US2010016074A1PendingUtilityA1

Apparatus and methods for game conversion

31
Assignee: GDI GAME DOMAIN INTERNAT PLCPriority: Mar 20, 2008Filed: Mar 19, 2009Published: Jan 21, 2010
Est. expiryMar 20, 2028(~1.6 yrs left)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Uwe Prochnow
A63F 13/77A63F 13/35A63F 13/358A63F 13/73A63F 2300/552A63F 2300/5526
31
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Claims

Abstract

A computer game conversion apparatus for reducing the size of a computer game comprising a plurality of game elements, the apparatus comprising: a game element similarity checker for identifying game elements of the plurality of game elements which are at least similar to a first game element of the plurality of game elements; and an optimisation module for replacing the similar game elements with a reference to the first game element and deleting the similar game elements.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . A computer game conversion apparatus for reducing the size of a computer game comprising a plurality of game elements, the apparatus comprising:
 a game element similarity checker for identifying game elements of the plurality of game elements which are at least similar to a first game element of the plurality of game elements; and   an optimisation module for replacing the similar game elements with a reference to the first game element and deleting the similar game elements.   
   
   
       2 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a game element categorisation module for categorising the plurality of game elements, and   wherein the game element similarity checker determines the category of the first element and identifies the similar game elements within the determined category of the first element.   
   
   
       3 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein at least some of the similar game elements comprise game elements having a predetermined degree of likeness to the first game element. 
   
   
       4 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the predetermined degree of likeness is greater than one or more of: 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; 95%. 
   
   
       5 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 3  or  4 , further comprising:
 a tolerance control module for defining the degree of likeness.   
   
   
       6 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  5 , wherein, at least some of the similar game elements comprise game elements which are identical to the first game element. 
   
   
       7 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to any one of  claims 2  to  6 , wherein the game element categorisation module generates metadata for each game element. 
   
   
       8 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the metadata comprises one or more of: FileID; FileName; FileTypeID; FileLink; GameID; FileSize; ReferenceStatusID; ReplacementFileID; ClassID; SubClassID. 
   
   
       9 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 7  or  8 , wherein the game element categorisation module tabulates the game elements according to the one or more metadata categories. 
   
   
       10 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  9 , further comprising:
 a multiple-pass similarity optimiser configured to identify game elements of the plurality of game elements which are at least similar to game elements of at least one other computer game, to replace the identified game elements with a reference to the game elements of the at least one other computer game, and to delete the identified game elements.   
   
   
       11 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein at least some of the identified game elements which are similar to the game elements of the at least one other computer game have a predetermined degree of likeness to the game elements of the at least one other computer game. 
   
   
       12 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the predetermined degree of likeness is greater than one or more of: 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; 95%. 
   
   
       13 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 11  or  12 , further comprising:
 a tolerance control module for defining the degree of likeness.   
   
   
       14 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to any one of  claims 10  to  13 , wherein at least some of the identified game elements which are similar to the game elements of the at least one other computer game are identical to the game elements of the at least one other computer game. 
   
   
       15 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to any one of  claims 10  to  14 , wherein the multiple-pass similarity optimizer compares the game elements of the plurality of game elements with the game elements of the at least one other computer game a plurality of times, and wherein each comparison uses the results of a previous comparison. 
   
   
       16 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  15 , further comprising:
 a game training module configured to receive a log of computer game elements which are not used during game-play of the computer game from a plurality of users, to compare the logs from the plurality of users in order to identify computer game element redundancies, and to delete the redundant computer game elements from the computer game.   
   
   
       17 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  16 , further comprising:
 a data splitter configured to separate the plurality of game elements into active data game elements and passive data game elements.   
   
   
       18 . A computer game conversion apparatus for converting a computer game comprising a plurality of game elements into a distribution format, the apparatus comprising:
 a data splitter configured to separate the plurality of game elements into active data game elements and passive data game elements.   
   
   
       19 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein the active data game elements have an average file size smaller than an average file size of the passive data game elements. 
   
   
       20 . A computer game conversion apparatus for reducing the size of a computer game comprising a plurality of game elements, the apparatus comprising:
 a game analyzer for identifying game elements of the plurality of game elements which are similar to a first game element of the plurality of game elements;   an optimisation module for replacing the similar game elements with a reference to the first game element and deleting the similar game elements; and   a data splitter configured to separate the plurality of optimised game elements into active data game elements and passive data game elements.   
   
   
       21 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the active data game elements have an average file size smaller than an average file size of the passive data game elements. 
   
