U.S. patent application number 17/178523 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-10 for method and apparatus controlling a user interface.
The applicant listed for this patent is KING.COM LIMITED. Invention is credited to Johan ACEVEDO.
Application Number | 20210170282 17/178523 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005404015 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210170282 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ACEVEDO; Johan |
June 10, 2021 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS CONTROLLING A USER INTERFACE
Abstract
A computer device comprises a user interface configured to
display time information associated with a feature. The time
information indicates when the feature will change from one of
being available and unavailable to the other of being available and
unavailable. The time information changes at a first rate. At least
one processor is configured, in response to a user interaction via
the user interface, to cause the user interface to display content,
the time information being configured to change at a second
different rate while the content is displayed.
Inventors: |
ACEVEDO; Johan; (Stockholm,
SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KING.COM LIMITED |
St. Julians |
|
MT |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005404015 |
Appl. No.: |
17/178523 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16143619 |
Sep 27, 2018 |
10946287 |
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17178523 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/80 20140902;
A63F 2300/8094 20130101; A63F 13/61 20140902; A63F 2250/22
20130101; A63F 13/2145 20140902; A63F 2250/1078 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/80 20060101
A63F013/80; A63F 13/61 20060101 A63F013/61; A63F 13/2145 20060101
A63F013/2145 |
Claims
1. A computer device configured to provide a computer implemented
app, the computer device comprising: a user interface comprising a
display configured to display time information associated with a
reward in the computer implemented app, the time information
indicating when the reward will be provided in the computer
implemented app; and at least one processor configured to control
the user interface; wherein the at least one processor is
configured to cause the displayed time information to change at a
first rate; the user interface is configured to receive a user
input; and the at least one processor is configured, in response to
the user input received via the user interface to determine content
to be displayed on the user interface, the user interface being
configured to display the determined content, and the at least one
processor further being configured to cause the displayed time
information to change at a second different rate while the content
is displayed.
2. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
input is with respect to at least one of an area associated with
the computer app and an area associated with the content to be
displayed.
3. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to determined when the content is
paused or no longer displayed and in response thereto cause the
time information to change at a third rate.
4. The computer device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third
rate is the same as the first rate.
5. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content
comprises advertising content.
6. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the computer
implemented app comprises a computer implemented game app and the
reward comprises a computer implemented game reward.
7. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the
first rate and the second rate comprise a real time rate.
8. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first
rate is less than the second rate.
9. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to control a value of the second rate
in dependence on user input received via the user interface.
10. The computer device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the user
input to control the value of the second rate is associated with
the displayed content.
11. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to provide one of a plurality of second
rates in dependence on the user input received via the user
interface.
12. The computer device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the user
input comprises a plurality of taps.
13. The computer device as claimed in claim 9, wherein a rate
associated with the user input is configured to control the value
of the second rate.
14. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to control the user interface to
display an input area, the user input being with respect to the
input area.
15. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
displayed time information indicates an amount of time until the
reward will be provided.
16. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a timer,
the timer being configured to control the time information
displayed by the display, the at least one processor being
configured to cause the timer to be updated at a respective
rate.
17. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
interface is provided by a touch screen.
18. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user
interface is configured to display the determined content in a
first area of the display of the user interface and the time
information in a second area of the display of the user
interface.
19. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to display a first screen of the
computer app, said first screen being displayed when the user
interface receives the user input to determine the content to be
displayed, said content being displayed on a second different
screen.
20. The computer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
one processor is configured to display a first screen of the
computer app, said first screen being displayed when the user
interface receives the user input to determine the content to be
displayed, said content being displayed on the first screen.
21. A computer implemented method provided by a computer device
configured to provide a computer implemented app, the computer
device comprising a user interface comprising a display and at
least one processor, the computer device being configured to
provide the method of: displaying by the display of the user
interface time information associated with a reward in the computer
app, the time information indicating when the reward will be
provided in the computer implemented app: causing, by the at least
one processor, the display of the user interface to display the
time information; causing, by the at least one processor, the
displayed time information to change at a first rate; receiving, by
the user interface, a user input; determining, by the at least one
processor, in response to the user input, content to be displayed
on the user interface; displaying by the user interface the
determined content, and causing, by the at least one processor, the
displayed time information to change at a second different rate
while the content is displayed.
22. The computer implemented method as claimed in claim 21, wherein
the method comprises determining, by the at least one processor,
when the content is paused or no longer displayed and in response
thereto causing, by the at least one processor, the time
information to change at a third rate.
23. The computer implemented method as claimed in claim 21, wherein
the content comprises advertising content.
24. The computer implemented method as claimed in claim 21, wherein
computer implemented app comprises a computer implemented game app
and the reward comprises a computer implemented game reward.
25. A computer readable non-transitory storage medium carrying one
or more computer executable instructions which when run on at least
one processor of a computer device cause the computer device to be
configured to be provide a computer implemented app, the computer
device configured to provide a method comprising: displaying, by a
display of a user interface of the computer device, time
information associated with a reward in the computer app, the time
information indicating when the reward will be provided in the
computer implemented app causing by the at least one processor, the
display of the user interface to display the time information;
causing by the at least one processor the displayed time
information to change at a first rate; receiving by the user
interface a user input; determining by the at least one processor,
in response to the user input, content to be displayed on the user
interface; and displaying by the user interface the determined
content, and causing, by the at least one processor, the displayed
time information to change at a second different rate while the
content is displayed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
16/143,619, filed on Sep. 27, 2018, the entire contents of which
being fully incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Some embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for
controlling a user interface. By way of example only, this may be
in the context of a computer implemented game, a computer program
or an app.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Computer devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops and
the like are provided with user interfaces.
