GB2481786A

GB2481786A - Multi-player, single display game system involving hidden game Information

Info

Publication number: GB2481786A
Application number: GB1010870.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Uri Porat
Original assignee: NDS Ltd
Current assignee: Synamedia Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-29
Filing date: 2010-06-29
Publication date: 2012-01-11
Also published as: GB201010870D0

Abstract

A system for differential display of game information to multiple users allows for "hiding" of objects through the object arrangement on a single display device, such that at least one object is hidden when the single display device is viewed at a first angle by say player A, but is visible when viewed at a second angle by say player B. The object appears to be hidden by being covered by another object and relates to personal game information of one of the players. Thus, a player viewing the single display device at a first angle sees only one or more hidden objects relating to personal game information for that player; player(s) viewing the single display device at other, different angles do not see these particular one or more hidden objects. Instead, the other players see one or more hidden objects for their own personal game information if present (at least one player has personal game information, but not necessarily all players). The display may be a full 3D display or a 2D display and may be a television receiver.

Description

System and Method for Graphical Arrangement of Three Dimensional Images for Differential Display of Game Information

S FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for graphical arrangement of three dimensional images, and particularly but not exclusively, to such a system and method for differential display of game information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

References relevant to the subject of three dimensional displays of images and video include US Patent Application No. 2006/0061651 to Tetterington; a paper entitled "3D TV: a scalable system for real-time acquisition, transmission, and autostereoscopic display of dynamic scenes", from the ACM SIGGRAPH conference (2004); US Patent Application No. 2004/0066555 to Nomura; US Patent No. 7522184 to Sun; US Patent No. 4630097 to Marks; and US Patent No. 7250990 to Sung.

References relevant to the subject of displaying information differentially to different viewers include US Patent Application No. 2008/0001849 to Jin; the Texas Instruments' dual view television device based upon DLP Dual View technology as described in published US Patent Application No. 2008/0036854 to Elliot et al; and US Patent Application No. 2008/0309660 to Bertolarni.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in certain embodiments thereof, seeks to provide an improved system and method for graphical arrangement of three dimensional images, and particularly but not exclusively, such a system and method for differential display of game information The present invention, in at least some embodiments seeks to provide a system and method for arrangement, such as graphical arrangement, of three dimensional images for differential display of game information by "hiding" information, for example by hiding an object through the arrangement of objects. By "object" it is also optionally meant information, including text, images and so forth.

According to at least some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for graphical arrangement of a three-dimensional image to display a three dimensional image comprising differential visual information on a single display device, the differential visual information including personal game information related to playing a computer game by a plurality of players, the method comprising: providing a game device for operating a computer game, the computer game generating differential visual data, wherein the game device is in communication with the single display device, the game device comprising a signal generator for generating display signals, the signal generator comprising a graphical mapping module; arranging a plurality of objects of the three-dimensional image by the graphical mapping module to form alTanged objects; transforming the arranged objects to display signals by the signal generator; transmitting the display signals by the signal generator; receiving the display signals by the single display device; and differentially displaying the display signals by the single display device, such that when the single display device is viewed from at least one angle, at least one object of the plurality of objects is not visible because at least one object appears to be covered by at least one other object of the plurality of objects, the at least one object representing the personal game information, and when viewed from at least one other angle, at least one object of the plurality of objects is visible.

Optionally the arranging the plurality of objects comprises receiving a plurality of objects related to personal game information for at least one player and a plurality of objects related to generic game information by the graphical mapping module; and preparing a set of objects to be viewed by each player, each set of objects including personal game information objects for that player and generic game information objects.

Optionally, arranging the plurality of objects comprises receiving a plurality of objects related to personal game information for each player.

Optionally the method further comprises determining a viewing angle of each player before an initiation of game play; wherein the differentially displaying the

I

display signals by the single display device comprises displaying each set of objects for each player according to the viewing angle of that player.

Optionally the determining the viewing angle of each player comprises displaying visual information that is visible at different angles by the single display device for each player before initiation of game play; and receiving an acknowledgement of viewing the visual information by each player, thereby determining the viewing angle of each player.

