Hand-Drawn Artwork to Playable Game Level Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current game editors do not allow users to directly translate hand-drawn video game level designs into playable games, as they only permit software-based editing and do not interpret hand-drawn art.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that uses an imaging system to create raw image data from a model with pre-defined glyphs, a preprocessing module to generate preprocessed image data, a recognition module to identify glyphs, a semantic module to translate glyphs into corresponding video game elements, and an accumulator module to generate video game level data usable by a game engine, enabling the creation of playable video games from hand-drawn artwork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-drawn artwork is used to design video game levels, then user creativity and ease of design are improved, but the ability to directly translate designs into playable games is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the hand-drawn artwork by capturing an image of the physical drawing and processing it through image recognition algorithms. The recognition module identifies glyphs in the drawn image and converts them into digital game elements, enabling the transition from physical artwork to playable game content without requiring manual digital recreation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of digitally recreating level designs with an automated optical recognition system. The imaging system captures the drawing, and the recognition module automatically identifies and interprets glyphs, substituting the manual digitization process with automated image processing and pattern recognition
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional game editors are used, then software-based editing precision is improved, but the ability to interpret hand-drawn art is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between hand-drawn artwork and game engine data. The recognition module acts as a mediator that translates visual glyphs from drawings into structured game level data, while the semantic module interprets the meaning of these glyphs according to a defined glyph language, enabling communication between the artistic design and the technical implementation
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal glyph language that can represent multiple game elements and concepts through standardized visual symbols. This glyph language serves as a universal interface that can be drawn freely by users while being systematically interpreted by the software, allowing the same drawing interface to generate diverse game content
3Manufacturing precision
If software-based editing is required, then editing precision is improved, but the barrier to entry for aspiring designers is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to create level designs using simple hand-drawn sketches on paper or digital canvas, capturing these drawings through an imaging system. This copying approach eliminates the need for users to learn complex editing software interfaces while preserving their creative vision, making game design accessible to non-programmers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical interface of traditional game editors with a simple drawing interface. Instead of requiring users to navigate menus, select tools, and manipulate digital objects, the system simply requires users to draw their level designs, which are then automatically processed into playable games
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for creating a playable video game, or playable video game levels, from a model, typically a two-dimensional work of hand-drawn art. A set of software modules processes a digital image of the static model to translate its component elements into video game elements in a level file, which may then be played using a game driver.