[0004] Computer implemented applications are known and are often
run on devices such as smart phones. Such devices often have a
relatively small display area. One technical challenge with such
applications is how to provide technical complexity whilst at the
same time providing a varied experience for the user. Another
technical challenge relates to how to keep users interested whilst
using limited resources of a device on which the application is
being run.
[0005] The limited resource may be a limited display resource. A
limited display resource provides challenges such as how a user can
interact with a particular part of the display. Another challenge
relates to how to provide complexity which is able to be rendered
in a visual distinct manner on the relatively small display.
[0006] Another significant challenge is that of user engagement.
Engagement involves designing applications to be engaging and/or
rewarding to users. Effective engagement may requires various forms
of feedback. Often this needs to be provided in the context of an
environment where only a limited number of resources of a computing
device can be used in running the computer implemented
application.
[0007] By way of example only, an application may provide a
computer implemented game. One technical challenge with such games
is how to provide technical complexity of a game whilst at the same
time providing a varied gaming experience for the user. Another
technical challenge relates to how to keep players interested
whilst using limited resources of a device on which a game is being
played.
[0008] One technical challenge can involve allowing a game to be
fun and compelling even when there is limited display resource. A
limited display resource provides challenges such as how a user can
interact with a particular part of the display. Another challenge
relates to how to provide complexity which is able to be rendered
in a visual distinct manner on the relatively small display.
[0009] Another significant challenge is that of user engagement.
Engagement involves designing gameplay and devices to be engaging
and rewarding to players. This typically requires games to be
easily understood at their simplest or introductory levels,
providing rewarding gameplay with quite simple game mechanics, but
becoming progressively more challenging so that players are not
bored, but remain engaged and develop rewarding skills. Effective
engagement requires various forms of feedback to reinforce player
sense of success and accomplishment. Often this needs to be
provided in the context of an environment where only a limited
number of resources of a computing device can be used in running
the computer implemented game.
[0010] Another technical challenge relating to user engagement
relates to the situation where for example an application feature
is made unavailable for a given period of time to increase the
anticipation of that feature. In this situation, it is a technical
challenge to ensure that there is nevertheless still user
engagement, despite the unavailability of that feature. Where the
application is a computer implemented game, the feature may be a
game feature.
[0011] Another technical challenge relating to user engagement
relates to the situation where content is provided to a user, for
example advertisement content. In this situation, it is a technical
challenge to ensure that there is user engagement with that
provided content. It is alternatively or additionally a technical
challenge to make the display of content such as advertisement
content appear to the user to be an integral part of an application
experience.
[0012] This patent specification describes not only various ideas
and functions, but also their creative expression. A portion of the
disclosure of this patent document therefore contains material to
which a claim for copyright is made and notice is hereby given:
Copyright King.com Limited 2018 (pursuant to 17 U.S.C. 401). A
claim to copyright protection is made to all screen shots, icons,
look and feel and all other protectable expression illustrated and
described in this patent specification.
[0013] The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile
reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent
disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent
file or records, but reserves all other copyright rights
whatsoever. No express or implied license under any copyright
whatsoever is therefore granted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] According to an aspect, there is provided a computer device
comprising: a user interface configured to display time information
associated with a feature, the time information indicating when the
feature will change from one of being available and unavailable to
the other of being available and unavailable, the time information
changing at a first rate; and at least one processor, the at least
one processor being configured, in response to a user interaction
via the user interface, to cause the user interface to display
content, the time information being configured to change at a
second different rate while the content is displayed.
[0015] The at least one processor may be configured to change the
first rate to the second rate in response to the user interaction
with the user interface causing the user interface to display the
content.
[0016] The at least one processor may be configured to determined
when the content is paused or no longer displayed and in response
thereto change the rate at which the time information is updated to
a third rate.
[0017] The third rate may be at the same as the first rate.
[0018] The content may comprise advertising content.
[0019] The feature may comprise a computer implemented game
feature.
[0020] One of the first rate and the second rate may comprise a
real time rate.
[0021] The first rate may be less than the second rate.
[0022] The at least one processor may be configured to provide one
of a plurality of second rates in dependence on user interaction
with respect to the user interface.
[0023] The user interaction may comprise a plurality of taps.
[0024] A rate of the plurality of taps may be configured to control
a value of the second rate.
[0025] The at least one processor may be configured to control the
user interface to display an interaction area, the user interaction
being with respect to the user interaction area.
[0026] The time information may indicate an amount of time until a
game feature is the other of being available and unavailable.
[0027] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer
implemented method for controlling a user interface of a computer
device, the device comprising the user interface and at least one
processor, the method comprising: causing the user interface to
display time information associated with a feature, the time
information indicating when the feature will change from one of
being available and unavailable to the other of being available and
unavailable, the time information changing at a first rate; and
causing by the at least one processor, in response to a user
interaction via the user interface, the user interface to display
content, the time information being configured to change at a
second different rate while the content is displayed.
[0028] The method may comprise changing by at least one processor
the first rate to the second rate in response to the user
interaction with the user interface causing the user interface to
display the content.
[0029] The method may comprise determining by the at least one
processor when the content is paused or no longer displayed and in
response thereto changing the rate at which the time information is
updated to a third rate.
[0030] The third rate may be the same as the first rate.
[0031] The content may comprise advertising content.
[0032] The feature may comprise a computer implemented game
feature.
[0033] One of the first rate and the second rate may comprise a
real time rate.
[0034] The first rate may be less than the second rate.
[0035] The method may comprise providing by the at least one
processor one of a plurality of second rates in dependence on user
interaction with respect to the user interface.
[0036] The user interaction may comprise a plurality of taps.
[0037] A rate of the plurality of taps may control a value of the
second rate.
