KR102264741B1 - Apparatus and method for providing game - Google Patents

Abstract

A game providing apparatus and method are provided, and the game providing apparatus includes an input/output unit for displaying an app icon image on a screen, and a controller for changing an app icon image based on in-game data.

Description

Apparatus and method for providing games {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING GAME}

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a game providing apparatus and method, and more particularly, to a game providing apparatus and method capable of changing an app icon image.

Recently, due to the development of electronic terminals such as smartphones, it is possible to play games by accessing an online game system anytime, anywhere. In order to play the game in this way, the app icon image implemented on the screen of the electronic terminal is used. Since such an app icon image is provided by default in the server providing the online game system, it is impossible to change it from the perspective of the client, that is, the user.

In relation to this, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1408168, which is a related art document, describes a method of providing a user interface for changing the size of an icon according to the frequency of use of an icon provided on a screen of a user terminal.

However, when looking at the prior art literature in detail, there is a problem that the size of the icon provided on the screen of the user terminal is adjusted according to the frequency of use, and the app icon image itself cannot be substantially changed.

Accordingly, there is a need for a technique for solving the above-mentioned problems.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned background art is technical information that the inventor possessed for the derivation of the present invention or acquired in the process of derivation of the present invention, and it cannot be said that it is necessarily a known technique disclosed to the general public before the filing of the present invention. .

Embodiments disclosed in the present specification, it is an object to present a game providing apparatus and method that can change the app icon image.

Embodiments disclosed herein have an object to provide a game providing apparatus and method capable of changing an app icon image based on in-game data.

Embodiments disclosed herein have an object to provide a game providing apparatus and method that can set the app icon image differently from each other according to the game progress of each user.

Embodiments disclosed in the present specification have an object to provide a game providing apparatus and method capable of providing an app icon image reflecting the game progress.

As a technical means for achieving the above-described technical problem, according to an embodiment, the game providing device includes an input/output unit for displaying an app icon image on a screen, and a controller for changing the app icon image based on in-game data .

According to another embodiment, a game providing method performed by a game providing device includes monitoring changes in in-game data, and changing an app icon image displayed on a screen based on the in-game data.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for performing a game providing method is recorded, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a change in in-game data; and changing an app icon image displayed on a screen based on the in-game data includes

According to another embodiment, a computer program stored in a medium for performing a game providing method and performed by a game providing device, the steps of monitoring a change in in-game data, and an app icon displayed on the screen based on the in-game data changing the image.

According to any one of the above-described problem solving means, a game providing apparatus and method capable of changing an app icon image may be provided.

According to any one of the above-described problem solving means, a game providing apparatus and method capable of changing an app icon image based on in-game data may be provided.

According to any one of the above-described problem solving means, it is possible to provide a game providing apparatus and method that can set different app icon images according to the game progress of each user.

According to any one of the above-described problem solving means, it is possible to present a game providing apparatus and method capable of providing an app icon image reflecting the game progress.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a game providing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit according to an embodiment.
3 is a view for explaining a change of an app icon image according to a user's level in the game providing apparatus according to an embodiment.
4 is a view for explaining a change in an app icon image according to a change in a character image in the game providing device according to an embodiment.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a game providing method of a game providing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
6 is a diagram for explaining a change of an app icon image based on setting a relationship between characters according to an exemplary embodiment.
7 is a diagram for explaining a change of an app icon image based on a guild subscription according to an embodiment.
8 is a diagram for explaining a change of an app icon image based on selection of a game server according to an exemplary embodiment.
9 is a diagram for explaining an app icon image based on content for performing a mission according to an embodiment.
10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of updating an app icon image based on sharing of the same app as in another electronic terminal in the game providing device according to an embodiment.
11 is a diagram for describing an alarm function based on non-use of a game app according to an exemplary embodiment.
12 is a diagram for explaining a change of an app icon image based on stage information according to an exemplary embodiment.
13 is a diagram for explaining an operation of displaying information on an app icon image to be changed, according to an exemplary embodiment.
14 is a diagram for explaining an app icon image set as a user's preferred character in a game using a plurality of characters according to an embodiment.
15 is a diagram for explaining an operation of alternately displaying a game app icon image according to an exemplary embodiment.
16 is a diagram for explaining an operation of rotating and displaying a character when an app icon image is generated according to an exemplary embodiment.
17 is a diagram for explaining an emphasis on a changed portion when a partial image of an app icon image is changed according to an exemplary embodiment.

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below may be modified and implemented in various different forms. In order to more clearly describe the characteristics of the embodiments, detailed descriptions of matters widely known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the following embodiments belong are omitted. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description of the embodiments are omitted, and similar reference numerals are attached to similar parts throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a component is said to be "connected" with another component, it includes not only a case of 'directly connected' but also a case of 'connected with another component interposed therebetween'. In addition, when a component "includes" a component, it means that other components may be further included, rather than excluding other components, unless otherwise stated.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

However, before explaining this, the meaning of the terms used below is first defined.

'In-game data' includes all the various data generated within the game. For example, the in-game data may include game data that changes according to the user's play or game data that changes after the user's play. In addition, the in-game data may include various data that the user sets in the user account to play the game. Such in-game data may be distinguished from general game data that is downloaded or updated and installed in a user's electronic terminal in order to provide a game to the user.

