Puzzle game apparatus and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a puzzle game apparatus and method for improving game immersion by changing playing music according to game achievements. The present invention provides the puzzle game apparatus comprising: an environment setting unit for setting a basic environment, which includes a game space, at least one moving block arranged in the game space, an object generation point at which an object is generated in the game space, and an object collection point at which the object is collected; an object generation unit for generating a plurality of objects at the object generation point; an object collection unit for counting the number of objects collected at the object collection point; a sound source storage unit for storing a sound source that is played according to the progress of a game; an input unit for receiving, from a user, an operation signal for moving the moving block; a sound source provision unit for providing the sound source stored in the sound source storage unit to the user; and a game control unit for moving the moving block in response to the operation signal from the input unit, controlling the movement of an object colliding with the moving block, and controlling the volume or type of the sound source provided by the sound source provision unit according to the number of objects counted by the object collection unit.

Description

Puzzle game device and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a puzzle game device and method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a puzzle game device and method that enhances game immersion by changing the music played based on game achievement.

[0002] A variety of games are available on computers and smartphones. For example, many games involve matching multiple blocks in a two-dimensional space, and others utilize musical elements like musical notes.

[0003] However, most of the existing games have standardized controls, limiting the freedom of the game and making it difficult for game users to demonstrate their creativity.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a puzzle game device and method that improves the degree of freedom of operation, enables creative play, and improves game immersion by changing the music played according to game achievement.

[0005] The present invention provides a puzzle game device including: an environment setting unit that sets a basic environment including a game space, at least one movable block arranged in the game space, an object creation point for creating an object within the game space, and an object collection point for collecting the object; an object creation unit that creates a plurality of objects at the object creation point; an object collection unit that counts the number of objects collected at the object collection point; a sound storage unit that stores a sound source played according to the progress of the game; an input unit that receives a manipulation signal for moving the movable block from a user; a sound source providing unit that provides the sound source stored in the sound source storage unit to the user; and a game control unit that moves the movable block according to the manipulation signal from the input unit, controls the movement of the object colliding with the movable block, and controls the volume or type of the sound source provided from the sound source providing unit according to the number of the objects counted in the object collection unit.

[0006] In one embodiment, the game space is simulated as a physical space set to have gravity and density, and the object is given the physical properties of weight and density so that it can move freely in a predetermined direction within the game space.

[0007] In one embodiment, the object creation point and the object collection point may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0008] In one embodiment, the moving block may be capable of rotation and translation by user manipulation.

[0009] In addition, the object creation point includes a first object creation point that creates a first object and a second object creation point that creates a second object, the object collection point includes a first object collection point and a second object collection point, and the object collection unit can count only the quantity of the first object among the objects collected at the first object collection point, and count only the quantity of the second object among the objects collected at the second object collection point.

[0010] Additionally, the first object creation point, the first object, and the first object collection point may be set to a first color, and the second object creation point, the second object, and the second object collection point may be set to a second color different from the first color.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sound source storage unit includes a first sound source and a second sound source that divide one sound source into a plurality of parts or a plurality of instruments, and the sound source providing unit can be controlled so that the volume of the first sound source increases according to the quantity of the first object collected at the first object collecting point, and the volume of the second sound source increases according to the quantity of the second object collected at the second object collecting point.

[0012] In addition, the sound source providing unit may be controlled so that the type of the first sound source increases according to the quantity of the first object collected at the first object collecting point, and the type of the second sound source increases according to the quantity of the second object collected at the second object collecting point.

[0013] In one embodiment, each of the first object collection point and the second object collection point may display a gauge indicating the quantity of the first object or the second object collected.

[0014] The present invention provides a puzzle game method, comprising: a step in which an environment setting unit provides a basic environment including a game space, at least one movable block arranged in the game space, an object creation point for creating objects within the game space, and an object collection point for collecting the objects; a step in which an object creation unit causes a plurality of objects to start in a predetermined direction from the object creation point; a step in which a game control unit receives a user's operation for the movable block through an input unit and moves the movable block; a step in which the game control unit controls the movement of the object according to a collision with the movable block or a collision between the objects; a step in which an object collection unit counts the quantity of the objects collected at the object collection point; and a step in which a sound source providing unit provides a sound source stored in a sound source storage unit according to the quantity of the objects collected at the object collection point.

