Dynamic Reference Mark Control for Rhythm Game Surprise

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In existing game systems, the fixed operation reference mark and its predictable movement direction/speed make it easy for players to infer the displacement direction and speed, reducing game surprise and amusement.

Innovation Solution

A game system that includes a display device, an input device, sequence data storage, and a reference mark control device, which changes the moving direction and speed of the operation reference mark based on predetermined conditions, making it difficult for players to predict the next operation indication mark, thereby enhancing game surprise and amusement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operation reference mark moves at a fixed direction and speed, then the player can easily infer the displacement direction and speed, but the game surprise and amusement are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of inferenceVSAvoidgame surprise
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the operation reference mark's movement characteristics variable rather than fixed. The control device changes the moving direction and/or moving speed of the operation reference mark according to predetermined conditions during game progression. This dynamic adjustment prevents players from easily inferring displacement patterns, thereby maintaining game surprise and amusement while still providing operational guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the operation reference mark moves at a fixed speed, then the displacement speed is predictable, but the game becomes less engaging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepredictabilityVSAvoidgame engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by modifying the movement parameters (direction and speed) of the operation reference mark during game execution. The control device adjusts these parameters according to predetermined conditions, such as game progression stages or specific triggers. This causes the displacement speed to vary over time, making it unpredictable for players and thereby enhancing game engagement while maintaining reliable operation timing guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the moving direction of the operation reference mark is fixed, then the displacement direction is easy to infer, but the element of surprise is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of inferenceVSAvoidmovement control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the movement control dynamic by enabling the operation reference mark to change its moving direction during game execution. The control device selectively alters the direction based on predetermined conditions, creating variable movement patterns that prevent easy inference by players. This dynamic directional control adds complexity to the movement control mechanism but is justified by the enhanced game surprise and amusement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8696452B2Game system, control method of controlling computer and a storage medium storing a computer program used thereof
Publication Date: 2014.04.15 KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO LTD
  • US8696452B2 patent drawing
  • US8696452B2 patent drawing
  • US8696452B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a game system comprising a monitor (3) that outputs the game screen display, a touch panel (5), and an external memory device (20) that stores sequence data (28) which records the operation timing for touch operation of a touch panel (5). Furthermore, the game system displays objects (60) corresponding to each operation timing within the predetermined time range on a game screen (50) and displays a judgment line (65) that corresponds to the current time and moves within the game screen (50), such that the judgment line (65) traverses in order each object (60) at the operation timing recorded in the sequence data (28). The game system also alters at least either the judgment line (65) movement direction or movement speed according to predetermined conditions.