Searchable Text Metadata for Computer Simulation Replay Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer game replay systems lack flexibility and control in searching and replaying binary replay data, with restrictive metadata storage and predefined database structures limiting game developers' ability to create and modify metadata post-deployment.
Innovation Solution
Generating metadata in a searchable text file format that accompanies binary replay data, allowing users and developers to add or modify metadata structure, and enabling powerful search functionality using existing search engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If metadata is stored in a predefined database structure, then data organization is standardized, but flexibility and control in searching and modifying metadata are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates metadata from binary replay data by storing metadata in a searchable text file format while keeping binary data in a separate database. This segmentation allows the metadata to be independently searchable and modifiable without affecting the binary data structure, thereby improving flexibility while maintaining standardized data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a text file as an intermediary layer between the user/search engine and the binary replay data database. This intermediary text file contains searchable metadata that acts as a bridge, allowing users to search and modify metadata without directly accessing or complicating the underlying binary data structure.
2Ease of operation
If binary replay data is stored in a database, then data integrity is maintained, but search capability and user control are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a textual copy of the metadata from the binary replay data and stores it in a separate searchable text file. This copy contains all necessary event information in human-readable format, allowing users to search and access replay data details without directly querying the binary database, thereby improving ease of operation while preserving data integrity.
3Reliability
If metadata is generated during simulation execution, then event tracking is comprehensive, but search efficiency is reduced without proper indexing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by generating and storing metadata in a searchable text file format during the simulation execution phase. This metadata is pre-processed and organized with proper indexing before any search operations occur, enabling efficient searching later without compromising the comprehensive event tracking achieved during data generation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use with a computer simulation includes generating metadata that corresponds to replay data, and storing the generated metadata in a searchable text file. The replay data is generated in response to an execution of the computer simulation, and the metadata includes textual descriptions of one or more events that occurred during the execution of the computer simulation. A computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program for use with a computer simulation, and an apparatus includes a processor based system.