[0015] In one embodiment, the game space is simulated as a physical space set to have gravity and density, and the object is given the physical properties of weight and density so that it can move freely in a predetermined direction within the game space.

[0016] In one embodiment, the object creation point and the object collection point may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0017] In one embodiment, the moving block may be capable of rotation and translation by user manipulation.

[0018] In one embodiment, the object creation point includes a first object creation point that creates a first object and a second object creation point that creates a second object, the object collection point includes a first object collection point and a second object collection point, and in the step of counting the quantity of the objects, only the quantity of the first object among the objects collected at the first object collection point may be counted, and only the quantity of the second object among the objects collected at the second object collection point may be counted.

[0019] Additionally, the first object creation point, the first object, and the first object collection point may be set to a first color, and the second object creation point, the second object, and the second object collection point may be set to a second color different from the first color.

[0020] In addition, the sound source storage unit includes a first sound source and a second sound source that divide one sound source into a plurality of parts or a plurality of instruments, and in the step of providing the sound source, the volume of the first sound source can be controlled to increase according to the quantity of the first object collected at the first object collection point, and the volume of the second sound source can be controlled to increase according to the quantity of the second object collected at the second object collection point.

[0021] In addition, in the step of providing the sound source, the type of the first sound source can be controlled to increase according to the quantity of the first object collected at the first object collection point, and the type of the second sound source can be controlled to increase according to the quantity of the second object collected at the second object collection point.

[0022] According to the present invention, a puzzle game device and method are provided that improve the degree of freedom of operation, enable creative play, and improve game immersion by changing the music played according to game achievement.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a puzzle game device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an example of a puzzle game device according to one embodiment of the present invention in which a basic environment for starting a game is set.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of an object created in an object creation unit in a puzzle game device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of moving an object created in an object creation unit by manipulating a moving block in a puzzle game device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a puzzle providing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The present invention is capable of various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it is to be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention are included. In describing the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0029] Terms like "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but these terms do not limit the components themselves. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0030] The terminology used in this invention is solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. The terminology used in this invention has been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the invention. However, this may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on their meanings and the overall content of the invention.

[0031] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present invention, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a puzzle game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a basic environment set for starting a game in a puzzle game device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an object created in an object creation unit in a puzzle game device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate screens displayed to a user by a game screen providing unit (160) of a puzzle game device (100).

[0035] A puzzle game device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an environment setting unit (110), an object creation unit (120), an object collection unit (130), a sound source storage unit (140), an input unit (150), a game screen provision unit (160), a sound source provision unit (170), and a game control unit (180).

[0036] The environment setting unit (110) sets the basic environment for running the game. The basic environment of the game includes a game space (10), an initial arrangement of at least one movable block (20) placed in the game space (10), a position of an object creation point (40) within the game space (10), and a position of an object collection point (50) within the game space (10). In addition, the basic environment of the game may include at least one fixed block (30) placed in the game space (10). In one embodiment, the movable block (20) and the fixed block (30) may be provided in the form of a bar (1bar), but are not limited thereto.

[0037] The environment setting unit (110) may store at least one basic environment for running a game. The environment setting unit (110) may store multiple basic environments based on difficulty, and each basic game environment may be matched with a sound source stored in the sound source storage unit (140). In some cases, the basic environment for a game may be edited or authored by the user.

[0038] The object generation unit (120) causes a plurality of objects (42) to be generated at an object generation point (40). In one embodiment, the object (42) may be a ball having physical properties. The object generation unit (120) generates a plurality of objects (42) at the object generation point (40) on the screen and launches the objects (42) in a predetermined direction. The object generation unit (120) may launch the objects (42) in a predetermined direction or launch the objects (42) radially from the object generation unit (120). The object generation unit (120) may generate the objects (42) continuously or generate a predetermined number of objects (42) at once according to a predetermined time interval. The game space (10) may be simulated as a physical space having gravity and density, and the objects (42) may be set to have weight and density.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of object creation points (40) may be provided. In one embodiment, a first object creation point (40a), a second object creation point (40b), and a third object creation point (40b) may appear on the screen. The object creation points (40) may be set to have fixed locations in the game space (10), but in some cases, the object creation points (40) may be allowed to move during the game.