Optionally the determining the viewing angle of each player comprises instructing each player to assume a particular viewing angle with regard to the single display device.

Optionally the single display device comprises an alignment mechanism and a display screen, wherein the differentially displaying the display signals by the single display device comprises controlling transmission of light from a plurality of portions of the display screen by the alignment mechanism to differentially display the objects.

Optionally a number of display angles is greater than a number of players.

Alternatively a number of display angles is equal to a number of players.

Optionally the arranging the plurality of objects further comprises receiving information regarding each viewing angle by the graphical mapping module.

Optionally the preparing the sets of objects by the graphical mapping module comprises determining locations of the objects according to the viewing angles for arranging the objects.

Optionally the method further comprises providing a television signal receiver for receiving the computer game as a television signal and providing the computer game to the game device by the television signal receiver.

Optionally the method further comprises providing a television signal receiver for operating at least a portion of the computer game and for receiving at least one other portion of the computer game as a television signal, wherein the television signal receiver is the game device.

Optionally the method further comprises providing a broadcast system for broadcasting the computer game to the television signal receiver, wherein a portion of game operation occurs at the broadcast system.

Optionally the television receiver receives a television signal selected from the group consisting of a broadcast television signal, a unicast signal, a multicast signal, a signal transmitted over a cellular telephone network, a signal transmitted over a computer network, a signal transmitted by satellite and a signal transmitted by a cable television network.

According to at least some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a system for graphical alTangement of a three-dimensional image to display a three dimensional image comprising differential visual information on a single display device, the differential visual information including personal game information related to playing a game, the system comprising: a game device for operating a computer game, the computer game generating display data, the game device comprising a signal generator for generating display signals, the signal generator comprising a graphical mapping module for arranging a plurality of objects of the three-dimensional image; and a single display device in communication with the signal generator for receiving the display signals, wherein the single display device displays differential visual information according to an angle of viewing of the single display device, the differential visual information forming the three dimensional image, such that when the single display device is viewed from at least one angle by the viewer, at least one object of the plurality of objects is not visible to the viewer because at least one other object of the plurality of objects prevents the viewer from viewing the at least one object, the at least one object of the plurality of objects representing the personal information, and when viewed from at least one other angle by the viewer, the at least one object of the plurality of objects is visible to the viewer.

Optionally the single display device further comprises an alignment mechanism and a display screen, such that the alignment mechanism controls transmission of light from a plurality of portions of the display screen to differentially display the objects.

Optionally the system further comprises a television signal receiver for at least partially receiving the computer game as a television signal such that the computer game is provided to the game device by the television signal receiver.

Optionally the game device is a television signal receiver for at least partially receiving the computer game as a television signal.

Optionally the system further comprises a broadcast system for broadcasting the computer game to the television signal receiver, wherein a portion of game operation occurs at the broadcast system.

Optionally the television receiver receives a television signal selected from the group consisting of a broadcast television signal, a unicast signal, a multicast signal, a signal transmitted over a cellular telephone network, a signal transmitted over a computer network, a signal transmitted by satellite and a signal transmitted by a cable S television network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustration of a system for differential display of game information, the system being constructed and operative in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary, illustrative method according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 3 shows a block diagram illustration of a system for differential display of game information, the system being constructed and operative in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which the game device is in communication with a television signal receiver; FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a system for arrangement of three dimensional images for differential display of game information, the system being constructed and operative in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; for this non-limiting example, the television signal receiver operates the game; and FIGS. 5A and SB are simplified pictorial illustrations of non-limiting examples of game displays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present invention, in at least some embodiments, seeks to provide a system and method for arrangement, such as graphical arrangement, of three dimensional images for differential display of game information by "hiding" information, for example by hiding an object through the arrangement of objects on a single display device, such that at least one object is hidden when the single display device is viewed at a first angle, but is visible when viewed at a second angle. The object appears to be hidden by being covered by another object. The hidden object relates to personal game information of one of the players. Thus, a player viewing the single display device at a first angle sees only one or more hidden objects relating to personal game information for that player; player(s) viewing the single display device at other, different angles, do not see these particular one or more hidden objects.

Instead, the other players may see one or more hidden objects for their own personal game information.

