EP2872992A1 - Method and apparatus for acquiring online game resources - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for acquiring online game resources

Info

Publication number
EP2872992A1
EP2872992A1 EP13816222.7A EP13816222A EP2872992A1 EP 2872992 A1 EP2872992 A1 EP 2872992A1 EP 13816222 A EP13816222 A EP 13816222A EP 2872992 A1 EP2872992 A1 EP 2872992A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
online game
acquiring
pack
extension
resource
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP13816222.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2872992A4 (en
Inventor
Peng Zhang
Anjian LIU
Fei Wu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tencent Technology Shenzhen Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Tencent Technology Shenzhen Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tencent Technology Shenzhen Co Ltd filed Critical Tencent Technology Shenzhen Co Ltd
Publication of EP2872992A1 publication Critical patent/EP2872992A1/en
Publication of EP2872992A4 publication Critical patent/EP2872992A4/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F8/00—Arrangements for software engineering
    • G06F8/60—Software deployment
    • G06F8/65—Updates
    • G06F8/656—Updates while running
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/35—Details of game servers
    • A63F13/352—Details of game servers involving special game server arrangements, e.g. regional servers connected to a national server or a plurality of servers managing partitions of the game world
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/30—Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
    • A63F13/35—Details of game servers
    • A63F13/358—Adapting the game course according to the network or server load, e.g. for reducing latency due to different connection speeds between clients
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/45—Controlling the progress of the video game
    • A63F13/48—Starting a game, e.g. activating a game device or waiting for other players to join a multiplayer session