[0040] An object (42) generated in the object generation unit (120) moves according to the physical properties of the object in a physical environment simulated in the game space (10). If the density of the object (42) is less than the density of the game space (10), the object (42) moves in the opposite direction of the gravity direction of the game space (10), and if the density of the object (42) is greater than the density of the game space (10), the object moves in the gravity direction of the game space (10).

[0041] In the practice of the present invention, objects generated at the first object generation point (40a), the second object generation point (40b), and the third object generation point (40b) can be distinguished from each other. The first object generation point (40a), the second object generation point (40b), and the third object generation point (40b) can be displayed with different colors or shapes so as to be distinguished from each other. In addition, the objects (42) generated at the first object generation point (40a), the second object generation point (40b), and the third object generation point (40b) can be set with different colors or shapes. As shown in Fig. 3, a first object (42a) is created at a first object creation point (40a), a second object (42b) is created at a second object creation point (40b), and a third object (42c) is created at a third object creation point (40b).

[0042] The moving block (20) can be rotated or translated by the user's manipulation. An object (42) that hits the moving block (20) can change its direction of movement as a reaction to the movement of the moving block (20). In one embodiment, the user can select the moving block (20) by using the mouse or by touching the touchpad to rotate or translate the moving block (20). When using the mouse, the moving block (20) can be rotated by left-clicking the mouse while the mouse cursor is positioned on the moving block (20), and the moving block (20) can be translated forward, backward, left, or right by right-clicking the mouse while the mouse cursor is positioned on the moving block (20). When the moving block (20) is moved, the object (42) that hits the moving block (20) can change its speed or direction depending on the momentum of the moving block (20). When the moving block (20) is not moving, the moving block (20) can function as a wall like the fixed block (30).

[0043] The object collection unit (130) collects objects (42). Object collection points (50) are displayed on the screen. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, a first object collection point (50a), a second object collection point (50b), and a third object collection point (50c) are displayed on the screen. The first object collection point (50a), the second object collection point (50b), and the third object collection point (50c) may be set to have fixed locations in the game space (10), but in some cases, the object creation point (40) may be able to move in location during the game.

[0044] The object collection unit (130) can count the number of objects collected at the object collection point (50). In one embodiment, when an object (42) passes through the object collection point (50) or enters a part set as an open part at the object collection point (50), the object (42) can be recognized as having been collected at the object collection point (50).

[0045] In one embodiment, at the first object collection point (50a), only the first object (42a) generated at the first object creation point (40a) among the collected objects (42) may be counted, and other objects may be excluded from the count. At the second object collection point (50b), only the object generated at the second object creation point (40b) among the collected objects (42) may be counted, and other objects may be excluded from the count. At the third object collection point (50c), only the object generated at the third object creation point (40c) among the collected objects (42) may be counted, and other objects may be excluded from the count.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, first to third gauges (52a, 52b, 52c) indicating the quantity of first to third objects (42a, 42b, 42c) collected at first to third object collection points (50a, 50b, 50c) may be displayed on the screen. The gauge (52) may indicate the quantity of objects collected at each object collection point (50). The user may refer to the gauge (52) to determine which object to control the moving block (20) to collect at a specific object collection point (50). When all gauges (52) reach 100%, the game is cleared and the game can proceed to another stage.

[0047] The sound source storage unit (140) stores the sound sources played according to the progress of the game. The sound source storage unit (140) can store a single piece of music by dividing it into multiple parts or multiple instruments. In one embodiment, the sound source storage unit (140) can individually store a bass sound source, a chorus sound source, and a melody sound source. The bass sound source may include sound sources according to instruments such as drums, hi-hats, drums, triangles, tambourines, and cymbals. The chorus sound source may include sound sources of low-pitched sounds, mid-pitched sounds, high-pitched sounds, chord 1, chord 2, and chord 3, and the like. The melody sound source may include sound sources of piano, synthesizer, guitar, violin, viola, and organ, and the like. In another embodiment, the sound source storage unit (140) can store an ensemble sound source or an orchestral sound source by dividing it into each part. For example, in the case of a piano quartet, the sound sources of the violin, viola, cello, and piano can be stored separately in the sound source storage unit (140). In addition, as another embodiment, the sound source storage unit (140) can store vocal music such as duets or choirs by part.

[0048] The input unit (150) receives a user's operation signal. This input unit (150) may receive the operation signal from an operation means such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch screen. The user moves the moving block (20) by operating the operation means.

[0049] The game screen providing unit (160) may be configured as a visual display. The game progress may be visually displayed through the game screen providing unit.