The 'app icon image' is an image provided through the screen of the electronic terminal, and is an image in the form of an icon for executing an app. The app icon image is graphic data provided to the user for the execution of various programs, and the program may be driven by a user's selection or an operation such as a touch. For example, the app icon image may be an image in the form of an icon provided by using the screen of the user's electronic terminal to execute a game. The app icon image may be set as an image that is changed in association with in-game data within the icon.

Therefore, in the following, the term 'app icon image' is used in the form of an app icon for driving a game, and thus may have the same meaning as an icon or an app icon.

In addition to the terms defined above, terms that require explanation will be separately explained below.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a game providing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the game providing apparatus 100 stores various information necessary to provide a game, detects and records various events occurring within the game, and enables time-series progress of the game.

The game providing device 100 may display an app icon image on the screen to execute the game. The game providing device 100 may generate an app icon image based on in-game data to automatically change (or update) an app icon image displayed on the screen.

The game providing apparatus 100 as described above may be implemented as an electronic terminal in which a game application is installed, or may be implemented as a server-client system. If the game providing apparatus 100 is implemented as a server-client system, the game providing apparatus 100 may include an electronic terminal in which a client for interaction with a user is installed.

In this case, the electronic terminal may be implemented as a computer, a portable terminal, a television, a wearable device, etc. which may include an interface capable of interacting with a user. Here, the computer includes, for example, a laptop, a desktop, and a laptop equipped with a web browser, and the portable terminal is, for example, a wireless communication device that ensures portability and mobility. , PCS (Personal Communication System), PDC (Personal Digital Cellular), PHS (Personal Handyphone System), PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), IMT (International Mobile Telecommunication)-2000, CDMA (Code) All kinds of handhelds such as Division Multiple Access)-2000, W-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), Wireless Broadband Internet (Wibro), Smart Phone, Mobile Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, etc. It may include a (Handheld)-based wireless communication device. In addition, the television may include IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), Internet TV (Internet Television), terrestrial TV, cable TV, and the like. Furthermore, the wearable device is, for example, a type of information processing device that can be worn directly on the human body, such as watches, glasses, accessories, clothes, shoes, etc. can be connected with

And the server of the server-client system may be implemented as a computing device capable of communicating through a network with the electronic terminal in which the client is installed, and may include a storage device capable of storing data or a third server (not shown). You can also store data through

The game providing apparatus 100 may include an input/output unit 110 , a communication unit 120 , a storage unit 130 , and a control unit 140 .

The input/output unit 110 may include an input unit for receiving an input from a user, and an output unit for displaying information such as a result of a task or a state of the game providing apparatus 100 . For example, the input/output unit 110 may include an operation panel for receiving a user input and a display panel for displaying a screen.

Specifically, the input unit may include devices capable of receiving various types of user input, such as a keyboard, a physical button, a touch screen, a camera, or a microphone. Also, the output unit may include a display panel or a speaker. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the input/output unit 110 may include a configuration supporting various input/output.

Meanwhile, the communication unit 120 may perform wired/wireless communication with other devices or networks. To this end, the communication unit 120 may include a communication module that supports at least one of various wired and wireless communication methods. For example, the communication module may be implemented in the form of a chipset.

The wireless communication supported by the communication unit 120 may be, for example, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Ultra Wide Band (UWB), or Near Field Communication (NFC). Also, wired communication supported by the communication unit 120 may be, for example, USB or High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). The above-described communication is only an example, and various communication techniques for enabling the game providing device 100 to perform communication are possible.

Meanwhile, various types of data such as files, applications, and programs may be installed and stored in the storage unit 130 . As an example of the data, it may include in-game data, and may include app icon images generated by the in-game data.

Data stored in the storage unit 130 may be accessed and used by the control unit 140 to be described later, or new data may be stored by the control unit 140 . Also, the storage unit 130 may store a program that can be executed by the control unit 140 . Such a program may provide a function of automatically changing the app icon image based on in-game data.

Meanwhile, the controller 140 controls the overall operation of the game providing apparatus 100 and may include a processor such as a CPU. The controller 140 may control other components included in the game providing apparatus 100 to perform an operation corresponding to a user input received through the input/output unit 110 .

For example, the controller 140 may execute a program stored in the storage unit 130 , read data stored in the storage unit 130 , or store new data in the storage unit 130 .

According to an embodiment, the controller 140 may execute a game when there is a user input for an app icon image through the input/output unit 110 . Also, the controller 140 may monitor in-game data generated by the execution of the game.

The controller 140 may generate an app icon image based on the monitored in-game data. In this case, the controller 140 may determine whether an app icon change event for generating an app icon image has occurred. For example, the controller 140 may determine achievement of a predetermined level or a change in a character image as an app icon change event.

The controller 140 may generate an app icon image to be displayed on the screen, and automatically display the generated app icon image on the screen. Through this, the controller 140 may change the app icon image in real time based on the change in the in-game data.

The control unit 140 according to the above will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2 .

2 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the control unit 140 may include an in-game data management unit 141 and an icon image changing unit 142 .

According to an embodiment, the in-game data management unit 141 may manage in-game data generated within the game. The in-game data management unit 141 may monitor in-game data to change the app icon.