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of online games, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for acquiring online game resources.
  • the installation package is normally of several gigabytes in size, and includes all the online game resources that the player may use. The player would have to download and install the complete installation package to play the game.
  • MMORPGs Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games
  • the embodiments of the present invention are aimed to provide a method for acquiring online game resources, which addresses the issue of high costs and prolonged waiting time associated with the installation of online games in the prior art that reduces the players' interests in online games.
  • a method for acquiring online game resources comprising acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game; running the online game using the minimal resource pack; sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game.
  • the embodiments of the present invention are also aimed to provide an apparatus for acquiring online game resources, the apparatus comprising a first acquisition unit for acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game; a running unit for running the online game using the minimal resource pack; a second acquisition unit for sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and a loading unit for, after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game.
  • the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game with the least amount of waiting time and minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.
  • Figure 1 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the order of acquiring online game resources in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is an exemplary flowchart for a step in a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is an exemplary schematic diagram for an apparatus for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game with the least amount of waiting time and minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.
  • Figure 1 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the method includes the following steps:
  • Step 101 acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game.
  • the minimal resource pack includes all the relevant resources needed to play the online game in the initial stage of playing, including but not limited to user interface (UI) resources, low-level configuration resources, special effect resources, or birthplace map resources, wherein the birthplace map resources include but not limit to map description files, objects, scene animations, tiles, terrains, Non-Player-Controlled characters (NPC), monsters, scenes and sound effects that are needed in the early stage of playing the online game.
  • Step 102 running the online game using the minimal resource pack.
  • the player can play the online game after acquiring the minimal resource pack, with the least amount of waiting time and minimal downloading cost, as the minimal resource pack is much smaller than the complete installation package for the online game.
  • Step 103 sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein
  • N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.
  • all the resources in the complete installation package that are not in the minimal resource pack are extension resources, and these extension resources are divided based on the order that a typical player plays the online games.
  • the resources can be organized based on the maps, each map and all the resources referenced by that map can be packaged into a virtual system file so that N extension resource packs are generated to divide the extension resources based on the order of appearance of the maps, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.
  • N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.
  • Figure 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the order of acquiring online game resources in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be further noted that priority needs to be given in dividing the extension resources, i.e., if a resource is referenced both by a map in extension resource pack 1 and a map in extension resource pack 2, this resource should be allocated to extension resource pack 1 that will be downloaded first.
  • Step 104 after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game.
  • the acquired extension resource pack is loaded to the running online game, until all the extension resource packs are acquired and loaded.
  • the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game in the shortest time and with minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.
  • a step is provided prior to step 103 to ensure consistency between the acquired extension resource packs and the minimal resource pack that was acquired previously, the step includes acquiring a version number of the minimal resource pack.
  • step 103 includes sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game having that version number.
  • FIG. 3 is an exemplary flowchart for step 103 in a method for acquiring online game resources when there are two or more online game clients that can communicate with each other, such as two online game clients installed on different directories of the same terminal and started simultaneously, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • step 103 includes the following steps:
  • Step 301 determining whether the extension resource pack is stored on other clients.
  • the corresponding directory of the other clients can be checked to determine whether the extension resource pack needed to be acquired is stored on the other clients.
  • the corresponding directory can be used to store the extension resource pack, or used as the setup directory for the extension resource pack.
  • Step 302 if the extension resource pack is stored on another client, acquiring the extension resource pack from that client.
  • extension resource pack after the extension resource pack is acquired from other clients, it can be copied directly to the corresponding directory of the current client, which avoids repeatedly downloading the same extension resource pack, and improves efficiency of online resources acquisition.
  • Step 303 if the extension resource pack is not stored on other clients, downloading the extension resource pack.
  • the speed limit for data downloading can be set based on the specific circumstances, such as intelligent speed limit, unlimited speed or fixed speed limit, etc.
  • a reasonable speed limit can be dynamically calculated using the network latency of the online game acquired in real-time, and used to determine an upper limit for the download speed for extension resource packs, which would optimize the download speed without affecting the gaming experience.
  • the methods for implementing the speed limit are not specific for the present invention, and will not be described in detail herein.
  • FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart in a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • step 105 is added, which comprises:
  • Step 105 sequentially acquiring the extension resource packs for the online game that have not been downloaded when the online game ceases running.
  • the acquisition of the extension resource pack can be completed even if the player quits playing the game.
  • the downloading of the extension resources can be done through a client's own download process, or by a resource download process independent of the client.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of the downloading process when an independent resource download process is used to download the extension resources. As shown in in Figure 5, the process includes the following steps:
  • the client sends a resource request to the resource download process, and the resource request includes an initialized list of extension resource packs to inform the resource download process the extension resource packs need to be downloaded.
  • the resource download process downloads the first extension resource pack in the extension resource pack list.
  • the resource download process reports to the client in real-time the current downloading status. 4.
  • the client updates the downloading status indicator in real-time based on the downloading status reported by the resource download process.
  • the client will prompt the user that the current extension resource pack has not been downloaded yet, and indicate the estimated waiting time. If a player plays the game on the client using advanced configuration, and the related resources for the advanced configuration has not been downloaded, then the default configuration will be used for the player. Also, during the course of downloading the extension resource packs, the client will report the network latency of the online game in real time to the download process, so as to enable the download process to adjust the upper limit of the download speed of the extension resource pack in real time.
  • the download process completes the downloading of the first extension resource pack, and saves the first extension resource pack to a preset directory, and reports the successful downloading to the client.
  • the resource download process saves the first extension resource pack to the preset directory, it also modifies the configuration file in that directory to indicate the downloading status.
  • the client loads the first extension resource pack from the preset directory, and updates the status indicator.
  • the client reports the successful loading to the resource download process.
  • the resource download process proceeds to download the next extension resource pack.
  • Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of the above interactions when there are two or more clients requesting the extension resource packs.
  • the process includes the following steps: Step 601 : when the resource downloader receives a resource request from one client, it determines whether the requested extension resource pack is present in the preset directories of the other clients.
  • Step 602 if the extension resource pack is present in the preset directories of other clients, copy the extension resource pack on other clients to the preset directory of the current client.
  • Step 603 if the extension resource pack is not present in the preset directories of other clients, determine whether the extension resource pack is being downloaded.
  • Step 604 if it is determined that the extension resource pack is being downloaded, report the downloading status to the client.
  • Step 605 if it is determined that the extension resource pack is not being downloaded, determine whether the resource downloader is downloading other extension resource pack.
  • Step 606 if the resource downloader is downloading other extension resource pack, reject the resource request of the client.
  • Step 607 if the resource downloader is not downloading other extension resource pack, initiate the downloading of the extension resource pack.
  • the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game with the least amount of waiting time and minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.
  • Figure 7 is an exemplary schematic diagram for an apparatus for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the apparatus is configured to implement the methods for acquiring online game in accordance with embodiments in Figures 1-6. For convenience, only the components relevant to this embodiment are shown.
  • the apparatus includes a first acquisition unit 71, for acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game; a running unit 72, for running the online game using the minimal resource pack; a second acquisition unit 73, for sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and a loading unit 74, for, after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game.
  • the apparatus further includes a third acquisition unit for acquiring a version number of the minimal resource pack.
  • the second acquiring unit 73 is configured to acquire N extension resource packs for the online game having that version number.
  • the second acquiring unit 73 further includes a testing unit for determining whether the extension resource pack is stored on other clients; and an acquisition subunit for, when the extension resource pack is stored on another client, acquiring the extension resource packs from said terminal; and an download subunit for, when the extension resource packs are not stored on other clients, downloading the extension resource packs.
  • the download subunit is configured to determine an upper limit of download speed for the extension resource packs based on a network latency of the online game.
  • the second acquisition unit 73 is further configured to sequentially acquire the extension resource packs for the online game that have not been downloaded when the online game ceases running.
  • the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game in the shortest time and with minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to online games, and provides a method and apparatus for acquiring online game resources, comprising: acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game; running the online game using the minimal resource pack; sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game in the shortest time and with minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.

