AFK Helper System for Game Interruption Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Players are frequently interrupted during computer games, leading to challenges, especially during critical moments or multiplayer sessions, as existing technologies lack effective solutions to manage interruptions seamlessly.
Innovation Solution
A system with a processor that detects interruptions and provides three phases of assistance: initial notification, automated management during the interruption, and post-interruption support, using audio signals, camera recognition, and machine learning to determine interruption duration and render appropriate assistance, such as pausing the game, moving characters, or providing recaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the player continues playing during an interruption, then game progress is maintained, but the player may miss important real-world events or experiences discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the interruption event and automatically pausing the game before the player can react. It proactively manages the interruption by saving game state, notifying other players, and maintaining character status without requiring player intervention during the interruption period.
Solution Approach 2:
The AFK helper system provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting interruptions through various sensors (microphone, camera, motion sensors), making decisions about game state management, and executing appropriate actions without continuous player input. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational status and adapting to interruption events autonomously.
2Ease of operation
If the player pauses the game during an interruption, then real-world attention can be given, but game progress is lost and time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by providing visual and audio notifications to the player about the interruption detection and the actions taken. It communicates game state changes, character status, and interruption duration to keep the player informed while enabling automatic management, thus reducing the perceived loss of control and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual player actions with automated electronic systems. Instead of requiring the player to manually pause, save, and manage game state during interruptions, the system uses sensors, processors, and software algorithms to detect interruptions and automatically execute game management tasks, substituting mechanical player operations with electronic automation.
3Reliability
If automated assistance is provided during AFK, then game state is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The AFK helper system is segmented into distinct functional modules: detection module (sensors for motion, audio, camera), processing module (microcontroller or processor), execution module (game interface control), and notification module (display and audio outputs). Each module performs a specific function, making the overall complex system manageable through modular design and independent optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A player who is interrupted during play of a computer simulation such as a computer game and must attend to other matters (colloquially referred to herein as being “away from keyboard” or “AFK”) is assisted in three phases. A first type of assistance is rendered when entering AFK, as in, at the start of the interruption. A second type of assistance is rendered during AFK, while the player is away. A third type of assistance is rendered when the player returns from AFK to the computer simulation.