Various implementations of the device for operating the game and the single display device are encompassed within different embodiments of the present invention; a non-limiting example as provided herein relates to a television signal receiver for operating the game, with regard to Figures 3 and 4. However it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to such an implementation and many different implementations of the present invention are possible.

Reference is now made to Fig. 1 which is a simplified block diagram illustration of a system for hiding information for differential display of game information, the system being constructed and operative in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this non-limiting example, hiding of personal game information is performed through the graphical arrangement of objects.

As shown, a system 100 features a game device 102 for operating a computer game. By "computer game" it is meant any suitable type of electronic game which features visual data that is displayed during game play. The operation of the computer game may optionally be performed at the same location of the players, as shown in this non-limiting example, or may optionally be performed at a remote location e.g. in a broadcast head-end for example (not shown). During operation of the computer game, visual display data is generated that typically includes a plurality of categories of visual data: personal game information that is intended to be viewed by a particular player; and generic game information that can be viewed by a plurality of the players, or even all of the players. Optionally, visual display data in each category is displayed sequentially rather than simultaneously or in a combined manner. For the purpose of this example but without wishing to be limited in any way, it is assumed that two players are playing the computer game and that the visual data includes a plurality of images, which may be two dimensional representations of three dimensional images (rather than being displayed as actual three dimensional images), each image comprising a plurality of objects.

Game device 102 includes a signal generator 104 for generating display signals according to the display data that is generated during operation of the computer game (i.e. during game play). Signal generator 104 in turn features a graphical mapping module 106 for arranging a plurality of objects of the three-dimensional image. Signal generator 104 determines the display signals by using arranged (mapped) objects according to well known methods in the art. It is possible to transmit a portion of the arranged (mapped) objects from a remote location (not shown) and to locally insert the personal game information (and optionally also the generic game information) as inserted arranged (mapped) objects, or to perform all of the computer game operations on a remote server and transmit the complete three dimensional image as display signals (not shown).

In any case, the display signals are sent to a single display device 108, such that the visual display data is displayed by single display device 108, but the object(s) that may be viewed depend upon the angle of view of single display device 108.

Therefore, single display device 108 may for example be of a type which permits different visual data to be displayed according to the angle of viewing of single display device 108. A non-limiting example of such a display device is described in US Patent Application No. 2008/000 1849 to Jin, which is hereby incorporated by reference only with regard to Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 of US Patent Application No. 2008/0001849, and the accompanying description thereof, as if set forth herein.

Briefly, single display device 108 optionally comprises an alignment mechanism 110 that controls the transmission of light from a plurality of portions of a display screen 112 of single display device 108. Alignment mechanism 110 determines which portions of display screen 112 are visible to the viewer according to the angle at which the viewer views display screen 112 (not shown). Each portion comprises a plurality of pixels, such that each viewer may see a separate image. Also as described in US Patent Application No. 2008/000 1849, in the portion incorporated by reference above, a non-transmitting portion of display screen 112 may be used to prevent interference between the images viewable at different angles.

In operation, optionally each game player (viewer) has a game interface device 114 for issuing commands to game device 102, in order to interact with the computer game; alternatively a single shared interface device can be used, for example a remote control device that is passed between the game players. However, in the case of a single interface device, it should be taken into consideration how and if the shared interface device will be passed between the players, in order to not reveal personal game information of a player. As a non-limiting example of a possible solution to the problem of passing the shared interface device without inadvertently revealing personal information, it is possible to add a "hide personal game information" option for temporarily hiding the personal game information of all players while the shared device is being passed between the players.

For this non-limiting example shown in Figure 1, the two players are "player A" and player B", each of whom is assumed to have a game interface device 114, such that each game interface device 114 is labeled A" or "B" to correspond to each player. Game interface device 114 is shown as being connected to game device 102 by a line but this is for the purpose of illustration only, as communication between them is optionally wireless (or wired). As game play proceeds, each game player needs to be able to view both personal game information (which is to be displayed only to that game player) and also generic game information, which both players may view; however these different types of information are not necessarily displayed simultaneously. Each game player is assumed to be viewing display screen 112 at a different angle.