[0050] The sound source providing unit (170) provides the sound source stored in the sound source storage unit (140) audibly. This sound source providing unit (170) may include a speaker.

[0051] The game control unit (180) controls the operation of the puzzle game device (100). The game control unit (180) can control the provision of sound sources from the sound source provision unit (170) according to the number of objects (42) collected in the object collection unit (130). In one embodiment, the volume of the sound source can increase as the number of objects (42) collected in the object collection unit (130) increases. In one embodiment, the game control unit (180) can additionally provide different sound sources according to the number of objects (42) collected in different object collection units (130).

[0052] As shown in Fig. 2, when a first object collection point (50a), a second object collection point (50b), and a third object collection point (50c) are provided, the sound sources of the sound source providing unit (170) can be classified into three categories. Let the sound sources classified into the three categories be referred to as a first sound source, a second sound source, and a third sound source. For example, the first sound source, the second sound source, and the third sound source can be a bass sound source, a chorus sound source, and a melody sound source, respectively.

[0053] As the quantity of the first objects (42a) collected at the first object collection point (50a) increases, the volume of the first sound source increases or the type of the sound source increases. As the quantity of the second objects (42b) collected at the second object collection point (50b) increases, the volume of the second sound source increases or the type of the sound source increases. As the quantity of the third objects (42c) collected at the third object collection point (50c) increases, the volume of the third sound source increases or the type of the sound source increases.

[0054] By this configuration, the user can enjoy richer music as he or she collects the desired object at the object collection point (50), and the sense of immersion in the game can be increased.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of moving an object created in an object creation unit by manipulating a moving block in a puzzle game device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] As described above, the moving block (20) can be rotated or translated by the user's operation. The user moves the moving block (20) to collect the object (42) created at the object creation point (40) to the desired object collection point (50).

[0057] The object (42) is given physical properties and moves in a predetermined direction according to the physical state, such as gravity, given to the game space (10), and the direction of movement can be changed by the movement block (20). Meanwhile, in FIGS. 2 to 4, the object (42) is exemplified as naturally moving downward in the drawing, but in the implementation of the present invention, the object (42) can be set to naturally move upward, to the left, or to the right in the drawing.

[0058] The moving blocks (20) can be provided in multiples, and the user can collect objects (42) to object collection points (50) by creatively arranging the moving blocks (20).

[0059] As objects (42) are collected at the object collection point (50), a richer sound source is provided, thereby increasing the user's sense of immersion.

[0060] The puzzle providing device (10) according to the present invention can provide various basic environments for performing a game, and the sound sources provided can also be set in various ways.

[0061] In addition, the puzzle providing device (10) according to the present invention can be provided as a device such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, pocket PC, tablet PC, or mobile device such as a smartphone.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a puzzle providing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] First, the environment setting unit (110) provides a basic environment including a game space (10), at least one moving block (20) placed in the game space (10), an object creation point (40) for creating an object (42) within the game space (10), and an object collection point (50) for collecting the object (42) through a screen providing unit (S10).

[0064] The object creation unit (120) starts multiple objects (42) in a predetermined direction from the object creation point (40) (S20)

[0065] The object (42) created in the object creation unit (120) moves according to the physical properties of the object in the physical environment simulated in the game space (10).

[0066] The game control unit (180) receives the user's operation for the moving block (20) through the input unit (150) and moves the moving block (20) (S30).

[0067] Controls the movement of an object (42) according to a collision with a moving block (20) or a collision between objects (42) (S40)

[0068] The object collection unit (130) counts the quantity of the objects (42) collected at the object collection point (50) (S50).

[0069] The sound source providing unit (170) provides sound sources stored in the sound source storage unit (140) according to the number of objects (42) collected at the object collection point (50) (S60).

[0070] Although the present invention has been described as a game device and a game method, the present invention may further include a recording medium recording a program for executing such a game method.