The in-game data management unit 141 may detect the occurrence of an app icon change event by monitoring the in-game data. In this way, when the in-game data management unit 141 detects the occurrence of an app icon change event, the in-game data manager 141 may determine an app icon image for change. To this end, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate an app icon image or select an app icon image corresponding to an app icon change event from among pre-stored app icon images.

The in-game data management unit 141 may detect a change in the app icon image when a predetermined level is reached. For example, the in-game data management unit 141 may set a plurality of predetermined levels, and may detect a change in the app icon image whenever each of the plurality of predetermined levels is reached. In this case, when the in-game data management unit 141 reaches a predetermined level, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate or select an app icon image corresponding to the predetermined level. The in-game data management unit 141 may determine different app icon images corresponding to each of the predetermined levels.

The in-game data management unit 141 may detect the occurrence of an app icon change event based on the character image. When an app icon image is generated using a character image, it may be determined that a change in the character image is an occurrence of an app icon change event. For example, the in-game data management unit 141 may detect a change in the character image due to the appearance, clothes, shoes, weapons, accessories, and effects of the character as the occurrence of an app icon change event. In this case, when the character image changes, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate an app icon image using the changed character image.

The in-game data management unit 141 may detect an app icon change event based on the user's play situation. For example, the in-game data management unit 141 may determine that an app icon change event occurs when a specific stage is completed by a user who is playing a stage-type game. In this case, the in-game data management unit 141 may include information related to a stage in which play is completed or play is to be performed in the app icon image.

The in-game data management unit 141 may detect an app icon change event based on the provision of a mission to the user. For example, the in-game data management unit 141 may detect an icon change event when the mission is provided to the user in the case of a mission to be performed for a predetermined time. In this case, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate an app icon image including information on a mission elapsed time, a mission limit time, and a mission progress rate according to the provision of the mission. If the mission continues regardless of whether the user is connected or not, the in-game data management unit 141 may reflect information on the duration of the mission in the app icon image. Through this, the user can check the progress time according to the in-game data in real time using the app icon image.

The in-game data management unit 141 may detect an app icon change event based on a mutual relationship setting with other users in the game. For example, the in-game data management unit 141 allows the user (or the user's character) to set the relationship between the user (or the user's character) and the other user (or other user's character) in the game, such as lover, marriage, family, friend, guild, clan, etc. It can be detected as an icon change event. In this case, when a friend (marriage) relationship is established between characters of different users, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate an icon image including all of the characters of the users whose friendship relationship is established with each other. In addition, when a user joins a guild, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate an app icon image using an image representing the guild (guild image (insignia, mark, identifier)) or the like. The in-game data management unit 141 may generate the same app icon image to display the same app icon image to each of users who have set up a friend relationship or users who have joined the same guild.

When a plurality of game servers exist, the in-game data management unit 141 may detect an app icon change event based on a game server selected (or accessed) by the user. For example, when selecting a new game server or changing a game server, the in-game data management unit 141 may detect it as an app icon change event. In this case, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate an app icon image using unique information (name, number, unique image, etc.) given to the game server selected by the user.

The in-game data management unit 141 may detect an app icon change event based on map information provided in the game. For example, the in-game data management unit 141 may detect an app icon change event by moving a divided place on a map in which a user playing a game is located, for example, changing from a desert terrain to a grassland terrain. Contrary to this, the in-game data management unit 141 may detect an app icon change event when an event or quest is in progress in a specific space or region within the map.

In this case, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate an app icon image based on information about a space divided in the map, such as a forest, a lake, a desert, a grassland, and the like. For example, when the user is located in a meadow, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate an app icon image using an image related to the meadow. In contrast, the in-game data management unit 141 is based on the space in the map that is divided into various categories such as indoor space (hospital, school, factory, house), country (current, ancient, or virtual country), and space (planet, etc.). You can create an app icon image.

Also, the in-game data management unit 141 may generate an app icon image using an image of a region where an event or quest is in progress. In this case, the user can check the area where the current event or quest is in progress by looking at the app icon image.

As such, the in-game data management unit 141 detects an app icon change event for changing an app icon image based on various in-game data that may be generated during a game, and generates an app icon image based on the detected app icon change event. can create Here, the app icon change event is described for convenience of explanation, and if necessary, the in-game data management unit 141 may change the app icon image to a new app icon image without detecting the app icon change event.

Meanwhile, the in-game data management unit 141 may determine whether a specific user maintains an unconnected state to the game for a predetermined period of time. For example, if the in-game data does not change for a predetermined period of time, the in-game data management unit 141 may check the status of a specific user as maintenance of an unconnected state. As such, the in-game data management unit 141 may provide information related to the disconnected state to the icon image changing unit 142 in order to notify the app icon image of information not being used for a predetermined period of time.

According to an embodiment, the icon image changing unit 142 may automatically change the app icon image upon receiving the app icon image from the in-game data management unit 141 .

When the app icon image includes a character, the icon image changing unit 142 may change the character to a video in which the character is rotated or to an image in a state rotated at a predetermined angle based on a user input. The icon image changing unit 142 may adjust the display range of the character image or the size of the character image based on the user's input.

