摘要 |
An Information and Application Distribution System (IADS) for distributing (500), initiating and allowing to play multi-player games via the Internet. The IADS employs known Internet protocols such as Internet Relay Chat (IRC), HTTP and email protocols, (e.g., X.25) to distribute and initiate computer games such that the application's executable and information concerning virtual locations for application interactions are automatically installed on local computer. Application distribution occurs through the transmission (500) and receipt of an "application object" which contains both the application executable code and the application invoker for invoking the application and linking multiple users in connection with the specific application. The application object includes functionality which allows the user's local computer to automatically set-up a socket connection with a central controller which controls interaction (530) and introduction between and among users. |