Graphical mapping module 106 receives visual game data from game device 102. Some visual game data is indicated as "personal" for a specific player, such that the personal visual game data is indicated as being for "player A" or "player B", while other visual game data is indicated as being generic. Typically, computer games operate with rendered polygons for displaying visual information; this method is assumed herein for the purpose of description only and without intending to be limited, such that graphical mapping module 106 is assumed to receive a plurality of polygons that is associated with a plurality of objects to be displayed visually.

Graphical mapping module 106 then ananges a plurality of objects of the game image 50 that both player A and player B may view the generic game data, but only player A can see player A's personal game data, and only player B can see player B's personal game data. To hide the personal game data of player A from player B and vice versa, graphical mapping module 106 adds one or more "covering" objects, which may typically comprise three-dimensional objects, such that the one or more objects related to the personal game data of player A are hidden from player B, as these personal game data objects appear to be hidden by the one or more covering objects.

Graphical mapping module 106 is aware of which player is viewing display screen 112 at which angle, for example according to the character or role assigned by each player upon starting the computer game (the actual identity of the players may be known to graphical mapping module 106 but is not necessarily known to graphical mapping module 106). The mapped objects are then sent to signal generator 104.

The arranged (mapped) objects are then used by signal generator 104 to determine the display signals. Signal generator 104 sends a plurality of sets of display signals to single display device 108, indicating which viewing angle is intended for each set of display signals. Display screen 112 then displays each set of display signals as directed, so that the personal game information is only visible to each of player A or B as required. However, both sets of display signals optionally include the generic game visual information that both player A and player B may view.

Optionally, the displayed image is three dimensional but is displayed as for any such image on display screen 112.

Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary, illustrative method which may optionally be implemented for the operation of the system of Figure 1. As shown, in stage 1 each player selects a character or role, or a position, for playing the computer game and the resultant viewing angle (which may optionally be selected by the player or may be predetermined). As described above, optionally such a selection is performed through operation of a game interface device for issuing commands to the game device that operates the computer game, in order to interact with the computer game; for this example, it is again assumed that there are two players, which are "player A" and "player B". At this time, each player either selects a viewing angle which is then provided to the game device (for example, by having each player press a key on the game interface device when a particular character or other visual data is visible); alternatively, the angle at which each player is to view the game may optionally be assigned by the game device. It is appreciated that there are many other suitable methods for determining the angle and any suitable method may be used.

In stage 2, during game play, the computer game optionally generates visual data of at least (but not limited to) the following types (other types of visual data may optionally also be generated): personal game information (optionally for each player, although optionally at least one player but not all players have such personal game information), which is only to be displayed to player A or player B, but not both; and generic game information, which is to be displayed to both player A and player B. In stage 3, the plurality of different types of visual data are received by the graphical mapping module as a plurality of objects, categorized as either personal information for player A or B, or as generic game information for both. The objects are typically provided as a plurality of polygons, but in fact any suitable rendering method may optionally be used with the present invention, as long as the visual data is provided as a plurality of objects. The viewing angles are also optionally received by the graphical mapping module. Optionally, the distance of a player from the display screen is also received by the graphical mapping module, which distance could easily be determined by any suitable means as could be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. Such a distance may also optionally be an input to the graphical mapping module, since it may have an influence on the layout or mapping of the objects.

In stage 4, the graphical mapping module determines the location of the visual data objects in three dimensional space and adds two dimensional or three dimensional shapes (for example polygons or other shapes) that will act "cover" or "hide" the other player's personal data. The determination of the location of the "cover" objects is performed by using the viewing angle information where available; alternatively, the determination of the location is such that the objects are "covered" regardless of the viewing angle. The graphical mapping module output is a plurality of objects in three dimensional space and therefore may typically comprise a three dimensional image.

In stage 5, the graphical mapping module sends its output to the signal generator, which generates a plurality of different sets of display signals, which conespond to the different viewing angles (it is possible to have more angles, and hence more display signals sets, than players).

In stage 6, the signal generator sends the plurality of different sets of display signals and the viewing angle information to the display device.

In stage 7, the display device uses the plurality of different sets of display signals and the viewing angle information to instruct the display screen regarding display of the visual information, for example as described above, optionally by using the previously described alignment mechanism.