When the icon image changing unit 142 receives the app icon image to be changed, it can be set to be displayed alternately with the existing app icon image for a predetermined time (eg, one day (24 hours)). Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, the icon image changing unit 142 may display only the app icon image to be changed. Through this, the user can check the change status of the app icon image by using the app icon image.

When a partial image of the app icon image is changed, the icon image changing unit 142 may display the changed and unmodified parts in the app icon image in different ways. For example, stage information is displayed on the app icon image, and when the user clears the stage and proceeds to the next stage, stage-related information is displayed in the form of bright, dark, blinking, and highlighting (increasing size). can do.

The icon image changing unit 142 may receive a selection of one image from among previously used app icon images by a user's input, and display the selected app icon image as an app icon image on the screen. In this case, the previously used app icon image may be stored in the storage unit 130 or the like.

The icon image change unit 142 may receive the information related to the user's non-connection state from the in-game data management unit 141 and add alarm information to the app icon image when the user is not connected to the game for a predetermined period of time. Here, the alarm information may be provided in a form of displaying a dark border or a specific color (eg, red), or displaying an entire color of the app icon in a dark or bright form.

The icon image change unit 142 may synchronize the app icon image with another electronic terminal by changing the app icon image to the changed app icon image when the app icon image is changed by playing with the same account in another electronic terminal.

In this way, the game providing apparatus 100 may change the app icon image based on the in-game data, and may set the app icon image differently according to the game progress status of each user.

3 is a view for explaining a change of an app icon image according to a user's level in the game providing apparatus according to an embodiment.

3 , the game providing device 100 may change the app icon image 220 based on in-game data. Here, the in-game data may be the game level 230 of the user.

In the game providing device 100 , a screen 210 in which an app icon image changes according to a user's level achievement is shown. In this case, the app icon image 220 may be displayed on the screen 210 . For example, the first app icon image (A, 221), the second app icon image (B, 222), the third app icon image (C, 223), and the fourth app icon image (D, 224) are the screen ( 211, 212, 213, and 214 may be displayed, respectively. Also, the app icon image 220 may be an app icon image for playing a game.

The game providing apparatus 100 may change the app icon image 220 according to a change in the user's game level 230 . For example, when the user's game level 230 is level 1, the game providing apparatus 100 may determine the icon of the game app as the first app icon image A and 221 . The game providing device 100 may display the first app icon images A and 221 as the game app icon on the screen 210 .

Meanwhile, when the user's game level starts from level 1 when the game is executed, the first app icon images A and 221 may be a game app icon set as a default.

When the game level 230 of the user is level 10, the game providing apparatus 100 may determine the icon of the game app as the second app icon images B and 222 . The game providing device 100 may display the second app icon images B and 222 as the game app icon on the screen 210 .

As such, the game providing device 100 displays a third app icon image (C, 223) when the user's game level 230 is level 30, and when the user's game level 230 is level 60, the fourth An app icon image (D, 224) may be displayed.

4 is a view for explaining a change in an app icon image according to a change in a character image in the game providing device according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the game providing apparatus 100 may change the appearance of the character by customizing the character 320 and 330 based on the basic character 310 provided to the user.

The first character 311 provided to the user is displayed on the character providing screen of the game providing device 100 . Here, the first character 311 is a basic character provided to the user before being customized.

The game providing device 100 displays the first app icon image 312 generated by using the first character 311 as an app icon on the desktop screen on the right side of the character providing screen.

The game providing apparatus 100 displays character information 313 related to the first character 311 under the first character 311 on the character providing screen. For example, in the character information 313, the character name, character introduction, character characteristics (or character wearing item), etc. are displayed, and the item list 314 which is item information for customizing the character on the right side of the first character 311 ) is displayed.

Next, the game providing apparatus 100 may create a second character 321 by customizing the first character 311 on the character providing screen. For example, the game providing apparatus 100 may generate the second character 321 by using items for changing the hair style, clothing, and headband of the first character 311 .

The game providing apparatus 100 completes the creation of the second character 321 and completes storing the settings applied to the second character 321 . In this case, the game providing device 100 may display the second app icon image 322 generated using the second character 321 on the desktop screen as an app icon.

Thereafter, the game providing apparatus 100 may create a third character 331 by customizing the second character on the character providing screen. For example, the game providing apparatus 100 may generate the third character 331 by using an item for changing the hair style, clothing, etc. of the second character 321 .

The game providing apparatus 100 completes the creation of the third character 331 and completes storing the settings applied to the third character 331 . In this case, the game providing device 100 may display the third app icon image 332 generated by using the third character 331 on the desktop screen as an app icon.

Meanwhile, the game providing device 100 may determine an app icon image by using the changed character image. For example, when the 'necklace' item is changed (or mounted) in the image of the character, the game providing apparatus 100 may generate an app icon image by using the 'upper image' of the character. When the 'shoes' item is changed (or mounted), the game providing device 100 may generate an app icon image by using the 'full body image' of the character. When the 'necklace' and 'shoes' items are changed (or mounted) at the same time, the game providing device 100 may generate an app icon image using the 'full body image' of the character.

In contrast, the game providing device 100 generates an app icon image using the 'head image' of the character when the color of 'hair' in the character image is changed, or when the 'bracelet' item is mounted, the character's ' You can also use the 'arm' image to create an app icon image.