[0071] The above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, changes, and substitutions may be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention and the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention, but rather to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. An environment setting section that sets a basic environment including a game space, at least one movable block placed in the game space, an object creation point that creates an object within the game space, and an object collection point where the object is collected; An object creation unit that creates a plurality of objects at the object creation point; An object collection unit that counts the number of objects collected at the object collection point; A sound storage unit that stores the sound sources played as the game progresses; An input unit for receiving an operation signal for moving the moving block from a user; A sound source providing unit that provides the sound source stored in the sound source storage unit to the user; and A game control unit that moves the moving block according to the operation signal from the input unit, controls the movement of the object that hits the moving block, and controls the volume or type of the sound source provided from the sound source providing unit according to the number of the objects counted in the object collecting unit; A puzzle game device comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, A puzzle game device characterized in that the above game space is simulated as a physical space set to have gravity and density, and the object is granted the physical properties of weight and density and can move freely in a predetermined direction within the game space.

3. In paragraph 1, A puzzle game device characterized in that the object creation point and the object collection point are provided in multiple numbers.

4. In paragraph 3, A puzzle game device characterized in that the above moving block can be rotated and translated by the user's operation.

5. In paragraph 4, The above object creation point includes a first object creation point that creates a first object and a second object creation point that creates a second object, and the object collection point includes a first object collection point and a second object collection point. A puzzle game device, characterized in that the object collecting unit counts only the quantity of the first object among the objects collected at the first object collecting point, and counts only the quantity of the second object among the objects collected at the second object collecting point.

6. In paragraph 5, A puzzle game device, characterized in that the first object creation point, the first object, and the first object collection point are set to a first color, and the second object creation point, the second object, and the second object collection point are set to a second color different from the first color.

7. In paragraph 5, The above sound source storage unit includes a first sound source and a second sound source that divide one sound source into multiple parts or multiple instruments, A puzzle game device characterized in that the sound source providing unit is controlled so that the volume of the first sound source increases according to the quantity of the first object collected at the first object collecting point, and the volume of the second sound source increases according to the quantity of the second object collected at the second object collecting point.

8. In paragraph 7, A puzzle game device characterized in that the sound source providing unit is controlled so that the type of the first sound source increases according to the quantity of the first object collected at the first object collecting point, and the type of the second sound source increases according to the quantity of the second object collected at the second object collecting point.

9. In paragraph 5, A puzzle game device characterized in that a gauge indicating the quantity of the first object or the second object collected is displayed at each of the first object collection points and the second object collection points.

10. A step for providing a basic environment including a game space, at least one movable block arranged in the game space, an object creation point for creating an object within the game space, and an object collection point for collecting the object through a game screen provision unit; A step in which an object creation unit starts multiple objects in a predetermined direction from the object creation point; A step in which the game control unit receives a user's operation for the moving block through an input unit and moves the moving block; A step in which the game control unit controls the movement of the object according to a collision with the moving block or a collision between the objects; A step for the object collection unit to count the quantity of the objects collected at the object collection point; and A step in which a sound source providing unit provides sound sources stored in a sound source storage unit according to the number of objects collected at the object collection point; A puzzle game method comprising:

11. In Article 10, A puzzle game method characterized in that the above game space is simulated as a physical space set to have gravity and density, and the object is given the physical properties of weight and density and can move freely in a predetermined direction within the game space.

12. In paragraph 10, A puzzle game method characterized in that the object creation point and the object collection point are provided in multiple numbers.

13. In paragraph 12, A puzzle game method, characterized in that the above moving block can be rotated and translated by the user's operation.

14. In paragraph 13, The above object creation point includes a first object creation point that creates a first object and a second object creation point that creates a second object, and the object collection point includes a first object collection point and a second object collection point. A puzzle game method characterized in that, in the step of counting the quantity of the above objects, only the quantity of the first object among the objects collected at the first object collecting point is counted, and only the quantity of the second object among the objects collected at the second object collecting point is counted.

15. In paragraph 14, A puzzle game method, characterized in that the first object creation point, the first object, and the first object collection point are set to a first color, and the second object creation point, the second object, and the second object collection point are set to a second color different from the first color.

16. In paragraph 14, The above sound source storage unit includes a first sound source and a second sound source that divide one sound source into multiple parts or multiple instruments, A puzzle game method characterized in that, in the step of providing the sound source, the volume of the first sound source is controlled to increase according to the quantity of the first object collected at the first object collecting point, and the volume of the second sound source is controlled to increase according to the quantity of the second object collected at the second object collecting point.

17. In paragraph 14, A puzzle game method characterized in that, in the step of providing the sound source, the type of the first sound source is increased according to the quantity of the first object collected at the first object collecting point, and the type of the second sound source is increased according to the quantity of the second object collected at the second object collecting point.

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