Independent Virtual Camera Control for Multiplayer Game Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional game systems fail to fully reflect the independent operations of multiple players, leading to reduced engagement for secondary players whose actions have minimal impact on game progression.

Innovation Solution

A game system that allows each player to control the position and attitude of their virtual camera, enabling them to adjust the display range of the game space independently, thereby fully incorporating their operations into the game progression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple players manipulate one object in concert (conventional cooperative game), then the game can be played by multiple players simultaneously, but the secondary player's manipulation has less impact on game progression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplayer capabilityVSAvoidimpact of player operation on game progression

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single game image into multiple independent display regions, with each player having their own dedicated display area. Player 1 controls the first display region while Player 2 controls the second display region, allowing each player to independently manipulate and observe the effects of their actions without being subordinate to another player's control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by displaying multiple game images simultaneously in different regions of the display device. Instead of one player controlling a secondary character within a single view, each player receives a separate visual channel, enabling parallel independent operations with equal impact on game progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If one player primarily manipulates the game object while another provides secondary operations, then the game can accommodate multiple players, but the secondary player experiences reduced engagement and enjoyment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiplayer capabilityVSAvoidplayer engagement and enjoyment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the game control authority by allocating different display regions to different players. Each player's operations directly affect the game state visible in their designated region, ensuring that both players experience equal engagement and that their manipulations have comparable impact on game progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements immediate visual feedback for each player's operations within their own display region. When a player manipulates the game object, the changes are reflected in their designated display area, providing direct and tangible feedback that enhances engagement and confirms the impact of their actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single game image is displayed for all players, then the display system remains simple, but players cannot independently adjust their display range or viewpoint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay system complexityVSAvoidindependent camera control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display device into multiple independent display regions, with each region having its own virtual camera that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows each player to adjust their viewpoint and display range without affecting other players, while the overall display system remains integrated and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes each display region universally controllable by any player, with each region capable of displaying different perspectives of the same game space. This multi-functionality allows players to switch between different viewpoints and camera positions while maintaining a unified game environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9132347B2Game system, game apparatus, storage medium having game program stored therein, and game process method

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 NINTENDO CO LTD

AI summary

An example game system includes a game apparatus, an operating device, and a hand-held device. The game apparatus receives first operation data from the operating device and second operation data from the hand-held device, and performs a predetermined game control process. Furthermore, the game apparatus generates a first game image of a virtual game space representing a result of the game control process, based on a first virtual camera, and the game apparatus also generates a second game image based on a second virtual camera. The first game image is outputted to a first display device provided independently of the hand-held device. The second game image is outputted to a second display device of the hand-held device. Moreover, the game apparatus performs as the game control process a process for controlling a position of the second virtual camera based on the first operation data and an attitude of the second virtual camera based on the second operation data.