As described above, when generating an app icon image, the game providing apparatus 100 may detect a changed portion from the character image according to a change in the character image and adjust the display range of the character image so that the detected portion is displayed. For example, the game providing device 100 may adjust the display range to the changed part of the character's upper body, lower body, or whole body, or an image corresponding to a specific part (head, arm, leg, etc.) of the character capable of showing the detected part. can also be used.

As such, when using the app icon image to which the character image is reflected, the game providing device 100 may reflect the changed character image to the app icon image when the character image is changed by customizing the character.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a game providing method of a game providing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the game providing apparatus 100 may monitor changes in in-game data ( S410 ). For example, the in-game data may be data related to a user's level or data related to a character.

The game providing device 100 may determine whether a change event of the app icon image has occurred (S420). For example, the game providing device 100 may determine the occurrence of the change event based on the fact that the user's level reaches a level set for changing the app icon image or the character's image is changed because the character is customized.

As a result of the determination in step S420, if it is determined that the change event of the app icon image has not occurred, the game providing device 100 may proceed to step S410 to continuously monitor the change in the in-game data.

As a result of the determination in step S420, if it is determined that the event of changing the app icon image has occurred, the game providing apparatus 100 proceeds to step S430.

The game providing device 100 may determine an app icon image to be changed based on the in-game data (S430). For example, the game providing device 100 may determine a new app icon image for changing the app icon image when the user's level reaches a predetermined level (eg, 10 level, 30 level, 60 level). have. Also, when the user's character is customized, the game providing apparatus 100 may determine an app icon image reflecting the customized character's image as an app icon image to be changed.

The game providing device 100 may display the determined app icon image on the screen and end the operation (S440). Through this, the game providing apparatus 100 may change the app icon image according to a change in in-game data such as a user's level or character image.

As such, since the game providing device 100 provides an app icon image that changes according to the in-game data, even if users are using the same game or the same version of the app in the same game, each of the users is different from each other based on the in-game data. You can use the app icon.

6 is a diagram for explaining a change of an app icon image based on setting a relationship between characters according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6 , a character 510 of a first user and a character 520 of a second user are shown. When the first user and the second user establish or accept a friendship relationship (eg, a marriage relationship) with each other, the game providing apparatus 100 displays all the characters 510 and 520 of the first user and the second user. The included app icon image 530 may be generated, and the generated app icon image 530 may be displayed. In this case, when the first user and the second user are married, an app icon image including their own character and the character of their spouse may be displayed on the background screen in each of the electronic terminals of the first user and the second user.

When the app icon image 530 is displayed on the electronic terminal of the first user, an app icon image similar to or identical to the app icon image 530 may be displayed on the electronic terminal of the second user as well. In this case, the electronic terminal of a specific user who has generated the app icon image may provide the created app icon image to the electronic terminal of another user in order to display a similar or identical app icon image.

7 is a diagram for explaining a change of an app icon image based on a guild subscription according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7 , a first user 610 may join a guild called Black Eagle 620 . The game providing device 100 changes the app icon image 630 of the first user 610 to the representative image (symbol image of the guild customized by a specific user (or guild representative)) of the subscribed black eagle 620 and the changed app icon image 630 may be displayed.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , when a user uses the same image through setting a relationship such as a friend relationship or guild membership with another user, the bond between users can be improved by using the same app icon image. .

8 is a diagram for explaining a change of an app icon image based on selection of a game server according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8 , a plurality of servers 710 , 720 , and 730 for providing games may exist. At this time, the image 711 of 'sun' is matched with the first server 710, the image 721 of 'moon' is matched with the second server 720, and the third server An image 731 of a 'star' may be matched to 730 .

The game providing device 100 changes the app icon image 740 to the 'moon' image 721 corresponding to the second server 720 when the second server 720 is selected by the user's selection 700. can

Here, the first server 710 to the third server 720 may be physically separated servers, but in one server, based on the regions divided on the map (deserts, grasslands, rainforests, wetlands, and mountains) Classified by various criteria, such as servers divided by user level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, etc.), servers divided by quests (gold acquisition quests and experience acquisition quests, etc.) It may be a set of data.

9 is a diagram for explaining an app icon image based on content for performing a mission according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the game providing apparatus 100 displays a time 810 related to a mission of content performing a mission (or mission) on a screen 801 .

At this time, the game providing apparatus 100 displays the total mission time 820 (eg, 4 hours) according to the mission performance, and the remaining mission time 821 (eg, 3 hours) in the total mission time 820 . time) and the mission elapsed time 822 (eg, 1 hour).

The game providing device 100 may display the total mission time 820 in the form of a bar graph 831 wrapped around the border of the app icon image 830 . On the graph 831 , the remaining mission time 832 is displayed as a black area, and the mission elapsed time 833 is also displayed as a white area. Thereafter, when the mission is finished, the game providing apparatus 100 may remove the graph 831 .

Through this, the game providing device 100 is displayed in the form including a graph 831 of the time related to the mission in the app icon image 830, so that the user can check the elapsed time of the mission in progress without running the game program can do it

On the other hand, the game providing device 100 may directly display the time information for '3 hours' on the app icon image when the mission progress time, for example, '3 hours' in the content for performing the mission.