   
       22 . A multiple-pass similarity optimiser configured to identify game elements of a plurality of game elements of a computer game which are at least similar to game elements of at least one other computer game, to replace the identified game elements with a reference to the similar game elements of the at least one other computer game, and to delete the identified game elements. 
   
   
       23 . The multiple-pass similarity optimiser according to  claim 22 , wherein at least some of the identified game elements which are similar to the game elements of the at least one other computer game have a predetermined degree of likeness to the game elements of the at least one other computer game. 
   
   
       24 . The multiple-pass similarity optimiser according to  claim 23 , wherein the predetermined degree of likeness is greater than one or more of: 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; 95%. 
   
   
       25 . The multiple-pass similarity optimiser according to  claim 23  or  24 , further comprising:
 a tolerance control module for defining the degree of likeness.   
   
   
       26 . The computer game conversion apparatus according to any one of  claims 22  to  25 , wherein at least some of the identified game elements which are similar to the game elements of the at least one other computer game are identical to the game elements of the at least one other computer game. 
   
   
       27 . A game conversion apparatus for converting a computer game comprising a plurality of game elements into a distribution format, the apparatus comprising:
 a data splitter configured to separate the plurality of game elements into active data game elements and passive data game elements; and   a multiple-pass similarity optimiser configured to identify game elements of the plurality of game elements which are at least similar to game elements of at least one other computer game, to replace the identified game elements with a reference to the similar game elements of the at least one other computer game, and to delete the identified game elements.   
   
   
       28 . The game conversion apparatus according to  claim 27 , wherein the active data game elements have an average file size smaller than an average file size of the passive data game elements. 
   
   
       29 . The game conversion apparatus according to  claim 27  or  28 , wherein at least some of the identified game elements which are similar to the game elements of the at least one other computer game have a predetermined degree of likeness to the game elements of the at least one other computer game. 
   
   
       30 . The game conversion apparatus according to  claim 29 , wherein the predetermined degree of likeness is greater than one or more of: 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; 95%. 
   
   
       31 . The game conversion apparatus according to  claim 29  or  30 , further comprising:
 a tolerance control module for defining the degree of likeness.   
   
   
       32 . The game conversion apparatus according to any one of  claims 27  to  31 , wherein at least some of the identified game elements which are similar to the game elements of the at least one other computer game are identical to the game elements of the at least one other computer game. 
   
   
       33 . A computer game analyzer for analysing a computer game comprising a plurality game elements and converting it into a distribution format, the analyzer comprising:
 a code sorter module configured to identify individual game elements as belonging to a particular category of game element;   a game element categorisation module configured to tabulate the individual game elements according to the identified categories; and   a similarity checker module configured to compare each individual game element of a particular category with the plurality of game elements of that particular category, and to identifying game elements of the plurality of game elements which are at least similar to the individual game element.   
   
   
       34 . The computer game analyzer according to  claim 33 , further comprising:
 an optimisation module for replacing the similar game elements with a reference to the individual game element and deleting the similar game elements.   
   
   
       35 . The computer game analyzer according to  claim 33  or  34 , further comprising:
 a game engine checker module configured to identify a gaming engine used by the computer game.   
   
   
       36 . The computer game analyzer according to  claim 35 , wherein the game engine checker module is configured to identify any parameters for configuring the game engine. 
   
   
       37 . The computer game analyzer according to any one of  claims 33  to  36 , wherein the code sorter module generates metadata for each game element. 
   
   
       38 . The computer game analyzer according to  claim 37 , wherein the metadata comprises one or more of: FileID; FileName; FileTypeID; FileLink; GameID; FileSize; ReferenceStatusID; ReplacementFileID; ClassID; SubClassID. 
   
   
       39 . The computer game analyzer according to  claim 38 , wherein the game element categorisation module tabulates the individual game elements according to the one or more metadata categories. 
   
   
       40 . The computer game analyzer according to any one of  claims 33  to  39 , wherein the tabulated individual game elements are stored in a storage device. 
   
   
       41 . The computer game analyzer according to any one of  claims 33  to  40 , wherein at least some of the identified game elements have a predetermined degree of likeness to the individual game element. 
   
   
       42 . The computer game analyzer according to  claim 41 , wherein the predetermined degree of likeness is greater than one or more of: 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; 95%. 
   
   
       43 . The computer game analyzer according to  claim 41  or  42 , further comprising:
 a tolerance control module for defining the degree of likeness.   
   
   
       44 . The computer game analyzer according to any one of  claims 41  to  43 , wherein at least some of the identified game elements are identical to the individual game element. 
   
