Game Apparatus Integrating Camera Functions with Gameplay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current game applications on smartphones and tablets operate independently and do not effectively integrate with game programs, limiting the use of features like camera functions or internet connectivity during gameplay, resulting in a lack of engagement and realism.
Innovation Solution
A game apparatus that allows the simultaneous execution of a game program and another application program, enabling features like camera use and internet connectivity, with data conversion to enhance the gaming experience by relating application results to the game's content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a game program is executed independently on a smartphone or tablet, then the game can run smoothly with dedicated game controls, but other application functions (camera, internet) cannot be accessed during gameplay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the game program execution environment with other application programs by allowing multiple programs to run simultaneously in a unified operating system environment. The game apparatus executes both the game program and other applications (camera, browser, etc.) without requiring separate devices, combining functionalities that were previously mutually exclusive.
Solution Approach 2:
The game apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a dedicated game device and as a platform for running other applications. The single apparatus can switch between or simultaneously execute game programs, camera applications, web browsers, and other functions, making it a universal device rather than a single-purpose game console.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image data is captured by a camera application before starting the game, then real-world images can be used in the game, but the image data acquisition process is separate from game execution and reduces engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading or caching image data from the camera application before the game execution begins. The operating system prepares the image data in advance during idle time or in the background, so that when the game needs the image data, it is already available without requiring the player to stop gameplay for data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by allowing the camera application to continue capturing or preparing image data in the background while the game program continues to execute. The data conversion and integration processes run continuously without interrupting the game flow, ensuring that both the game and data preparation proceed simultaneously without interruption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple application programs are executed simultaneously with the game program, then real-life functions can be integrated into gameplay, but system resource management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operating system acts as an intermediary between the game program and other application programs. It manages memory allocation, processing power distribution, and data flow between different programs, coordinating their execution without requiring direct complex interactions between them. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the coordination function.
Data Source
AI summary
A game apparatus is provided which has a convenience where another function, such as photo taken by a camera, can be used while playing a game by causing a game program and another program to work together. The game apparatus increases interest of the game by relating a result of execution of the other program to the contents of the game. For example, when a camera icon displayed on a display is selected by an operation of a touch panel, a program for controlling a camera function launches, and an image can be captured at an arbitrary timing. The captured image is converted according to a predetermined condition. The converted image is displayed on a display screen and image data is stored in a flash memory.