Alternatively, the game providing apparatus 100 may represent the degree of mission performance in the form of a graph of time related to the mission. For example, if the game providing device 100 pops 80 balloons in a game of popping 100 balloons, 80% of the mission achievement degree or 20% of the mission non-achievement degree is in the form of a graph on the border of the app icon image. can also be indicated as

10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of updating an app icon image based on sharing of the same app as in another electronic terminal in the game providing device according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10 , one game may be used by the same user in a plurality of electronic terminals.

The game providing apparatus 100 may be used by the first user, and a game may be executed using the account of the first user.

In this case, the first user may execute the game using another electronic terminal 902 . In-game data may be changed by playing a game in the electronic terminal 902 , and the app icon image 921 in the screen 920 may be changed.

In this case, the game providing device 100 may receive information related to the update of the app icon image 921 of the electronic terminal 902 matching the first user account. Accordingly, the game providing apparatus 100 may change the existing app icon images A and 911 to the new app icon images B and 912 on the screen 910 .

In this way, the game providing device 100 can synchronize the electronic terminal 902 and the app icon, so that the user changes the app icon image (B, 921) by playing the game on the other electronic terminal 902 as the app icon image. (B, 912) can be updated.

That is, when the app icon images B and 921 are changed on the screen of the other electronic terminal 902 , the game providing device 100 may convert the app icon images B and 912 into the changed image.

11 is a diagram for describing an alarm function based on non-use of a game app according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the game providing device 100 sets the border of the app icon image 1010 on the screen 1001 in red or when there is no user input for accessing the game app from the user for more than a predetermined period of time. can be highlighted. The game providing device 100 may make the app icon image 1010 blink or adjust brightness or saturation.

Through this, the game providing device 100 can notify the user of whether the game is not in use by using the app icon image, thereby reducing the number of users leaving the game.

12 is a diagram for describing an app icon image based on stage information according to an exemplary embodiment.

12 , the game providing apparatus 100 may display stage-related information on an app icon image 1110 in a stage-type game.

The game providing device 100 proceeds to play the '3-2 stage' in the app icon image 1110 when the '3-2 stage' is being played after the current user completes the '3-1 stage' play. may include stage information 1111 indicating

In the game providing apparatus 100 , when the user completes the '3-2 stage', the stage information 1111 may be updated to '3-3' indicating the play progress of the '3-3 stage'.

Alternatively, the in-game data management unit 141 may display the app icon image 1110 including information on the '3-2 stage' in which the play is completed based on the completion of the play rather than the progress of the play.

13 is a diagram for explaining an operation of displaying information on an app icon image to be changed, according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the game providing device 100 may display an app icon image 1210 for game execution on the screen. In this case, the game providing device 100 may display the update status 1211 of the app icon image on one side of the app icon image 1210 . Here, the update status 1211 indicates that there are three app icon images U3 scheduled to be updated according to the in-game data.

The game providing device 100 maintains a touch input from the user for a predetermined time (eg, about 3 seconds) or more for an app icon image, or a predetermined number of times (eg, 2 times) if a touch input exists, An update confirmation window 1220 may be displayed.

When the game providing device 100 receives an icon update confirmation using the update confirmation window 1220 , it may change the app icon image to an app icon image waiting for an update. For example, the game providing device 100 may sequentially update three app icon images by the update confirmation window 1220 . For example, when one confirmation input is inputted, the app icon image 1210 is changed to the waiting first app icon image, when two confirmation inputs are inputted, the app icon image 1210 is changed to the second app icon image waiting, three times When a confirmation input is input, the app icon image 1210 may be changed to the second app icon image that is waiting.

Alternatively, the game providing device 100 may generate a plurality of app icon images at once. For example, when the character image changes, the game providing apparatus 100 may generate a plurality of app icon images based on each of the face, upper body, and whole body at once. In this case, the game providing device 100 may set a representative app icon image to be displayed as an app icon among the app icon images. In this case, the game providing device 100 may set the remaining unselected app icon images as sub-app icon images.

In this case, the game providing apparatus 100 may display the existence of the sub-app icon image when there is a touch input for the app icon image from the user for a predetermined time or more. The game providing device 100 may select one of the displayed sub-app icon images as a representative app icon image, and the selected sub-app icon image may be displayed as a representative app icon image representing the app icon.

14 is a diagram for explaining an app icon image set as a user's preferred character in a game using a plurality of characters according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 14 , when there are a plurality of characters that can be selected and used, the game providing apparatus 100 may display an app icon image based on a character preferred by the user.

For example, if the character preferred by the user is the child character 1311 , the game providing apparatus 100 may change the app icon image to the app icon image 1310 using the child character 1311 .

If the character preferred by the user is the adult female character 1321 , the game providing apparatus 100 may change the app icon image to the app icon image 1320 using the adult female character 1321 .

If the character preferred by the user is the adult male character 1331 , the game providing apparatus 100 may change the app icon image to the app icon image 1330 using the adult male character 1331 .

In contrast, the game providing device 100 according to the user's character characteristics, if the user's character is 'archer', the app icon image displaying 'bow', if the character is 'horseman', the app icon image displaying 'horse' ', it is also possible to display an image of an app icon showing a 'window'.