[0038] According to an aspect, there is provided a computer
readable non-transitory storage medium carrying one or more
computer executable instructions which when run on at least one
processor cause: a user interface of a computer device, to display
time information associated with a feature, the time information
indicating when the feature will change from one of being available
and unavailable to the other of being available and unavailable,
the time information changing at a first rate; and in response to a
user interaction via the user interface, the user interface to
display content, the time information being configured to change at
a second different rate while the content is displayed.
[0039] According to some aspects, there is provided a program
product comprising a computer-readable storage device including a
computer-readable program, wherein the computer-readable program
when executed on a computer causes the computer to perform any one
or more of the method steps described previously.
[0040] A computer program comprising program code means adapted to
perform the method(s) may also be provided. The computer program
may be stored and/or otherwise embodied by means of a carrier
medium.
[0041] In the above, many different embodiments have been
described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be
provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments
described above.
[0042] Various other aspects and further embodiments are also
described in the following detailed description and in the attached
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] Some embodiments will now be described by way of example
only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0044] FIG. 1 shows an example user device in which some
embodiments may be provided;
[0045] FIG. 2 shows an example system in which some embodiments may
be provided;
[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a game board of a match
three game illustrating a basic example of a match three game;
[0047] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating how a game board
is populated with replacement game elements;
[0048] FIG. 5 schematically shows an user interface when a game
feature is unavailable for a period of time in some
embodiments;
[0049] FIG. 6 schematically shows a user interface providing
content of some embodiments;
[0050] FIG. 7 schematically shows a user interface providing
content of some other embodiments;
[0051] FIG. 8 schematically shows a user interface when a game
feature is unavailable for a period of time in other
embodiments;
[0052] FIG. 9 schematically shows user interface with an
interaction area, of some embodiments;
[0053] FIG. 10 schematically shows a method of some embodiments;
and
[0054] FIG. 11 schematically shows another method of some
embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0055] A person skilled in the art will realise that the different
approaches to implementing the invention are not exhaustive, what
is described herein are certain example embodiments. The
illustrated example embodiments provide an improved user interface
in the context of a computer implemented game. However, as will be
described later, embodiments may be provided in non-computer game
scenarios.
[0056] A schematic view of a user device 100 according to an
embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. All of the blocks shown are
implemented by suitable circuitry. The blocks may be implemented in
hardware and/or software. The user device may have a control part
110 with one or more processors 115. The control part 110 is shown
as having a graphics controller 125 and a sound controller 130. It
should be appreciated that one or other or both of the graphics
controller 125 and sound controller 130 may be provided by the one
or more processors 115.
[0057] The graphics controller 125 is configured to provide a video
output 135. The sound controller 130 is configured to provide an
audio output 140. The controller 110 has an interface 145 allowing
the device to be able to communicate with a network 150 such as the
Internet or other communication infrastructure.
[0058] The video output 135 is provided to a display 155. The audio
output 140 is provided to an audio device 160 such as a speaker
and/or earphone(s).
[0059] The device 100 has an input device 165. The input device can
take any suitable format and can be one or more of a keyboard,
mouse, touch screen, joystick or game controller. It should be
appreciated that the display 155 may in some embodiments also
provide the input device 165 by way of an integrated touch screen
for example.
[0060] The device comprises a content provider 101 which is
configured to provide content which are displayed on the user
device. The content provider may receive content from one or more
servers. The content provider may comprise a client and/or a
download content module DCM.
[0061] In some embodiments, the content provider may be configured
to provide the content in the context of a computer implemented
game. This will be described in more detail later. In other
embodiments, the content may be provided in contexts other than
computer implemented games. Some examples of this will be described
in more detail later.
[0062] In some embodiments, at least some of the content may be
advertisement content. The content provider may be an advertisement
content provider. It should be appreciated, that alternatively or
additionally the content may not be non-advertising content. Some
examples of non-advertising content will be described later.
[0063] The advertisement and/or other content may be provided from
one or more content servers and/or one or more servers providing
the context in which the content is to be provided. For example, in
the context of a computer implemented game, the content may
alternatively or additionally be provided by a game server. The
content server may for example be an advertising content
server.
[0064] In some embodiments, at least some of the content may be
game related content and/or content provided by the game provider.
This will be referred to as "game content" and some examples of
such content are discussed later. At least a part of this content
may be provided by the game server. In this scenario, there may or
may not be a dedicated content provider for this type of content.
Where there is no dedicated content provider, the content may be
provided to the user device by the game server as part of the game
data and provided in the game by the at least one processor in
conjunction with the at least one memory.
[0065] In some embodiments, more than one type of content may be
provided. In these embodiments, there may be a common content
provider or dedicated content providers. In some embodiments, there
may be an advertisement content provider and game content which is
provided by the game server as part of the game data.
[0066] The device comprises a timer or clock function 103. This may
be a count up timer and/or a countdown timer. The timer may be a
hardware timer, a software timer or a combination of a hardware and
a software timer. The timer may be a separate timer and/or be
implemented by the at least one processor in association with
appropriate program code.
[0067] The blocks of the controller 110 are configured to
communicate with each other by an interconnect such as a bus or any
other suitable interconnect and/or by point to point
communication.
[0068] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the
controller may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits,
at least in part.
[0069] The user device 100 is shown by way of example only. In
alternative embodiments, one or more of the parts may be omitted.
Alternatively or additionally, some embodiments may comprise one or
more other parts. Alternatively or additionally, one or more parts
may be combined.
[0070] FIG. 2 schematically shows a system 200 according to an
embodiment. The system 200 comprises a server 220 which may store
or be in communication with database 250 which may store game
player's details, profiles, statistics etc. In practice, one or
more databases 250 may be provided. Where more than one server 220
is provided, the database(s) 250 may be provided in one server 220
or across two or more servers. The server 220 may also have a games
data function. This may comprise one or more units of memory to
store the computer game program, user behaviour data and a
processor to run the games program and process the user behaviour
data.