Description

Method and Apparatus for Acquiring Online Game Resources
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit and priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 201210236894.5, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Acquiring Online Game Resources," filed on July 10, 2012. The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the field of online games, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for acquiring online game resources.
BACKGROUND
In massive online games, such as Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games ("MMORPGs") , the installation package is normally of several gigabytes in size, and includes all the online game resources that the player may use. The player would have to download and install the complete installation package to play the game.
However, for a novice player, some of the advanced resources for the online game, such as high-level map resources or advanced configuration resources, are not needed during the early stage of playing. Thus, downloading a huge installation package, which often entails prolonged download time and high download cost, increases the barrier for the players to play the online game, and reduces the players' interests in the online games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments of the present invention are aimed to provide a method for acquiring online game resources, which addresses the issue of high costs and prolonged waiting time associated with the installation of online games in the prior art that reduces the players' interests in online games.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for acquiring online game resources is provided, the method comprising acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game; running the online game using the minimal resource pack; sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game. The embodiments of the present invention are also aimed to provide an apparatus for acquiring online game resources, the apparatus comprising a first acquisition unit for acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game; a running unit for running the online game using the minimal resource pack; a second acquisition unit for sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and a loading unit for, after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game with the least amount of waiting time and minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the order of acquiring online game resources in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exemplary flowchart for a step in a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is an exemplary schematic diagram for an apparatus for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
To better illustrate the purposes, technical features and advantages of the present invention, various embodiments of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are provided to merely describe the present invention, and do not intent to limit the scope of the present invention.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game with the least amount of waiting time and minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience. Figure 1 is an exemplary flowchart for a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the method includes the following steps:
Step 101: acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game.
Here, the minimal resource pack includes all the relevant resources needed to play the online game in the initial stage of playing, including but not limited to user interface (UI) resources, low-level configuration resources, special effect resources, or birthplace map resources, wherein the birthplace map resources include but not limit to map description files, objects, scene animations, tiles, terrains, Non-Player-Controlled characters (NPC), monsters, scenes and sound effects that are needed in the early stage of playing the online game. Step 102: running the online game using the minimal resource pack.
In accordance with this embodiment, the player can play the online game after acquiring the minimal resource pack, with the least amount of waiting time and minimal downloading cost, as the minimal resource pack is much smaller than the complete installation package for the online game. Step 103: sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein
N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.
In accordance with this embodiment, all the resources in the complete installation package that are not in the minimal resource pack are extension resources, and these extension resources are divided based on the order that a typical player plays the online games. For example, the resources can be organized based on the maps, each map and all the resources referenced by that map can be packaged into a virtual system file so that N extension resource packs are generated to divide the extension resources based on the order of appearance of the maps, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Thus, during the course of running the game using the minimal resource pack, the extension resources need to run the online game can be acquired sequentially.
Figure 2 is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating the order of acquiring online game resources in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It should be further noted that priority needs to be given in dividing the extension resources, i.e., if a resource is referenced both by a map in extension resource pack 1 and a map in extension resource pack 2, this resource should be allocated to extension resource pack 1 that will be downloaded first.
Step 104: after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game. In accordance with this embodiment, after acquiring an extension resource pack, the acquired extension resource pack is loaded to the running online game, until all the extension resource packs are acquired and loaded.
Thus, the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game in the shortest time and with minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.
As online game resources, such as maps, are often updated, the minimal resource pack and the extension resource pack are not unchangeable. Whenever a new version of the complete installation package is released, the minimal resource pack and the extension resource pack of the same version should be released simultaneously. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a step is provided prior to step 103 to ensure consistency between the acquired extension resource packs and the minimal resource pack that was acquired previously, the step includes acquiring a version number of the minimal resource pack. Correspondingly, step 103 includes sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game having that version number.
Figure 3 is an exemplary flowchart for step 103 in a method for acquiring online game resources when there are two or more online game clients that can communicate with each other, such as two online game clients installed on different directories of the same terminal and started simultaneously, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, step 103 includes the following steps:
Step 301: determining whether the extension resource pack is stored on other clients. In accordance with this embodiment, the corresponding directory of the other clients can be checked to determine whether the extension resource pack needed to be acquired is stored on the other clients. Specifically, the corresponding directory can be used to store the extension resource pack, or used as the setup directory for the extension resource pack. Step 302: if the extension resource pack is stored on another client, acquiring the extension resource pack from that client.
Specifically, after the extension resource pack is acquired from other clients, it can be copied directly to the corresponding directory of the current client, which avoids repeatedly downloading the same extension resource pack, and improves efficiency of online resources acquisition.
