Game Booster Object Sorting Matching Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer games face challenges in maintaining user engagement, especially on devices with limited display resources, such as smartphones and tablets, where games need to be both fun and progressively challenging while providing effective feedback for player success and accomplishment.
Innovation Solution
A computer device with a user interface that includes a processor-configured booster object which, when activated, sorts game elements of matching types on the gameboard, allowing users to easily remove blocking elements and create groups for more efficient gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a matching game is implemented on a device with limited display resources, then the game can be played on portable devices, but the user engagement and gameplay complexity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The game board is divided into multiple regions or zones, allowing complex gameplay mechanics to be implemented in a structured manner that fits within limited display space. Each region can contain specific game elements or mechanics, enabling rich gameplay without requiring a uniformly large display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the game by implementing a scrollable or multi-level game board that extends beyond the immediate display area. This allows the game to utilize the depth of the display (scrolling capability) rather than only the horizontal and vertical screen real estate, effectively increasing the playable area without requiring a larger physical display.
2Reliability
If the game provides progressive challenges and rewarding feedback, then user engagement improves, but the interface complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The game implements automated feedback mechanisms that provide rewarding responses to player actions without requiring complex manual controls. For example, when players complete matching tasks, the system automatically provides visual and auditory feedback, awards points, and transitions to the next challenge level, reducing the cognitive load and control complexity while maintaining high engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates multiple feedback channels (visual, auditory, haptic) that immediately respond to player actions, reinforcing successful gameplay and guiding users through progressive challenges. This multi-sensory feedback system maintains user engagement while simplifying the interface by providing clear, intuitive responses that reduce the need for complex control instructions.
3Productivity
If booster objects are added to remove blocking elements, then gameplay progression is enabled, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The booster objects are pre-configured with specific removal capabilities and effect parameters during game initialization or level loading. This preliminary setup allows the booster mechanics to execute efficiently during gameplay without requiring complex real-time processing, as the removal rules and effects are predetermined and optimized for the device's processing capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer device comprising: a user interface controllable to display to a user a gameboard of multiple user selectable game elements of at least two types; and a processor configured to: generate a user activatable booster object for display on the user interface; detect a user input to activate the booster object; activate the booster object to generate a booster effect; wherein the processor is further configured, on activation of the booster object, to generate the booster effect by detecting a group of game elements in a region defined on the gameboard; and sort the game elements in the group to display game elements of a matching type adjacent one another in the region to generate a sorted configuration of game elements in the region.