Spectator Input System for Network Game Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods of gamecasting in network gaming limit spectators to passive viewing without interactivity, lacking involvement in the game experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows spectators to input commands to control aspects of the game player's character, such as hit points or inventory, through a web server, enabling real-time interaction and involvement in the game without requiring a game client.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional gamecasting methods are used, then spectators can view the game screen, but spectators lack interactivity and involvement in the game
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary component that receives spectator inputs and translates them into game control commands. This mediator enables spectators to interact with the game without requiring them to run a full game client, thus improving interactivity while managing system complexity through a dedicated intermediary layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The game server is designed to handle multiple functions: it processes both player inputs and spectator inputs, manages game state, and communicates with both game clients and web browsers. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide interactive spectator capabilities without adding separate dedicated systems, thereby improving ease of operation while controlling device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spectators can control game aspects, then engagement increases, but game fairness and player autonomy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by allowing spectators to control only specific non-critical aspects of the game (such as camera angles, chat messages, or minor character actions) rather than core game mechanics. This selective involvement increases spectator engagement while preserving game fairness and player autonomy, as the controlled aspects do not fundamentally affect game outcomes or competitive integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where player responses to spectator inputs are communicated back to spectators. This creates a controlled interaction loop that maintains game integrity by ensuring players remain the primary decision-makers, while still allowing spectators to have meaningful involvement through their ability to suggest or influence non-critical game elements.
3Measurement precision
If spectators use a game client, then control precision improves, but accessibility and ease of viewing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The web server acts as an intermediary that receives simplified inputs from spectators via web browsers and translates them into precise game control commands. This intermediary layer allows spectators to use accessible web interfaces rather than requiring full game clients, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining input precision through the translation and processing capabilities of the web server.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of the game interface through the web server that replicates essential viewing and interaction capabilities without requiring the full game client. This web-based copy provides sufficient precision for spectator interactions (such as sending messages, adjusting camera views, or making minor character actions) while dramatically improving accessibility by using standard web browsers instead of requiring game client installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices, and media for controlling a network game in accordance with an input of a game spectator are provided. A network interface receives player input information from a game player and spectator input information from the game spectator. The network game is progressed in accordance with the player input information received by the network interface from the game player, and an aspect of the network game of the game player is controlled in accordance with the spectator input information received by the network interface. The spectator input information specifies the game player and the aspect of the network game of the game player to be controlled.