Step 303: if the extension resource pack is not stored on other clients, downloading the extension resource pack.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, when the extension resource packs are downloaded over the internet, the speed limit for data downloading can be set based on the specific circumstances, such as intelligent speed limit, unlimited speed or fixed speed limit, etc. Preferably, a reasonable speed limit can be dynamically calculated using the network latency of the online game acquired in real-time, and used to determine an upper limit for the download speed for extension resource packs, which would optimize the download speed without affecting the gaming experience. The methods for implementing the speed limit are not specific for the present invention, and will not be described in detail herein.
Figure 4 is an exemplary flowchart in a method for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. As compared to the embodiment in Figure 1, step 105 is added, which comprises:
Step 105: sequentially acquiring the extension resource packs for the online game that have not been downloaded when the online game ceases running.
Thus, in accordance with this embodiment, the acquisition of the extension resource pack can be completed even if the player quits playing the game.
As exemplary implementations of this embodiment of the present invention, the downloading of the extension resources can be done through a client's own download process, or by a resource download process independent of the client.
If the downloading of the extension resources is done through a resource download process independent of the client, when online game client starts, the configuration file in the installation directory of the game is read to check whether the current client only has the minimal resource pack, and if so, the download process is initiated. During the communication between the download process and the client, the client can add a dedicated thread dedicated to communicating with the download process and dynamically loading downloaded extension resource pack. Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of the downloading process when an independent resource download process is used to download the extension resources. As shown in in Figure 5, the process includes the following steps:
1. The client sends a resource request to the resource download process, and the resource request includes an initialized list of extension resource packs to inform the resource download process the extension resource packs need to be downloaded.
2. The resource download process downloads the first extension resource pack in the extension resource pack list.
3. The resource download process reports to the client in real-time the current downloading status. 4. The client updates the downloading status indicator in real-time based on the downloading status reported by the resource download process.
Thus, the player will be informed of the current downloading status of the extension resource packs in real-time while playing the online game.
Meanwhile, if an extension resources pack has not been downloaded, and a player attempts to use a resource that has not downloaded, the client will prompt the user that the current extension resource pack has not been downloaded yet, and indicate the estimated waiting time. If a player plays the game on the client using advanced configuration, and the related resources for the advanced configuration has not been downloaded, then the default configuration will be used for the player. Also, during the course of downloading the extension resource packs, the client will report the network latency of the online game in real time to the download process, so as to enable the download process to adjust the upper limit of the download speed of the extension resource pack in real time.
5. The download process completes the downloading of the first extension resource pack, and saves the first extension resource pack to a preset directory, and reports the successful downloading to the client.
When the resource download process saves the first extension resource pack to the preset directory, it also modifies the configuration file in that directory to indicate the downloading status.
6. The client loads the first extension resource pack from the preset directory, and updates the status indicator.
7. The client reports the successful loading to the resource download process. 8. The resource download process proceeds to download the next extension resource pack.
Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of the above interactions when there are two or more clients requesting the extension resource packs. As shown in in Figure 6, the process includes the following steps: Step 601 : when the resource downloader receives a resource request from one client, it determines whether the requested extension resource pack is present in the preset directories of the other clients.
Step 602: if the extension resource pack is present in the preset directories of other clients, copy the extension resource pack on other clients to the preset directory of the current client. Step 603: if the extension resource pack is not present in the preset directories of other clients, determine whether the extension resource pack is being downloaded.
Step 604: if it is determined that the extension resource pack is being downloaded, report the downloading status to the client.
Step 605: if it is determined that the extension resource pack is not being downloaded, determine whether the resource downloader is downloading other extension resource pack.
Step 606: if the resource downloader is downloading other extension resource pack, reject the resource request of the client.
Step 607: if the resource downloader is not downloading other extension resource pack, initiate the downloading of the extension resource pack. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game with the least amount of waiting time and minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.
Figure 7 is an exemplary schematic diagram for an apparatus for acquiring online game resources in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus is configured to implement the methods for acquiring online game in accordance with embodiments in Figures 1-6. For convenience, only the components relevant to this embodiment are shown.
As shown in Figure 7, the apparatus includes a first acquisition unit 71, for acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game; a running unit 72, for running the online game using the minimal resource pack; a second acquisition unit 73, for sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1; and a loading unit 74, for, after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a third acquisition unit for acquiring a version number of the minimal resource pack. Correspondingly, the second acquiring unit 73 is configured to acquire N extension resource packs for the online game having that version number.
Optionally, the second acquiring unit 73 further includes a testing unit for determining whether the extension resource pack is stored on other clients; and an acquisition subunit for, when the extension resource pack is stored on another client, acquiring the extension resource packs from said terminal; and an download subunit for, when the extension resource packs are not stored on other clients, downloading the extension resource packs.
Optionally, the download subunit is configured to determine an upper limit of download speed for the extension resource packs based on a network latency of the online game. Optionally, the second acquisition unit 73 is further configured to sequentially acquire the extension resource packs for the online game that have not been downloaded when the online game ceases running.
In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the resources needed to run the online game are divided into a minimal resource pack and several extension resource packs, the online game is initially run only using the minimal resource pack, and the extension resource packs are downloaded and loaded sequentially while the online game is running, which allows the players to play the online game in the shortest time and with minimal downloading cost, and improves player's gaming experience.
The various embodiments of the present invention are merely preferred embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which includes any modification, equivalent, or improvement that does not depart from the spirit and principles of the present invention.