[0071] The server 220 may communicate via, for instance, the
internet 210 or other network to one or more client or user devices
100, shown in FIG. 2 by way of example as user devices 100a, 100b
and 100c, and may further provide connections to a social network
230, for example, Facebook.TM.. The social network 230 may also be
connected to a database 270 storing social user interaction
details, for instance, user to user interaction maps, friend lists,
location history etc. In practice, one or more databases 270 may be
provided.
[0072] In those embodiments where game content is provided, this
may be provided by server 220.
[0073] In some embodiments, one or more advertisement content
provider 215 is provided. The advertisement content provider may
comprise one or more of a content delivery network or an
advertisement server. The advertisement content may be one or more
of an in game promotion IGP, in app promotion IAP or cross
promotion, and video advertisements. It should be appreciated that
alternatively or additionally the advertisements may take any other
suitable form. The advertising content may be provided by one or
more external sources and/or be provided by provider of the
computer implemented game being provided.
[0074] In this example, there is an advertisement content provider.
This may alternatively or additionally be one or other content
provider.
[0075] In some embodiments, the content may be provided by games
server and the advertisement content provider may be omitted.
[0076] It should be appreciated that embodiments may be deployed in
different system architectures. For example, the computer game may
be implemented as a computer game that is stored in the memory of
the user device and is run on the processor of the user device.
However, the server 220 may handle some elements of the game in
some embodiments. By way of example only, a Java game applet may be
provided to the user device 100 and the locally running Java applet
will generate, for example, the graphics, sounds, and user
interaction for the game play on the user device. Some data may be
fed back to the server to allow interaction with other players. The
data which is fed back may alternatively or additionally allow
scoring and/or cross platform synchronization.
[0077] In some embodiments, the game may be implemented as a
computer program that is stored in a memory of the system, for
example the server, and which runs on a processor of the game
server. Data streams or updates are supplied to the user device to
allow the user device to render and display graphics and sounds in
a browser of the user device. Such an approach is sometimes
referred to as a web services approach. It should be appreciated,
however, that such an approach does not necessarily require the use
of the Internet.
[0078] It should be appreciated that some embodiments may be
provided as stand-alone games on the user device.
[0079] A common genre of casual games is so-called match games.
This is a type of tile-matching game where the player manipulates
tiles or game objects according to a matching criterion.
[0080] A match-three game is a type of casual puzzle game where the
player is required to find patterns on a seemingly chaotic board.
The player then has to match three or more of the same type of game
element on the game board and those matched elements will then
disappear. One type of match-three game is a so-called "switcher"
game. In a switcher game, the player switches place of two adjacent
game elements on the game board so that one or both of them create
a chain of at least three adjacent game elements of the same type.
In particular, the user will interact with the user interface to
select one of the game elements to be moved and then will drag via
the user interface the selected game element to an adjacent
position. Those matched game elements will then disappear. The game
board is then repopulated with game objects.
[0081] One such known match three-type game is known by the trade
name Candy Crush Saga.TM.. In that game, the game board is
repopulated with game elements which are perceived as falling
downwards onto the game board from the top edge of the screen from
which the game is played.
[0082] By way of example only, FIG. 3 shows a display of a match 3
switcher game called Candy Crush Saga.TM.. FIG. 3 illustrates a
game board 2 with a plurality of game elements 20. The game
elements are each of six different shapes and colours. Of course in
other embodiments, there may be more or less than six different
game elements. Each game element type may be defined by one or more
of particular characteristics, for example a particular shape and
colour combination. Each game element is supported by a tile
22.
[0083] In this match 3 switcher game, the aim of the game is to
swap game elements in the shape of candies with each other to make
moves on the game board. To gain points the player has to make
moves that create matches of at least three of the same game
element or candy. In doing so, the player gains points and the
matched game elements are removed. As a result new game elements
fall into place from the top of the game board in order to fill any
spaces created. Assume in FIG. 3 that game element 20c is moved one
place to the right to form a three-line match with game elements
20a and 20b. Turning now to FIG. 4, this has the effect of game
elements 20a, 20b and 20c being removed or "disappearing" from the
game board, creating a visual effect (animation) on the screen to
indicate the disappearance, such as a minimal explosion effect. The
two game elements which were directly above game elements 20a will
now fall downwards into the spaces created by the removal of game
elements 20a, 20b and 20c. Thus, game element 20e will end up at
the location 22c, and game element 20d will end up at the location
22b. In addition, three new game elements are provided and fall
downwards into the game board to fill the remaining three spaces
above location 22b. The new game elements may be generated at
random. The user then has a new game board on which to play a
subsequent move.
[0084] Another known type of game is "linker game", where a
sequence of game elements are linked to form a known sequence. In
this example, the user interacts via the user interface to select a
first game item. Where the user interface is a touch screen, the
user will then drag their finger through each of the game elements
in turn to thereby select the sequence of game elements. Another
type of game is a `clicker` game, in which matches can be made in a
board by clicking, via the user interface, a group of adjacent game
elements.
[0085] It should be appreciated that embodiments may be used with
any other computer implemented game of any suitable genre. It
should be appreciated that some embodiments may be provided in the
context of other applications which are not provided a computer
implemented game, as will be discussed later.
[0086] When playing computer implemented games, there may be one or
more game features which are unavailable for one reason or another
for a defined period of time.
[0087] In the following an example will be described with reference
to a particular example of such a game feature. It should be
appreciated that this is for illustrative purposes only and other
embodiments may be used with any other game feature which is set to
be unavailable for a defined period of time. Some embodiments may
be used alternatively or additionally with game features which are
set to be available for a defined period of time.
