Graphical user interfaces in computer-implemented multiplayer games
US8814698B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2300/407
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods to provide graphical user interfaces in computer-implemented multiplayer games. The graphical user interface includes a friends panel that is operable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The friends panel provides friends information display functionality, social network management functionality, and/or messaging functionality both in the collapsed condition and in the expanded condition. In the collapsed condition, the friends panel may comprise a friends bar that shows a row of friend cards or chiclets associated with respective friends of a host player associated with a displayed game instance, the friends bar being clear of a view of a virtual in-game environment shown in the game display, while the expanded friends panel may comprise a grid of friend cards or chiclets that functionally obscures the in-game environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.