Server Device Group Formation Automation

Solution Overview

Problem

In social games, new groups cannot progress until a certain number of players participate, leading to lost time and reduced game attractiveness as players cannot play until the group is fully formed.

Innovation Solution

A server device and method that allows a new group to participate in games once the required number of players accepts participation, storing the group as a new entity in the information storage unit once the participation threshold is met, enabling immediate gameplay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a new group is created in the social game, then the group structure is established for future gameplay, but the group cannot progress or play games until a certain number of players participate, resulting in lost time and reduced game attractiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaiting time for group formationVSAvoidgroup functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server device performs preliminary actions by automatically inviting players to join the newly created group and transferring them from their current groups. This preliminary population of the group eliminates the waiting time issue, as the group immediately has enough members to function and play games without requiring the creator to manually recruit members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The server device acts as an intermediary between the group creator and potential members. It automatically manages the invitation and transfer process, mediating the group formation without requiring direct player-to-player coordination. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by automating what would otherwise be a time-consuming manual process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If players are required to reach a certain number before a new group can act, then group stability is ensured, but player engagement and game attractiveness are reduced due to inability to play during group formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegroup composition stabilityVSAvoidgameplay accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The server device performs preliminary actions by automatically inviting players to join the newly created group and transferring them from their current groups. This preliminary population of the group eliminates the waiting time issue, as the group immediately has enough members to function and play games without requiring the creator to manually recruit members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service by automatically handling group population through server-initiated invitations and player transfers. The group creator does not need to manually recruit members or wait for others to join - the system serves itself by automatically populating the group, thus maintaining stability while enabling immediate gameplay accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual group recruitment is required, then player choice and consent are respected, but group formation time increases and game progress is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer autonomy in group selectionVSAvoidgroup formation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The server device performs preliminary actions by automatically inviting players to join the newly created group and transferring them from their current groups. This preliminary population of the group eliminates the waiting time issue, as the group immediately has enough members to function and play games without requiring the creator to manually recruit members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system skips the manual recruitment step by automatically inviting and transferring players to the new group. This rushing through of the group formation process maintains player autonomy (players can still accept or decline invitations) while dramatically increasing group formation speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS11724203B2Server device, method for controlling the same, and computer-readable recording medium

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 GREE HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

Provided is a social game capable of, when a new group is created, allowing such a group to progress a game smoothly. A server device that provides a game, in which a plurality of players can participate, is connected to terminal devices operated by the players via a communication line, and comprises: an information storage unit; and a control unit. The information storage unit stores information on a first group, in which the players participate, and information on a second group, in which the players are supposed to participate; the control unit receives notification on acceptance of participation in the second group from the terminal devices, and when it is determined that the number of players in the second group reaches a certain number, stores the second group as a new first group at the information storage unit.