[0088] Reference is made to FIG. 5 which schematically shows an
image 700 which is displayed when the game feature is unavailable
for a given time. The example game feature, which is provided in
games such as Candy Crush.TM. is a wheel. The user is given a given
number of times to spin the wheel where the given number of times
is one or more. Depending on where the wheel stops, this determines
what game booster or game reward is given to the user for use in
playing the game.
[0089] Once the user has exhausted this game feature, e.g. by
spinning the wheel the given number of times, the user is prevented
from using this game feature for a given period of time. The length
of time may be any suitable length of time and may be dependent on
the game being played and/or the game feature itself. By way of
example only, it is assumed in the following that the length of
time is 24 hours.
[0090] The schematic image 700 shown in FIG. 5 show the game
feature of wheel 702. In some embodiments, the unavailability of
the feature is conveyed to the player of the game. This
unavailability may be conveyed by f an image displayed on the
display. In some embodiments, the wheel is displayed in one way
when the user is able to spin the wheel and in a different way when
the user is not able to spin the wheel. In some embodiments, the
wheel is greyed out when that wheel cannot be spun and/or displayed
with a message indicating that the wheel is unavailable. In some
embodiments, when the feature is unavailable an image of the
feature may be omitted.
[0091] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the message is "Come back
later for a new spin". It should be appreciated that the message is
optional. The message may alternatively be any suitable
message.
[0092] In some embodiments, the image which is displayed may have
an area 704 in which the amount of time 706 until the wheel is next
available is shown. In this example, there are 23 hours, 14 minutes
and 19 seconds until the wheel is next available. This time which
is shown will update on a substantially real time basis to reflect
the amount of time that remains.
[0093] It should be appreciated that amount of time until the game
feature is available can be displayed in any suitable manner. This
may be displayed as one or more of time elapsed or time remaining
or time to availability of feature. This may be displayed
numerically and/or by a graphical representation. For example a
status bar which visually represents the amount of time until the
game feature is available may be provided or an egg-timer type
graphic.
[0094] In some embodiments, the aim may be reduce the length of
time until the user is able to use a game feature again. However,
it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, it may be
desirable to increase the amount of time until a game feature is
provided.
[0095] In some embodiments, the user is provided with an option
which allows the rate at which the clock updates to be changed.
This can be to increase or decrease the rate at which the clock is
updated.
[0096] In some embodiments, the game feature is unavailable for a
period of time and the user may be provided with an option which
may increase and/or decrease the rate at which the clock is
changed. This will alter the period of time until the feature is
available.
[0097] In other embodiments, the game feature is available for a
period of time and the user may be provided with an option which
may increase and/or decrease the rate at which the clock is
changed. This will alter the period of time until the feature is no
longer available.
[0098] In some embodiments a clock may be used. However, it should
be appreciated that in some embodiments, a timer may be used.
[0099] In any of the above described scenarios, the period of time
may be altered by increasing or decreasing the rate at which time
passes. In other embodiments, the period of time itself may
altered, either increased or decreased depending on the particular
feature.
[0100] The arrangement shown in FIG. 5 has an area 708 which when
selected by the user causes the rate at which the timer changes to
be altered. In the example shown in FIG. 5, this area 708 has the
words "fast forward". However, this is by way of example only and
the area 708 which is to be selected by the user may be displayed
in any other suitable way. In this example the area 708 is the area
704. In other embodiments, the area 708 may be provided elsewhere
on the displayed area. By way of example only, the area 708 may be
superimposed on area 702 or elsewhere on the display area.
[0101] When the user selects this area 708 by for example touching
the touch screen, the user interface is modified to provide a
content area 701 in which content is provided. This is shown in
FIG. 6. The content area may be positioned at any suitable location
on the displayed image. It may be displayed on a different part of
the display to areas 704 and 702 such as shown in FIG. 6. In other
embodiments, the content area may be displayed in area 704 or 702.
It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the position of
the content area may be change.
[0102] In this embodiments, one content area is displayed. However
it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, more than one
content area may be provided.
[0103] In some embodiments, the user interface only provides this
content area 701 after the fast forward option has been
selected.
[0104] In some embodiments, the content area is provided by the
user interface of FIG. 5 but only displays content when the user
selects the fast forward option by selecting area 708.
[0105] The content may be any suitable content such as an
advertisement or in game promotion content or any other suitable
content. The content may be in the form of a video playing an
advertisement, an image, an interactive area which encourages the
user to interact with the content and/or the like. In some
embodiments, where the user is able to click through to a website
associated with the content, the website may be shown in a window
provided in area 701 or any other suitable area.
[0106] In some embodiments, once the area 708 has been selected,
this area 708 may be no longer displayed on the user interface. In
some embodiments, the area 708 is only displayed when that area is
selectable.
[0107] In some embodiments, the area 708 is displayed in different
ways depending on whether it is currently selectable or not. The
area may be for example greyed out when it is not selectable.
[0108] In some embodiments, when the modified rate at which the
timer is updated will be provided only when the content is being
provided. Once the content has been consumed, the rate at which the
timer is updated reverts to a default rate. The default rate may be
a real time rate.
[0109] Reference is made to FIG. 7. In some embodiments, when the
interaction area 708 displayed on the user interface is shown in
FIG. 5 receives or is associated with user input, this causes the
schematic image 720 shown FIG. 7 to be displayed by the user
interface. This may be as an alternative to the arrangement of FIG.
6. The image displayed may have three general areas. (There may be
one or more other areas in other embodiments.) The first area 730
displays time information. This area may display the remaining
time, the time elapsed and/or a visual representation of the time
information. In some embodiments, the time information may be in
the form of countdown timer information. In other embodiments the
time information may be in the form of count up timer information.
Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the time
information may comprise an indication of the rate at which the
timer is updated.
[0110] In the example discussed in relation to FIG. 5, the timer
area 730 may indicate when the game feature is next available.