Figure 3 shows a simplified block diagram illustration of a system for arrangement of three dimensional images for differential display of game information, the system being constructed and operative in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; for this non-limiting example, the television signal receiver is in direct communication with the game device, although it is understood that optionally many different game operating devices could be implemented according to various embodiments of the present invention. Components in Figure 3 having the same reference number as Figure 1 plus "200" have the same or similar function unless otherwise indicated.

Optionally, the system 300 includes a television signal receiver 316 for receiving television signals from a transmission network 318, which may optionally include a satellite, broadcasting, a cable network, internet, through any type of unicast or multicast technology, over a computer network or from a cellular telephone network (not shown). The term "broadcaster" optionally refers to any suitable entity transmitting content over the transmission network, or the transmission network itself or a part thereof. By "television signal" it is meant various types of transmitted material, such as television programs, commercials, video clips, program guides and electronic program guides (EPGs), data, multimedia information, hypermedia links, computer programs, computer data and applications which may be downloaded, program applets and teletex. For this non-limiting example of Figure 3, the television signals are assumed include signals related to computer games.

Television signal receiver 316 is in communication, which may optionally be wired or wireless communication, with game interface device 314 in the form of a remote control. Television signal receiver 316 also has a game device 302 for operating the computer game.

The operation of system 300 is highly similar to that of system 100 of Figure 1, except that the computer game operation may optionally occur either entirely locally at game device 302 or alternatively may optionally occur partially at a remote location and then transmitted through transmission network 318 to television signal receiver 316.

Figure 4 shows a simplified block diagram illustration of a system for arrangement of three dimensional images for differential display of game information, the system being constructed and operative in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; for this non-limiting example, the television signal receiver operates the game. This example could also be implemented according to various embodiments of the present invention. Components in Figure 4 having the same reference number as Figure 3 plus "100" have the same or similar function unless otherwise indicated.

As shown, a system 400 features a television signal receiver 416, which is in communication with a broadcast network 418 as for Figure 3. Television signal S receiver 416 operates the game for example optionally through operation of a game module 450. Game module 450 features instructions and optionally data for operation of the game. For this non-limiting example, television signal receiver acts as the game device for operation of the game; again, as for Figure 3, the computer game operation may optionally occur either entirely locally at television receiver 416 or alternatively may optionally occur partially at a remote location and then transmitted through transmission network 418 to television signal receiver 416.

Figures 5A and 5B are simplified pictorial illustrations of non-limiting examples of game displays. Figure 5A shows a display of game data, including both private game data and general game data, from the perspective (viewing angle) of a first player. Figure SB shows a display of game data, including both private game data and general game data, from the perspective (viewing angle) of a second player. It will be appreciated that the particular example provided in Figures SA and SB is not meant to be limiting; for example and without limiting the generality of the previous statement, very different types of games and very different ways of obstructing one player's view of another player's private game data may be used, as described above.

It is appreciated that components of the present invention described herein as being implemented in software may, if desired, be implemented in ROM (read only memory) fonm The components described herein as being implemented in software may, generally, be implemented in hardware, if desired, using conventional techniques.