Claims

Claims
1. A method for acquiring online game resources, comprising: acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game; running the online game using the minimal resource pack; sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1 ; and after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: acquiring a version number of the minimal resource pack prior to the step of sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game; and acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game having said version number.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game comprises: determining whether an extension resource pack is stored on other clients; and if the extension resource pack is stored on another client, acquiring the extension resource pack from said client; if the extension resource pack is not stored on other clients, downloading the extension resource pack.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of downloading the extension resource pack comprises: determining an upper limit of download speed for the extension resource pack based on a network latency of the online game.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sequentially acquiring the extension resource packs for the online game that have not been downloaded when the online game ceases running.
6. An apparatus for acquiring online game resources, comprising: a first acquisition unit for acquiring a minimal resource pack required to run the online game; a running unit for running the online game using the minimal resource pack; a second acquisition unit for sequentially acquiring N extension resource packs for the online game, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1 ; and a loading unit for, after acquiring an extension resource pack, loading the acquired extension resource pack to the running online game.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a third acquisition unit for acquiring a version number of the minimal resource pack; wherein the second acquiring unit is configured to acquire N extension resource packs for the online game having said version number.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second acquiring unit further comprises: a testing unit for determining whether an extension resource pack is stored on other clients; and an acquisition subunit for, when the extension resource pack is stored on another client, acquiring the extension resource pack from said terminal; an download subunit for, when the extension resource packs are not stored on other clients, downloading the extension resource packs.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the download subunit is configured to determine an upper limit of download speed for the extension resource packs based on a network latency of the online game.
10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second acquisition unit is configured to sequentially acquire the extension resource packs for the online game that have not been downloaded when the online game ceases running.
EP13816222.7A 2012-07-10 2013-07-09 Method and apparatus for acquiring online game resources Withdrawn EP2872992A4 (en)

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CN201210236894.5A CN103544025A (en) 2012-07-10 2012-07-10 Online game resource acquisition method and device
PCT/CN2013/079077 WO2014008854A1 (en) 2012-07-10 2013-07-09 Method and apparatus for acquiring online game resources

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