method described in 0 or 11 according to claim 1, wherein the type of the associated player of restriction be selected from people and Robot.

13. method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further include by the overall reliability factor calculated with Predetermined value is compared.

14. method described in any one of 0 to 14 according to claim 1, wherein the sensor information includes and the player The position of temperature, the player device around the movement of equipment, the player device and the image of the associated player Information-related information.

15. method described in any one of 0 to 14 according to claim 1, wherein the application is online game.

16. method described in any one of 0 to 15 according to claim 1, wherein the described method includes: by timestamp information point Each of game information described in dispensing and the sensor information, and wherein, by handling the timestamp information, institute Game information and the sensor information are stated to calculate the reliability factor.

17. method described in any one of 0 to 16 according to claim 1, wherein first group information and following data phase It closes, the data are associated with the application presented in the player device.

18. method described in any one of 0 to 17 according to claim 1, wherein the game information is based on the player and institute The interaction of the first group information is stated to generate.

19. a kind of system for determining the type of player associated with online game, comprising:

At least one player device that there are one or more sensing modules；

With at least one described player device can be communicatively coupled server unit, wherein the server unit is matched It is set to:

It is the player device of activation by the online game that the first request is sent at least one described player device；

First request is presented on the display of the player device；

It detects the response to first request and detects the sensor number of the sensor module from the player device According to；

The response and the sensing data are analyzed to calculate the institute for the online game and the online game being activation State the reliability factor of the associated player of player device；

The type of associated player is determined based on reliability factor calculated；And

When the type for determining associated player is robot, game phase is sent to the player device by limitation It closes data and receives game related data from the player device at least partly to disable the net in the player device Network game；Or

When the type for determining associated player is true player, maintain to send game correlation to the player device Data and from the player device receive game related data；And

Wherein, first group of data element includes the number of presentation and the currently active online game in the player device According to, second group of data element based on to the player and at least one player device in response in the player device It is presented and is currently that the interaction of the data of the online game of activation is detected to generate.