In addition, when the game providing device 100 detects information about a color preferred by the user based on the user's play pattern (the user's play pattern such as character selection or item determination), the app icon image is the color preferred by the user. can be displayed using For example, the game providing apparatus 100 may set the background color of the app icon image as the detected preferred color.

15 is a diagram for explaining an operation of alternately displaying a game app icon image according to an exemplary embodiment.

15 , the game providing device 100 may alternately display an app icon image 1410 before change and an app icon image 1420 to be changed for a predetermined period in order to confirm the change of the app icon image to the user. have.

For example, the game providing device 100 scrolls the app icon image 1410 before the change and the app icon image 1420 to be changed from the top to the bottom and converts it by switching or rotation of the app icon. can be displayed

Thereafter, the game providing device 100 may display only the app icon image 1420 to be changed when a predetermined time elapses.

16 is a diagram for explaining an operation of rotating and displaying a character when an app icon image is generated according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the game providing apparatus 100 may generate an app icon image 1520 using a character 1510 .

The game providing apparatus 100 may set the app icon image 1520 to rotate 1522 based on the central axis 1500 of the character 1510 . By rotating the character 1521 in the app icon image 1520 ( 1522 ), the user may be able to check his or her character as the app icon image 1520 .

In contrast, the game providing device 1520 rotates the character 1521 in a desired direction according to the user's control when setting the app icon image, and then generates the app icon image 1520 as the rotated character image 1521 . You may.

17 is a diagram for explaining an emphasis on a changed portion when a partial image of an app icon image is changed according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17 , the weapon 1612 of the character 1611 may be changed from the pre-changed app icon image 1610 . At this time, the game providing device 100 emphasizes the changed weapon 1622 of the character 1621 in the to-be-changed app icon image 1620 for a predetermined period (eg, one day) (eg, brightness adjustment, saturation adjustment, and blinking lights).

Through this, when a part (weapon 1612) of the app icon image 1610 is changed, the game providing device 100 shows the changed part (weapon 1622) in the changed app icon image 1620 and the remaining unchanged part. (character 1621 ) may be displayed differently. For example, the game providing device 100 may display a gun, which is the weapon 1622 of the character 1621 , in an emphasized color in the app icon image 1620 .

Although the above-described embodiment is described based on the character, when the stage information is changed in the app icon image displaying the stage information, the stage information may be displayed to be highlighted, and some elements other than the character in the app icon image are also displayed. When changed, the changed part can be highlighted and displayed.

Through this, the game providing device 100 may change the app icon image based on the in-game data. The game providing apparatus 100 may set different app icon images according to the game progress status of each user, and thus may provide an app icon image reflecting the game progress status.

As such, since the game providing device 100 generates an app icon by using each user's game data, it is possible to provide a customized app icon image to each user, thereby increasing the satisfaction according to the use of the app, and for the app. By increasing interest, you can increase your app's preference.

The term '~ unit' used in the above embodiments means software or hardware components such as field programmable gate array (FPGA) or ASIC, and '~ unit' performs certain roles. However, '-part' is not limited to software or hardware. The '~ unit' may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium or may be configured to refresh one or more processors. Thus, as an example, '~' denotes components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, and processes, functions, properties, and procedures. , subroutines, segments of program patent code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

Functions provided in components and '~ units' may be combined into a smaller number of components and '~ units' or separated from additional components and '~ units'.

In addition, components and '~ units' may be implemented to play one or more CPUs in a device or secure multimedia card.

The game providing method according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 may also be implemented in the form of a computer-readable medium for storing instructions and data executable by a computer. In this case, the instructions and data may be stored in the form of program codes, and when executed by the processor, a predetermined program module may be generated to perform a predetermined operation. In addition, computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable medium may be a computer recording medium, which is a volatile and non-volatile and non-volatile storage medium implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data It may include both volatile, removable and non-removable media. For example, the computer recording medium may be a magnetic storage medium such as HDD and SSD, an optical recording medium such as CD, DVD, and Blu-ray disc, or a memory included in a server accessible through a network.

Also, the game providing method according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 may be implemented as a computer program (or computer program product) including instructions executable by a computer. The computer program includes programmable machine instructions processed by a processor, and may be implemented in a high-level programming language, an object-oriented programming language, an assembly language, or a machine language. . In addition, the computer program may be recorded in a tangible computer-readable recording medium (eg, a memory, a hard disk, a magnetic/optical medium, or a solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

Accordingly, the game providing method according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5 may be implemented by executing the above-described computer program by a computing device. The computing device may include at least a portion of a processor, a memory, a storage device, a high-speed interface connected to the memory and the high-speed expansion port, and a low-speed interface connected to the low-speed bus and the storage device. Each of these components is connected to each other using various buses, and may be mounted on a common motherboard or in any other suitable manner.

Here, the processor may process a command within the computing device, such as for displaying graphic information for providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on an external input or output device, such as a display connected to a high-speed interface. Examples are instructions stored in memory or a storage device. In other embodiments, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may be used with multiple memories and types of memory as appropriate. In addition, the processor may be implemented as a chipset formed by chips including a plurality of independent analog and/or digital processors.

Memory also stores information within the computing device. As an example, the memory may be configured as a volatile memory unit or a set thereof. As another example, the memory may be configured as a non-volatile memory unit or a set thereof. The memory may also be another form of computer readable medium such as, for example, a magnetic or optical disk.

