System and methodology for mapping and linking based user image integration

#This invention relates to predefined video and audiovisual presentations such as movies and video games, and more particularly to an image development system and process for smooth integration of user-created images into a predefined video presentation, including, but not limited to, a video game player character image development system and methodology for smooth integration of user created video graphics into a predefined video, movie, or game system, and to an adapter interface system which provides for the utilization of a user visual image as a preselected character segment, such that the user visual image is incorporated into the audiovisual presentation of the movie or video game to which the adapter interface system is coupled.

#Heretofore, video games and audiovisual presentations have been self contained, and have not provided the ability for the user to integrate in a user-defined or -provided visual or audio image. Subsequent to the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,014, video games have been created which utilized predefined digitized images in the video game which supplement the otherwise cartoon-like character and imagery of the game. Additionally, digital and analog video data have been merged with video games to get broadcast quality video for certain aspects of the video display for the video game, particularly in arcade games, but more recently in home video games with attached CD-ROM player. However, heretofore, there has been no system which has provided for the utilization of user provided or created visual images in the video game.

#It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system which utilizes an image generated by an external source (of video and/or audio and/or computer generated), and integrates the image into and as part of a pre-existing audiovisual work (such as from a video game system or a movie or animation) which utilizes the user's image in the video game play or as a synthetic participating user image in the audiovisual presentation, such that the user image is incorporated into the audiovisual presentation of the movie or user interactive video game.

#FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a user image adapter interface system used in conjunction with a video game apparatus, a user image storage card, and a video game software or firmware card, in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 1B illustrates the user image adapter interface system of FIG. 1A that additionally includes means for user input of user visual images and storage onto a user visual image storage medium in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 1C illustrates the system of FIG. 1A, except that the storage card is coupled to an input/output port of the video game apparatus instead of to the game cartridge connector, in accordance with the present invention;

#Ample textual material documents each of the subject areas. Therefore, in the interest of conciseness and to aid in more clearly understanding the present invention, the following references are disclosed and incorporated herein by reference:

#U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,014 entitled, “Video Game Including User Visual Image.”

#U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,873, entitled “Video Game Incorporating Digitized Images of Being Into Game.”