Add-on Manager for Server-Side Game Logic Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for executing computer programs on servers and providing video streams to remote clients lack efficient methods for managing and integrating add-ons, which are essential for enhancing game functionality, leading to limitations in installation, execution, and updating processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for using add-ons in server-side execution of computer programs, where add-ons can be installed and managed on either the server or client, utilizing an add-on manager to facilitate communication, storage, and updating, allowing for seamless integration and augmentation of game logic with add-ons, even when the add-on and game logic are geographically remote.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If add-ons are installed on the client side, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to remote execution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an add-on manager as an intermediary component that handles the complexity of remote add-on execution. The manager coordinates communication between the client-side add-on and the server-side game logic, managing the remote execution environment and API mappings. This intermediary absorbs the architectural complexity while presenting a simple installation interface to users.
2Reliability
If add-ons are installed on the server side, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to remote management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The add-on manager implements self-service capabilities by automatically handling add-on installation, configuration, and execution on the server side. The system autonomously manages the remote execution environment, creates necessary API mappings, and coordinates communication without requiring manual server-side intervention. This automation maintains reliability while improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote add-on execution is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to network communication overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the remote execution environment and establishing API mappings before add-on execution begins. The add-on manager prepares the server-side environment in advance, creating the necessary communication channels and data structures. This preliminary setup reduces real-time communication overhead during actual add-on operation, minimizing latency while maintaining deployment flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system is configured to execute a computer program on a server and to provide a video stream of the program output to a geographically remote client over a communication network. An add-on manager is provided to facilitate the use of add-ons to extend the functionality of the computer program. The add-on manager is responsive to commands received from the client and is configured to associate individual add-ons and add-on data with specific user accounts. The add-ons can be located on the server or some other location remote from the client.