Dynamic Game Tiles with Separable Ends for Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Computer games with static display features can become less engaging as players become familiar with the features, leading to a decline in interest and retention.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for altering the display of computer games by removing correctly matched separable ends of selectable objects, which are marked with patterns, and introducing dynamic elements such as lock marks and prize patterns to enhance gameplay dynamics and user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display of computer game tiles is made static, then the game interface is simple and easy to understand, but player engagement and retention decrease over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of game interfaceVSAvoidplayer engagement and retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the tile display to transition from a static state to a dynamic state. Tiles can be rotated, flipped, and have their ends separated or joined based on player actions. The system dynamically updates the display to show matched pairs being removed and new tiles being brought into play, maintaining player engagement while preserving the simplicity of the core matching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments each tile into multiple separable ends, where each end can be independently matched with other ends. This segmentation allows for more complex interactions and longer gameplay sequences, as players must strategically match multiple ends rather than treating tiles as single units, thereby extending player retention without significantly complicating the interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple matchable ends are provided on each tile, then gameplay complexity and challenge increase, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring correct matches increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegameplay challenge and strategyVSAvoidmatch verification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms that automatically verify matches between tile ends. When a player indicates a match, the system provides immediate feedback by confirming whether the match is correct, visually highlighting matched pairs, and updating the game state accordingly. This automated verification reduces the cognitive load on players while maintaining the complexity of multi-end matching strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes visual cues such as color changes to indicate match status. Matched tile ends are highlighted with distinct colors or visual effects, making it easy for players to identify correct matches and understand the current state of the game. This visual feedback simplifies the detection process while preserving the strategic depth of multi-end matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If separable ends are removed after matching, then the game progresses dynamically and player interest is maintained, but the game logic and display management become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer interest and engagementVSAvoiddisplay management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts matched tile ends from the game board and removes them from the display, creating dynamic progression. When ends are matched, they are taken out of the active play area, and the game automatically adjusts the remaining tiles and ends. This extraction mechanism drives game progression and maintains player interest by continuously presenting new challenges while managing complexity through automated display updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing the removal of matched ends, the updating of the display, and the preparation of new game states without requiring manual intervention. This automation handles the complexity of display management while preserving the dynamic and engaging nature of the game, allowing players to focus on strategy rather than mechanical management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4480556A1Altering computer game tiles having multiple matchable ends
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 SUPERPLAY LTD
  • EP4480556A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4480556A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4480556A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method of distributing a plurality of prize pieces over a plurality of selectable objects in a computer game, comprising causing a client device to display on its screen a plurality of selectable objects of a computer game, each selectable object initially has a plurality of separable ends each marked with a respective pattern, causing the client device to display one or more prize patterns each associated with one or more prizes and indicative plurality of prize pieces, computing a distribution of the prize pieces over at least some of the selectable objects, altering the display of the at least some selectable objects by associating them with respective prize pieces according to the distribution, and altering the prize pattern(s), responsive to correct matches of separable end(s) of the associated selectable objects, by populating the respective prize piece in the prize pattern(s).