Independently-defined alteration of output from software executable using later-integrated code

Abstract

A first executable, such as a computer game, is configured with a second independently operating executable that monitors events on a client operating the first executable. The second executable determines actions to be performed in response to monitored events, as defined by a business logic table. The second executable traps API calls to perform actions altering apparent output of the first executable. The business logic table may be distributed to the client separately. The second executable and the first executable may be combined in a single file. The second executable may be used to provide additional content, including advertising, in the context of an existing game or other software executable.

1 . A method for causing advertising output from distributed client nodes operating a game program, comprising:
 receiving a defined executable file included in a game application, wherein the game application is configured to provide video output on a client node in response to client input as defined by the defined executable file, the defined executable file being capable of independent operation on the client node to execute a computer game;   in response to receiving the defined executable file, integrating the defined executable file with additional executable code operable to detect events occurring during operation of the defined executable file on the client node and to perform respective defined actions in response to the events, wherein the respective defined actions include output of advertising information during operation of the game application; and   providing the game application, the additional executable code, and the advertising information to the client node, whereby the advertising information is output from an output device of the client node during operation of the defined executable file thereon.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein integrating the defined executable file with the additional executable code comprises manipulating the defined executable file to add a function call to the additional executable code, thereby configuring the additional executable code to operate at the client node prior to the defined executable file. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein integrating the defined executable file further comprises including the additional executable code together with the defined executable file in a unified executable file. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing alteration scheme data to the client node, the alteration scheme data configured to be used by the additional executable code to identify the respective defined actions to be automatically performed at the client node in response to the events. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein providing the alteration scheme data to the client node is accomplished by providing the alteration scheme data in a file separate from, and capable of being referenced by, the additional executable code. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing an integration tool operative to receive input used to control integrating the defined executable file with additional executable code. 
   
   
       7 . A computer-readable memory encoded with instructions adapted to cause a computer to perform, in response to user input, the steps of:
 selecting an executable game file;   defining, for use by advertising control code, at least one game state expected to occur during operation of the executable game file;   defining, for use by the advertising control code, criteria for detecting occurrence of the at least one game state;   associating the at least one game state with a defined output mode for an advertisement, for use by the advertising control code;   integrating the executable game file and the advertising control code into an integrated executable file; and   outputting the integrated executable file for distribution to a client computer.   
   
   
       8 . The computer-readable memory of  claim 7 , further encoded with instructions for verifying that the executable game file is compatible with a selected method for integrating the executable game file with the advertising control code. 
   
   
       9 . The computer-readable memory of  claim 7 , further encoded with instructions for registering the executable game file with a server configured to distribute game information. 
   
   
       10 . The computer-readable memory of  claim 7 , further encoded with instructions for identifying a graphics API used by the executable game file. 
   
   
       11 . The computer-readable memory of  claim 7 , further encoded with instructions for setting operating parameters for the integrated file. 
   
   
       12 . The computer-readable memory of  claim 7 , further encoded with instructions for defining appearance parameters controlling the display of advertisements called by the advertising control code. 
   
   
       13 . The computer-readable memory of  claim 7 , further encoded with instructions for defining a distribution channel via which the integrated file is distributed to client nodes. 
   
   
       14 . The computer-readable memory of  claim 7 , further encoded with instructions for defining communication parameters controlling a mode of communication between the integrated file and a server configured to distribute game information. 
   
   
       15 . A system for providing independently-defined alteration of output from a software executable, comprising:
 a software executable encoded in a computer-readable memory and operable to determine computer game output responsive to user inputs;   an event-monitoring executable encoded in the computer-readable memory with the software executable adapted to cooperate with the software executable, and operable to detect defined machine events occurring while the software executable is operating and to cause independent computer output different from what is determined by the software executable in response to detection of the defined machine events.   
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising cross-reference data encoded in the computer-readable memory in a file separate from the software executable and the event-monitoring executable, the cross-reference data defining associations between the defined machine events and different types of the independent computer output. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the different types of independent computer output in the cross-reference data include displays configured for display over graphical game output. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the different types of independent computer output in the cross-reference data include graphical rendering textures configured for display in place of graphical rendering textures selected by the software executable. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the event-monitoring executable is adapted to detect, in response to operation of the software executable, machine events of at least one type selected from: a graphics API call, an audio API call, and presence of a defined graphics texture in a graphics output. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the event-monitoring executable is configured to cause independent computer output referencing a network address for additional information. 
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising a server adapted to provide the additional information in response to requests from remote clients operating the event-monitoring executable. 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 20 , further comprising a server adapted to provide, from time to time, updated cross-reference data for encoding in the computer-readable memory in a file separate from the software executable and the event-monitoring executable, the cross-reference data defining associations between the defined machine events and different types of the independent computer output. 
   
   
       23 . A computer-readable memory encoded with instructions operable to cause a computer to:
 initiate operation of a computer game on a client computer;   detect computer output events caused by operation of the computer game;   select defined responsive actions to be performed in response to respective detected computer output events, the defined responsive actions being distinct from the computer output events and including output of advertising material by the client computer; and   cause the client computer to perform the defined responsive actions to thereby cause video output of the advertising material from the client computer during operation of the computer game.   
   
   
       24 . A method for detecting triggering display of modifiable advertising during operation of a computer game in response to modifiable event definitions, comprising:
 monitoring computer output caused by operation of a computer game to detect occurrence of computer output events conforming to modifiable event definitions;   selecting defined responsive actions to be performed in response to respective detected computer output events, the defined responsive actions causing responsive output that is distinct from the computer output caused by operation of the computer game; and   causing the client computer to perform the defined responsive actions to thereby cause video output of modifiable advertising material from the client computer during operation of the computer game.   
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising providing data selected from the modifiable event definitions, data defining the responsive actions, and the modifiable advertising material from a remote source to the client computer from time to time, thereby altering apparent operation of the computer game according to a dynamic, independently determined logic.