It will be appreciated that various features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the contexts of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. It will also be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:CLAIMS1. A method for graphical arrangement of a three-dimensional image to display a three dimensional image comprising differential visual information on a single display device, said differential visual information including persona' game information related to playing a computer game by a plurality of players, the method comprising: providing a game device for operating a computer game, said computer game generating differential visual data, wherein said game device is in communication with the single display device, said game device comprising a signal generator for generating display signals, said signal generator comprising a graphical mapping module; ananging a plurality of objects of the three-dimensional image by said graphical mapping module to form ananged objects; transforming said arranged objects to display signals by said signal generator; transmitting said display signals by said signal generator; receiving said display signals by said single display device; and differentially displaying said display signals by said single display device, such that when said single display device is viewed from at least one angle, at least one object of said plurality of objects is not visible because said at least one object appears to be covered by at least one other object of said plurality of objects, said at least one object representing said personal game information, and when viewed from at least one other angle, said at least one object of said plurality of objects is visible.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said arranging said plurality of objects comprises receiving a plurality of objects related to personal game information for at least one player and a plurality of objects related to generic game information by said graphical mapping module; and preparing a set of objects to be viewed by each player, each set of objects including personal game information objects for that player and generic game information objects.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said arranging said plurality of objects comprises receiving a plurality of objects related to personal game information for each player.
4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising determining a viewing angle of each player before an initiation of game play; wherein said differentially displaying said display signals by said single display device comprises displaying each set of objects for each player according to said viewing angle of that player.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said determining said viewing angle of each player comprises displaying visual information that is visible at different angles by said single display device for each player before initiation of game play; and receiving an acknowledgement of viewing said visual information by each player, thereby determining said viewing angle of each player.
6. The method according to claim 4, wherein said determining said viewing angle of each player comprises instructing each player to assume a particular viewing angle with regard to said single display device.
7. The method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said single display device comprises an alignment mechanism and a display screen, and wherein said differentially displaying said display signals by said single display device comprises controlling transmission of light from a plurality of portions of said display screen by said alignment mechanism to differentially display said objects.
8. The method according to any of claims 2 -7, wherein a number of display angles are greater than a number of players.
9. The method according to any of claims 2 -7, wherein a number of display angles is equal to a number of players.
10. The method according to any of claims 3 -9, wherein said alTanging said plurality of objects further comprises receiving information regarding each viewing angle by said graphical mapping module.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said preparing said sets of objects by said graphical mapping module comprises determining locations of said objects according to said viewing angles for arranging said objects.
12. The method according to any of claims 1 -11, further comprising providing a television signal receiver for receiving the computer game as a television signal and providing the computer game to said game device by said television signal receiver.
13. The method according to any of claims 1 -11, further comprising providing a television signal receiver for operating at least a portion of the computer game and for receiving at least one other portion of the computer game as a television signal, wherein said television signal receiver is said game device.
14. The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising providing a broadcast system for broadcasting the computer game to said television signal receiver, wherein a portion of game operation occurs at said broadcast system.
15. The method according to any of claims 12 -14, wherein said television receiver receives a television signal selected from the group consisting of a broadcast television signal, a unicast signal, a multicast signal, a signal transmitted over a cellular telephone network, a signal transmitted over a computer network, a signal transmitted by satellite and a signal transmitted by a cable television network.
16. A system for graphical arrangement of a three-dimensional image to display a three dimensional image comprising differential visual information on a single display device, said differential visual information including personal game information related to playing a game, the system comprising: a game device for operating a computer game, said computer game generating display data, said game device comprising a signal generator for generating display signals, said signal generator comprising a graphical mapping module for alTanging a plurality of objects of the three-dimensional image; and a single display device in communication with said signal generator for receiving said display signals, wherein said single display device displays differential visual information according to an angle of viewing of said single display device, said differential visual information forming the three dimensional image, such that when said single display device is viewed from at least one angle by the viewer, at least one object of said plurality of objects is not visible to the viewer because at least one other object of said plurality of objects prevents the viewer from viewing said at least one object, said at least one object of said plurality of objects representing said personal information, and when viewed from at least one other angle by the viewer, said at least one object of said plurality of objects is visible to the viewer.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said single display device further comprises an alignment mechanism and a display screen, such that said alignment mechanism controls transmission of light from a plurality of portions of said display screen to differentially display said objects.
18. The system according to claim 16 or claim 17, further comprising a television signal receiver for at least partially receiving the computer game as a television signal such that the computer game is provided to said game device by said television signal receiver.
19. The system according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein said game device is a television signal receiver for at least partially receiving the computer game as a television signal.
20. The system according to claim 18 or claim 19, further comprising a broadcast system for broadcasting the computer game to said television signal receiver, wherein a portion of game operation occurs at said broadcast system.
21. The system according to any of claims 18 -20, wherein said television receiver receives a television signal selected from the group consisting of a broadcast television signal, a unicast signal, a multicast signal, a signal transmitted over a cellular telephone network, a signal transmitted over a computer network, a signal transmitted by satellite and a signal transmitted by a cable television network.