Game Loading Method Using Dual Storage Segmentation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current game loading technologies result in prolonged scene loading times due to the use of storage devices with slower access rates, which negatively impact the gaming experience by delaying the transition between game scenes and levels.

Innovation Solution

A computer system and method that temporarily transfers game files from a primary storage with slower access rates to a secondary storage with faster access rates, such as from a hard drive to a Solid-State Drive or 3D Xpoint memory, allowing for quicker access and loading of game files during gameplay, thereby reducing scene loading times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If game files are stored in a storage device with slower access rates (such as HDD), then storage capacity and cost are optimized, but scene loading time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescene loading timeVSAvoidstorage access rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides storage into two segments: a first storage device (HDD) for bulk game file storage and a second storage device (SSD/NVMe) for frequently accessed game files. This segmentation allows the system to optimize between storage capacity and access speed by placing different types of data in different storage media based on their access patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading game files that are likely to be accessed next into the faster second storage device before they are actually needed. This is achieved by monitoring game progress and anticipating future file access requirements, thereby reducing waiting time during scene transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If game files are stored in a storage device with faster access rates (such as SSD or NVMe), then scene loading time is reduced, but storage cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescene loading timeVSAvoidstorage cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides storage into two segments: a first storage device (HDD) for bulk game file storage and a second storage device (SSD/NVMe) for frequently accessed game files. This segmentation allows the system to optimize between storage capacity and access speed by placing different types of data in different storage media based on their access patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies local quality by providing high-speed storage specifically for game files that require frequent access, while using cost-effective storage for less frequently accessed data. This targeted approach ensures that expensive fast storage is used only where it provides the most benefit, optimizing the balance between performance and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If all game files are kept in the faster storage device, then access rate is maximized, but storage device capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage access rateVSAvoidstorage device capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides storage into two segments: a first storage device (HDD) for bulk game file storage and a second storage device (SSD/NVMe) for frequently accessed game files. This segmentation allows the system to optimize between storage capacity and access speed by placing different types of data in different storage media based on their access patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading game files that are likely to be accessed next into the faster second storage device before they are actually needed. This is achieved by monitoring game progress and anticipating future file access requirements, thereby reducing waiting time during scene transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11344818B2Computer system, game loading method thereof and computer readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 ACER INC

AI summary

A computer system, a game loading method thereof and a computer readable storage medium are provided. The computer system includes a first storage, a second storage and a processor. The first storage stores multiple game files of a game. The access rate of the second storage is faster than the first storage. The processor is coupled to the first and second storages. The processor performs the game, stores corresponding game files in the first storage into the second storage according to process of the game, and access the game files stored in the second storage to continue progress of the game. Accordingly, loading time of game scene can be reduced, so as to improve gaming experience.