Temporary Game Structures with Time-Based Expiration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional online game systems restrict users with permanent structures, which are costly and limit gameplay options, and often provide resources that expire after a predetermined number of uses, failing to offer flexible and dynamic gameplay experiences.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for managing temporary structures with a time-based expiration in online games, allowing users to access advantageous structures during specific periods, which can be renewed or extended using virtual or real currency, providing flexibility and dynamic gameplay opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent structures are provided to users, then defense capability and asset protection are improved, but cost and gameplay flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefense capabilityVSAvoidgameplay flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces temporary structures with time-based expiration, transforming the static permanent structure model into a dynamic system where structures can be deployed for specific durations and then automatically expire, providing both defense capability and temporal flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic deployment and expiration of temporary structures, allowing users to cycle through different defensive configurations over time, with structures becoming available again after expiration for redeployment or replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If permanent structures are purchased by users, then asset protection is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset protectionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces temporary structures that expire after a predetermined time period, providing affordable short-term defense alternatives to expensive permanent structures, allowing users to protect assets without long-term financial commitment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If resources expire after predetermined uses, then resource management is simplified, but gameplay flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource managementVSAvoidgameplay flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the expiration parameter from use-based to time-based, allowing structures to expire after a predetermined time period regardless of usage, providing both simplified management and enhanced gameplay flexibility through temporal rather than consumptive limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9480922B1System and method for facilitating use of temporary defensive structures in a tower defense game

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 ELECTRONIC ARTS INC

AI summary

One aspect of the disclosure relates to facilitating use of temporary structures with a time-based expiration in an online game. The online game may be configured to facilitate battles between including virtual units controlled by or associated with one or more users within the game space. The online game may manage a plurality of structures in the game space. The plurality of structures may include a first temporary structure controlled by or associated with a first user. The first temporary structure may provide an advantage to the user in a battle during a first structure time period. The advantage and/or the first temporary structure may expire at the end of the first structure time period.