[0111] The second area 732 is arranged to display content or the
like. This may be as described in relation to FIG. 6. A visual
indicator 736 may be provided. This visual indicator may indicate
one or more of a rate at which the timer is updated, the time
remaining and the time elapsed. The visual indicator 736 may
provide a visual indicator of the rate at which the clock changes.
The visual indicator may have a first appearance when the rate is
at the normal rate and a second appearance when the rate is at the
second rate. Where there is more than one second rate, these may be
displayed in a visually distinct manner. By way of example only,
the shading of the visual indicator 736 may show the current rate
of change with respect to one or more of a maximum rate of change
and a minimum rate of change of the clock or timer.
[0112] It should be appreciated that the relative positions for the
three areas are by way of example only and any other suitable
relative position may be provided. In some embodiments one or more
the areas may itself be provided by two or more areas. In some
embodiments two or more of the areas may overlap or be
combined.
[0113] Reference is made to FIG. 8 which shows a modification to
the arrangement shown of FIG. 5. In this example, the same
reference numerals are used in FIGS. 5 and 8 for corresponding
items. In the modification shown in FIG. 8, the fast forward area
is replaced by a content area.
[0114] When the user wants to change the rate at which the clock
changes, the user interface is configured to receive an input which
causes content to be provided in the content area. This user
interface input may comprise the user selecting the content area.
By running the content in the content area, the rate at which the
clock changes is altered.
[0115] In one modification, the content will run and while the
content is running, the rate at which the clock or timer is updated
will be at a first rate. If the content is paused or closed then
the rate at which the clock or timer is updated will be at a second
rate. The second rate may be a slower rate or a faster rate. The
second rate may be less favourable as compared to the first rate in
terms of the objective associated with the timer.
[0116] In another embodiment, if the user interacts with the
content area, then the rate at which the clock or timer is updated
may be changed to a third rate or rates. The third rate may be more
favourable with respect the objective associated with the timer as
compared to the timer. The interaction will depend on the nature of
the content. For example, the interaction may be to click through
to a website or the like.
[0117] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, there may
not be a second rate. In other words, an improved rate with respect
to the timer objective may only be achieved if the user interacts
with the content area.
[0118] If the user interacts with the user interface to stop the
content, pause the content or close the content area or window,
then the rate at which the clock changes may be altered, for
example to decrease the rate. This may result in the rate returning
to a default rate. In some embodiments, even if the user stops the
content, pauses the content or closes the content area or window,
the rate at which the clock changes may be maintained at the
altered rate at least for a given amount of time.
[0119] In one modification, content may automatically be provided
in the content area. After the content has been running for a given
amount of time or immediately, the rate at which the clock changes
is altered, for example to be increased. This will be without
requiring any input from the user.
[0120] It should be appreciated that the location of the content
area with respect to other areas can of course be changed.
[0121] Reference is made to FIG. 9 which shows another embodiment.
In this example, the user interface 720 shown in FIG. 9 is provided
when the user selects the fast forward option of FIG. 5. In this
example, the first timer area 730 displaying information such as
described in relation to FIG. 7 is provided. A content area 732
such as described in relation to FIG. 7 is also provided. In this
embodiment an interaction area 734 is provided.
[0122] In some embodiments, the user is encouraged to interact with
the interaction area. This may be one or more of while content is
displayed, after content is displayed and before the content is
displayed.
[0123] For example, when the user interacts with this area, this
may cause the content to be displayed. In some embodiments, the
user may be encouraged to have further interaction while the
content is being played or provided.
[0124] In some embodiments, where the user interface is provided by
a touch screen, the interaction area 734 is displayed in such a way
as to encourage the user to interact with that area.
[0125] In some embodiments, the rate at which the clock is updated
may be increased and/or decreased in response to different user
inputs. The rate may be dependent on the particular user input.
[0126] In some embodiments, the period of time may be increased
and/or decreased at different rates and/or in response to different
user inputs. The rate of change in the period of time may dependent
on the particular user inputs.
[0127] The interaction of the user with the interaction area may be
any suitable interaction. For example the user may be encouraged to
tap the interaction area in order to increase the rate at which the
remaining time decreases or increases.
[0128] The rate at which the user taps the interaction may be used
by the at least one processor to determine the rate at which the
clock is updated. In some embodiments, the interaction area may be
controlled to display an image or series of images which are
configured to cause the user to attempt to follow one or more
predetermined tapping patterns. The tapping pattern may comprise
one or more of tapping timing and tapping position with respect to
the display. The rate at which the timer runs may be controlled by
the processor in response to determining how closely the user input
matches the required pattern.
[0129] In some embodiments, the user interaction such as previously
described may need to be performed before the user is permitted to
view or interact with content.
[0130] The user interaction provided by the user may determine one
or more aspects associated with the content and the rate at which
the clock or timer is updated is dependent on the aspects
associated with the content. The user interaction may for example
control what content is provided which in turn controls the rate at
which the clock or timer is updated.
[0131] In an alternative embodiments, the user interaction may be
with the user device and may for example be a shaking or other
movement. Some user devices are provided with one or more
accelerometers and/or other sensors which is/are used to detect
types of motion of the user device.
[0132] In some embodiments, the interaction area may display
instructions to assist the user in understanding the required
interactions. For example the interaction area may display the word
"faster". This would be in the context of an embodiment, where the
user is encouraged to increase the rate at which the user taps the
interaction area of the user interface.
[0133] In one modification, the user interface of FIG. 5 may be
modified to provide an interaction area such as described in
relation to FIG. 9. The interaction area may be the same or
different to the area 708.
[0134] In one modification, the visual indicator such as described
in relation to FIG. 7 may be provided in any of the other
embodiments. This may be in addition or as an alternative to the
timer information.
