3D Online Game Builder with Automatic Part Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-aided modeling tools for virtual reality restrict users to building puzzle games from existing models and do not allow for the creation of custom models or easy sharing of games and models between users, limiting user creativity and collaboration.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables users to build online games and models in a three-dimensional virtual world by selecting and automatically joining primitive shapes, with automatic creation of mechanical joints for physics simulation, allowing users to form models and games that can be tested, published, and shared with others, using a network architecture that includes a game builder module and an online gaming service for storage and cataloging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If users manually join parts together to create models, then model creation is possible, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables models to automatically join parts together through proximity detection. When parts are placed near each other in the 3D environment, the system automatically creates joints between them without requiring manual intervention, allowing the modeling process to serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of joining parts with an automated computational system that detects part proximity and automatically creates joints, substituting human manual operations with algorithmic processes
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing models are used to build games, then game creation is enabled, but user creativity and custom model creation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the game creation process into independent components: primitive shape selection, automatic joining, model formation, and game assembly. This allows users to create custom models from basic geometric primitives rather than being constrained to pre-made models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of creativity by enabling users to construct models from fundamental geometric primitives (cubes, spheres, cylinders) in a 3D virtual environment, transforming the creative process from selecting existing models to building custom ones
3Ease of operation
If models are created without automatic joining, then manual control is maintained, but model creation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joining mechanism serves itself by automatically detecting when parts are in proximity and creating appropriate joints without user intervention, eliminating the need for complex manual joining operations while maintaining simple user interaction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for building online games. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a user interface that facilitates user selection of parts, and placing a set of parts selected by a user in a three-dimensional (3D) world. The method may also include joining parts within the set based on their proximity to each other in the 3D world to form one or more models for a game, and sending a model file for each of these models to a server via a network for use by various users.