   
       45 . The computer game analyzer according to any one of  claims 33  to  44 , wherein the active data game elements have an average file size smaller than an average file size of the passive data game elements. 
   
   
       46 . A computer game analyzer for analysing a computer game and converting it into a distribution format, the analyzer comprising:
 a game engine checker module configured to identify a gaming engine used by the computer game; and   a reference table provided with game engine indicators,   wherein the game engine checker module uses the game engine indicators in order to identify the game engine.   
   
   
       47 . A computer game analyzer for analysing a computer game comprising a plurality game elements and converting it into a distribution format, the analyzer comprising:
 a game training module configured to receive a log of computer game resources which are not used during game-play from a plurality of users, to compare the logs from the plurality of users in order to identify computer game resource redundancies, and to delete the redundant computer game resource from the computer game.   
   
   
       48 . The computer game analyzer according to  claim 47 , wherein the game training module is further configured to compare the logs from the plurality of users in order to identify an essential minimum of the computer game resources required in order to begin playing the game. 
   
   
       49 . A computer game optimizer comprising:
 A multiple-pass similarity optimizer configured to receive computer game elements from a plurality of computer games, to compare the received computer game elements of each computer game of the plurality of computer games with the computer game elements of the plurality of computer games, and to determine at least similar computer game elements.   
   
   
       50 . The computer game optimizer according to  claim 49 , further comprising:
 a tolerance control module for defining a degree of likeness between computer game elements considered similar.   
   
   
       51 . The computer game optimizer according to  claim 50 , wherein the degree of likeness between elements comprises 100% likeness. 
   
   
       52 . The computer game optimizer according to  claim 50 , wherein the degree of likeness between elements is greater than one or more of: 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; 95%. 
   
   
       53 . The computer game optimizer according to any one of  claims 49  to  52 , wherein the multiple-pass similarity optimizer compares the received computer game elements of each game of the plurality of games with the computer game elements of the plurality of games a plurality of times, wherein each comparison uses the results of the previous comparison. 
   
   
       54 . A method of operating a computer to reduce a computer games size, the computer game comprising a plurality of game elements, the method comprising:
 identifying game elements of the plurality of game elements which are at least similar to a first game element of the plurality of game elements;   replacing the similar game elements with a reference to the first game element; and   deleting the similar game elements.   
   
   
       55 . The method according to  claim 54 , further comprising:
 categorising the plurality of game elements;   determining a category of the first element; and   identifying the similar game elements within the determined category of the first element.   
   
   
       56 . The method according to  claim 54  or  55 , further comprising:
 defining a predetermined degree of likeness between the first element and the similar game elements.   
   
   
       57 . The method according to any one of  claims 54  to  56 , further comprising:
 generating metadata for each game element.   
   
   
       58 . The method according to  claim 57 , further comprising:
 categorising the game elements according to the metadata.   
   
   
       59 . The method according to any one of  claims 55  to  58 , further comprising:
 storing the categorises of game elements in a storage device.   
   
   
       60 . The method according to any one of  claims 54  to  59 , further comprising:
 identifying game elements of the plurality of game elements which at least similar to game elements of at least one other computer game;   replacing the identified game elements with a reference to the game elements of the at least one other computer game; and   deleting the identified game elements.   
   
   
       61 . The method according to any one of  claims 54  to  60 , further comprising:
 receiving a log of game elements which are not used during game-play of the computer game from a plurality of users;   comparing the logs from the plurality of users in order to identify redundant game elements; and   deleting the redundant game elements from the computer game.   
   
   
       62 . The method according to any one of  claims 54  to  61 , further comprising:
 separating the plurality of game elements into active data game elements and passive data game elements.   
   
   
       63 . A method of operating a computer to reduce a computer games size, the computer game comprising a plurality of game elements, the method comprising:
 receiving a log of game elements which are not used during play of the computer game from a plurality of users;   comparing the logs from the plurality of users in order to identify redundant game elements; and   deleting the redundant game elements from the computer game.   
   
   
       64 . A method of operating a computer to convert a computer game comprising a plurality of game elements into a distribution format, the method comprising:
 separating the plurality of game elements into active data game elements and passive data game elements.   
   
   
       65 . A computer program product comprising programme code means for performing the method according to any one of  claims 54  to  64 . 
   
   
       66 . A computer readable medium recorded with computer readable code arranged to cause a computer to perform the method according to any one of  claims 54  to  64 . 
   
   
       67 . A computer programme code means for performing the method according to any one of  claims 54  to  64 .

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