[0135] In some embodiments, the rate at which the timer changes may
be controlled by watching or interacting with content.
[0136] In some embodiments, if the content is paused or closed,
then the rate at which the timer changes may revert to the normal
rate.
[0137] In some embodiments there may be a limit of the length of
time for which the increased rate at which timer changes is
applied.
[0138] In some embodiments there may be a first normal rate and a
second rate, the second rate may be faster than the normal rate or
slower than the normal rate depending on the objective with respect
to the timer.
[0139] In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of different
second rates. There be a continuous range of second rates or a set
of discrete second rate values.
[0140] In some embodiments, a plurality of different game features
may be provided. The effect of a given user interaction may be the
same for the different game features when the respective game
features is unavailable. In other embodiments, the effect of a
given user interaction may be different for the different game
features when the respective game feature is unavailable. This may
be dependent on the usefulness of the game feature when playing the
game.
[0141] In the previously described embodiments, at least some of
the images shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 may be displayed in the
environment of the game. For example, where there is a saga map
which visualises the different game levels, the images may be
displayed with the saga map forming a background.
[0142] In some embodiments, there may not be a transition from one
user interface to another as described previously in relation to
some embodiments. Rather at least some of the features of the
different images may be displayed at the same time on the same user
interface.
[0143] Reference is made to FIG. 10 which shows a method of some
embodiments. By way of example only, the method of FIG. 10 is
described in the context of a computer implemented game. However is
should be appreciated that the method of FIG. 10 can be used with
any other suitable application. In step S1, the at least one
processor of the user device determines that a game feature has
been set to unavailable for a given period of time.
[0144] In step S2, the at least one processor is configured to set
a timer or clock based on the time to the next availability of the
game feature.
[0145] It should be appreciated that steps S1 and S2 may take place
generally at the same time, step S1 may take place before step S2
or step S2 may take place before step S1.
[0146] In step S3, user input selecting the option to "fast
forward" is detected via the user interface. This user input causes
an input to be provided to the processor. This input is used by the
processor to cause an increase in the rate at which the clock or
timer is updated to fast forward through the set time.
[0147] Consider the example where the game feature is unavailable
for an hour. If the rate at which the clock or timer is updated is
increased, the amount of time until the feature is next available
will be less than an hour. If the increased rate is twice as fast
as an initial rate, the feature would be next available in 30
minutes.
[0148] In other embodiments, the rate at which the timer or clock
is updated is decreased. In the example where the game feature is
unavailable for an hour, if the rate at which the clock or timer is
updated is decreased, the amount of time until the feature is next
available will be more than an hour. If the decreased rate is half
that of the initial rate, the feature would be next available in 2
hours.
[0149] This selection may be as a result of a user tapping or
selecting an input area displayed on the user interface in the case
where the display and user interface are provided by a touch
screen.
[0150] It should be appreciated that the user input may be at a
part of touch screen which invites the user to fast forward, such
as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively or additionally, this may be an
interaction with a part of the touch screen which is provided for
the content to be displayed. In other embodiments, the input may be
an interaction with a part of the touch screen which indicates the
unavailability of a feature. In other embodiments, one or more
alternative inputs and/or one or more alternative locations on the
touch screen may cause the fast forward option to be selected.
[0151] In step S4, in response to the detected user input, the
processor is configured to cause content to be displayed.
[0152] In step S5, the timer is updated. This will be in dependence
on the updated rate. In practice, step S5 will take place in
parallel with steps S4 at the applicable rate.
[0153] It should be appreciated that this method can be modified so
as to decrease the rate at which the timer is updated,
[0154] This method can be modified so that the timer is set and
this defines the length of time for which a particular game feature
is available.
[0155] Reference is made to FIG. 11 which shows another method of
some embodiments. By way of example only, the method of FIG. 11 is
described in the context of a computer implemented game. However is
should be appreciated that the method of FIG. 11 can be used with
any other suitable application.
[0156] In step T1, the at least one processor of the user device
determines that a game feature has been set to unavailable for a
given period of time.
[0157] In step T2, the at least one processor is configured to set
a timer or clock based on the time to the next availability of the
game feature.
[0158] It should be appreciated that steps T1 and T2 may take place
generally at the same time, step T1 may take place before step T2
or step T2 may take place before step T1.
[0159] In step T3, user input selecting the option to "fast
forward" is detected via the user interface. This user input causes
an input to be provided to the processor. This input is used by the
processor to cause an increase in the rate at which the clock or
timer is updated to fast forward through the set time. This may be
as described in relation to step S3 of the method of FIG. 10.
[0160] This selection may be as a result of a user tapping or
selecting an input area displayed on the user interface in the case
where the display and user interface are provided by a touch
screen. It should be appreciated that this may be as set out in
relation to step S3 of FIG. 10.
[0161] In step T4, in response to the detected user input, the
processor is configured to cause a content area to be
displayed.
[0162] In step T5, further user input via the user interface is
detected and this provides an input to the at least one processor.
In particular, this user input is interaction with a displayed
interaction area. This may be the same or different to the content
area. In some embodiments, in the absence of the further input, the
rate at which the clock or timer is updated may be unchanged and
may be at a default rate.
[0163] In step T6, content or the like is caused to be displayed on
the display by the at least one processor. This may use content
provided by the advertisement content provider or any other
suitable content. In some embodiments, this step may alternatively
be provided in conjunction with step T4. In some embodiments, this
step may alternatively be provided between step T4 and step T5.
[0164] In step T7, based on the detected further user input, a
determination is made as to the rate at which to update the timer
or clock. The time which is displayed in controlled in dependence
on this determination. This may be to increase or decrease the rate
at which the timer is updated. This may be dependent on the
detected further input. In some embodiments there may be a
plurality of different rates at which the timer or clock can be
updated. This may mean that there may be a loop between steps T7
and T5. In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of discrete
rates which are selected in dependence on the interaction with the
interaction area. This may be as previously described. In some
embodiments, the rate at which the clock or timer is updated may be
dependent on the detected interaction.