In addition, the storage device may provide a large-capacity storage space to the computing device. A storage device may be a computer-readable medium or a component comprising such a medium, and may include, for example, devices or other components within a storage area network (SAN), a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory, or other semiconductor memory device or device array similar thereto.

The above-described embodiments are for illustration, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the above-described embodiments pertain can easily transform into other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the above-described embodiments. You will understand. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single type may be implemented in a dispersed form, and likewise components described as distributed may be implemented in a combined form.

The scope to be protected through this specification is indicated by the claims described below rather than the above detailed description, and should be construed to include all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents. .

100: game providing device 110: input/output unit
120: communication unit 130: storage unit
140: control unit 141: in-game data management unit
142: icon image change unit

Claims (30)

an input/output unit for displaying an app icon image on the screen; and
A control unit for changing the app icon image based on in-game data,
The controller monitors changes in the in-game data and, upon detecting the occurrence of an app icon change event, changes the app icon image and displays the changed app icon image on the input/output unit. The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
As a result of monitoring the change in the in-game data, if the user in the game achieves a predetermined level, it is determined that the app icon change event has occurred, and the app icon image provided to the user is changed to an app icon image corresponding to the predetermined level game providing device. The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
An image related to a character is included in the app icon image, and when the character is customized, it is determined that the app icon change event has occurred, and the app icon image is changed using the customized character. 4. The method of claim 3,
The control unit is
When detecting a changed part in the image of the character, the game providing apparatus for adjusting the display range of the image of the character displayed on the app icon image so that the detected part is displayed. delete The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
As a result of monitoring the change of the in-game data, if a non-connection state from a user is confirmed for a predetermined period, it is determined that the app icon change event has occurred, and alarm information is added to the app icon image. The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
Stage-related information is included in the app icon image, and as a result of monitoring changes in the in-game data, when a specific stage is completed, it is determined that the app icon change event has occurred, and the stage in which the app icon image is played by the user A game providing device that uses information to make changes. delete The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
Detecting data generated by the user's play among the in-game data, and changing the app icon image based on the detected information,
A game providing apparatus that provides, to the other user, the same app icon image as the app icon image provided to the user, when information of another user who has a relationship with the user is detected. 10. The method of claim 9,
The control unit is
A game providing apparatus for changing an image to display both the user's character and the other user's character in the app icon image when information of the user and the other user with whom the relationship is established in the game is detected. 10. The method of claim 9,
The control unit is
A game providing apparatus for changing the app icon image to an image representing the guild when the user detects information related to the guild joined by the user. The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
A game providing apparatus for changing an app icon image provided to the user by using information corresponding to the game server to which the user is connected, when a plurality of game servers exist. The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
When a time-based mission is in progress, the game providing apparatus is configured to include at least one of information on a progress time and remaining time related to the mission in the app icon image. delete The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
The app icon image before the change and the app icon image to be changed are displayed alternately for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time elapses, the app icon image to be changed is displayed to change the app icon image,
If there are a plurality of app icon images, a game providing device for setting a representative app icon image and a sub app icon image, and displaying the representative app icon image as the app icon image. delete delete delete The method of claim 1,
The control unit is
A game providing device for converting the app icon image into the changed image when the image corresponding to the app icon image is changed on a screen other than the screen matching the user account. In the game providing method performed by the game providing device,
monitoring changes in in-game data; and
A method of providing a game, comprising the step of changing the app icon image displayed on the screen upon detecting the occurrence of an app icon change event. 21. The method of claim 20,
Changing the app icon image includes:
determining that the app icon change event has occurred when the user in the game achieves a predetermined level as a result of monitoring the change in the in-game data; and
and changing the app icon image provided to the user into an app icon image corresponding to the predetermined level. 21. The method of claim 20,
Changing the app icon image includes:
determining that the app icon change event has occurred when an image related to a character is included in the app icon image and the character is customized; and
and changing the app icon image using a customized character. 23. The method of claim 22,
Changing the app icon image includes:
and adjusting a display range of the image of the character displayed on the app icon image so that the detected part is displayed when a changed part is detected in the image of the character. 21. The method of claim 20,
Changing the app icon image includes:
and providing, to the other user, an app icon image identical to an app icon image provided to the user when information of another user with whom the relationship is established with the user is detected. 21. The method of claim 20,
Changing the app icon image includes:
determining that the app icon change event has occurred when a stage-related information is included in the app icon image and a specific stage is completed as a result of monitoring a change in the in-game data; and
and changing the app icon image using stage information being played by a user. 21. The method of claim 20,
Changing the app icon image includes:
When a plurality of game servers exist, the game providing method comprising the step of changing the app icon image by using the information corresponding to the game server to which the user is connected. 21. The method of claim 20,
Changing the app icon image includes:
If a time-based mission is in progress, setting the app icon image to include at least one of information on the progress time and remaining time related to the mission. 21. The method of claim 20,
Changing the app icon image includes:
and converting the app icon image into the changed image when an image that matches the user account and corresponds to the app icon image is changed on a screen other than the screen. A computer-readable recording medium in which a program for performing the method according to claim 20 is recorded. A computer program stored in the medium for performing the method according to claim 20, performed by the game providing device.

Images