[0165] It should be appreciated, that steps T6 and T7, may take
place at the same time or any order.
[0166] It should be appreciated that these methods may be modified
to support one or more of the alternatives described in relation of
FIGS. 5 to 9. This may mean the omission of one or more steps
and/or the addition of one or more steps.
[0167] In the example methods, the aim has been to increase the
rate of update of the timer or clock. Of course in other
embodiments, the aim may be to decrease the rate of update of the
timer or clock.
[0168] Some embodiments may provide a static image or animation in
the content area. This static image or animation may comprise a tip
or hint. This tip or hint may provide information how to make a
special move, how to use a particular game element and/or any
suitable information. This may be provided automatically or may be
in response to user interaction with the user interface.
[0169] In some embodiments, the at least one processor may be
configured to determine a tip or hint suitable for the user of the
device. This may be based on game play by the user. For example if
a user has not used a particular game feature or has not used a
particular game feature in a particular context or the user has
only used the particular game feature less than a threshold number
of times. It should be noted that there may be a plurality of
different tip options which may be provided and the at least one
processor is configured to select a particular option. This may be
selected at random, in a given order or may be dependent on one or
more other factors. The one or more other factor may be any
suitable factor. For example, the tip may be dependent on the
player's most recent game play and/or the level being played and/or
one or more objectives of the level or game being played.
[0170] In some embodiments, one type of content may be super
imposed or displayed alongside a different type of content. For
example, an advertisement may be super imposed or displayed
alongside the static image or animation (or on part thereof)
providing the hint or tip.
[0171] In some embodiments, the initial displayed static image or
animation (or part thereof) may be modified or substituted for an
advertisement or other content.
[0172] In some embodiments, a lapse of a predefined period of time
may be determined.
[0173] The lapse of the predefined period of time is determined
starting from the initiation of the display of the initial content
or after the initial content has been displayed for a given amount
of time. In some embodiments, in response to the determination of
the lapse of a predetermined amount of time, there may be a
triggering of one or more of the following:
[0174] The super imposing of an advertisement or other content on
the static image or animation (or on part thereof) or other initial
content;
[0175] The modification or substitution of the static image or
animation (or part thereof) or other initial content for an
advertisement or other content;
[0176] Change a rate at which the clock is updated. This may be to
increase the rate or decrease the rate depending on the objective.
In some embodiments, this change may be after a given period of
time. For example, there may be a speedup from a first level to a
second level of speed after first period of time; and
[0177] Change the rate at which the clock is updated such that the
rate changes with time. This may be to increase the rate over time
or decrease the rate over time, depending on the objective.
[0178] In some embodiments, if the user interacts with the user
interface to exit the display of content or to stop the display of
content, the rate at which the clock is changed may change to a
lower rate. This lower rate may be a default rate.
[0179] To illustrate some embodiments, reference has been made to a
"wheel" which is unavailable for a given amount of time. Other
examples of features which may be unavailable for a given amount of
time are:
[0180] A next life;
[0181] A next level of a game;
[0182] A game booster;
[0183] A game reward
[0184] A game element;
[0185] A game character;
[0186] A play of a game; and
[0187] A type of move.
[0188] These features are by way of example only and other
embodiments may comprise a different feature.
[0189] In the above, the embodiments are provided in the context of
a computer implemented game which may be provided as an app or
computer program. However, other embodiments may be provided in
different contexts such as other apps or computer programs
[0190] In other embodiments, the user is provided with content. The
content may be audio content, video content, text and/or the like.
A user may be provided a first part of the content and there may be
a time period before the user is able to receive the next part of
the content. Embodiments may be provided in this context whereby
the time period and/or a timer rate is altered. For example the
parts of content may be chapters of books, episodes of a video
series, scenes of a movie or the like.
[0191] In other embodiments, an app may be provided. The app may be
any suitable app. For example the app may be a dating app, a
fitness app, a lifestyle app, a social app, a voucher app or any
other suitable app. By way of example only, the app may be
configured to provide app information and there may be a time
period before the user is able to receive the next information.
Embodiments may be provided in this context whereby the time period
and/or a timer rate is altered. For example, the app information
may be a given number of dating profiles, a given number of
messages, a given number of recipes or the like.
[0192] In other embodiments, there may be a tool in the context of
a computer program. The user may be allowed to use the tool. Once
the tool has been used a given amount of time or in a given way,
there may be a time period before the user is able to use the tool
again. By way of example only, the tool may be a paintbrush tool, a
highlighting tool or the like. Various methods and devices have
been described. It should be appreciated that these methods may be
implemented in apparatus or devices comprising any suitable
circuitry. Some embodiments may be implemented by at least one
memory and at least one processor. The memory is provided by memory
circuitry and the processor is provided by processor circuitry.
Some embodiments may be provided by a computer program running on
the at least one processor. The computer program may comprise
computer implemented instructions which are stored in the at least
one memory and which may be run on the at least one processor. A
computer program product may be provided which comprises computer
program product comprising code embodied on a computer-readable
medium which is configured to be executed on a processor of the
computer or user device. In some embodiments, a non-transitory
computer readable storage device may be provided to store program
code instructions that, when executed by at least one processor
causes any of the above described methods to be performed.
[0193] A person skilled in the art will realise that the different
approaches to implementing the game is not exhaustive, what is
described herein are certain preferred embodiments. It is possible
to implement the way in a number of variations without departing
from the scope of the invention as claimed. Although the subject
matter has been described in language specific to structural
features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that
the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not
necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described
above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are
disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.
* * * * *