KR20200093485A - Method and apparatus for providing a communication function in an instance area - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, provided is a method for providing a communication function in an instance space of an online game, comprising the steps of: receiving, from a user terminal of a first user account, a timeout request of a group including a character of the first user account located in an instance space; setting at least one game object in the instance space to be deactivated for a predetermined period based on the timeout request; receiving information for controlling the display of a game screen from the user terminal of the first user account during the deactivated predetermined period; and controlling the game screen displayed on the user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account based on the information for controlling the display of the received game screen. According to the present invention, user′s interest is increased and convenient communication functions are provided.

Description

Method and device for providing communication function in the instance space of an online game {METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A COMMUNICATION FUNCTION IN AN INSTANCE AREA}

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for providing a communication function in an online game.

2. Description of the Related Art With the development of computing devices and network environments, users who enjoy online-based games using various wired and wireless communication devices are increasing significantly. Online games generate interest in a user's game by providing a character directly controlled by the user and items included in the character.

In particular, in recent games, instance space is used to solve a problem caused by multiple users sharing a certain online space. The instance space is a method of copying or creating a map or game object in a predetermined space and providing it in units of users or parties.

That is, the instance space is a method in which a specific space is duplicated and provided to a predetermined unit of users so that many users can enjoy the game at the same time while solving the problem caused by too many users gathering only in a specific space.

Since the instance space is divided into users of a predetermined unit to perform game play, it may be possible to provide additional communication in addition to the basic communication method of online games.

Accordingly, there is a demand for development of a new communication system having high convenience and high user interest.

The present disclosure is intended to provide a communication function in an instance space.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for providing a communication function in an instance space of an online game includes: timeout of a group including a character of a first user account located in an instance space from a user terminal of the first user account Receiving a request; Setting at least one game object in the instance space to be deactivated for a predetermined period based on the timeout request; Receiving information controlling a display of a game screen from a user terminal of the first user account during the deactivated predetermined period; And controlling the game screen displayed on the user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account based on the information controlling the display of the received game screen.

The setting of at least one game object in the instance space to be deactivated for a predetermined period of time may include obtaining information about whether to agree to the timeout request from a user terminal of a second user account included in the same group, and The at least one game object in the instance space may be set to be deactivated for a predetermined period based on the information on the consent of the acquired timeout request.

Whether or not to agree with the time-out request is determined based on the setting of the second user account, and the setting of the second user account is a setting that allows all time-out requests and a setting that allows only time-out requests of a given user account. And it may be one of the settings that do not allow the time-out request of all user accounts.

Receiving information for controlling the display of a game screen from a user terminal of the first user account during the deactivated predetermined period includes: information for controlling a view of a game screen from the user terminal of the first user account and the game At least one of information for controlling annotation displayed on the screen may be received.

Control of the viewpoint of the game screen rotates the screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account by rotating the viewpoint of the game screen around the character of the first user account or fixing the game screen at a predetermined viewpoint It is possible to rotate the view of the game screen according to a predetermined route.

The annotation displayed on the game screen may include at least one of ping, highlight, marking, line, figure, text, image, and chat between user accounts.

Controlling a game screen displayed on a user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account is included in the same group based on information controlling display of the received game screen. It is possible to control at least one of a view of the game screen or a display of annotations on the user terminal of the second user account.

Controlling a game screen displayed on a user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account is based on the information controlling the display of the received game screen, the second user account It is possible to control the user terminal to share the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account.

Controlling the game screen displayed on the user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account may include controlling the first user account on the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the second user account. It may be controlled to display information indicating that the game screen displayed on the user terminal is being shared.

The timeout request may be requested every predetermined time interval or a predetermined number of times.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of providing a communication function in an instance space of an online game includes: transmitting a timeout request of a group located in the instance space; Receiving information on whether to deactivate at least one game object in the instance space determined based on whether or not to consent to a timeout request of another user account in the group; Transmitting control information for controlling the game screen at the user terminal; And controlling a viewpoint of the game screen on the user terminal based on the control information or displaying an annotation.

The control of the viewpoint of the game screen rotates the viewpoint of the game screen around the character of the first user account, the game screen is fixed at a predetermined viewpoint, or the viewpoint of the game screen is rotated according to a predetermined route. The annotation may include at least one of ping, highlight, marking, line, figure, text, image, and chat between user accounts.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a computer-readable recording medium recording a program for implementing the method.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a server providing a communication function in an instance space of an online game includes: a communication unit; Memory; And the user terminal of the first user account, controlling the communication unit to receive a timeout request of a group including a character of the first user account located in the instance space, and based on the timeout request, at least in the instance space. One game object is set to be deactivated for a predetermined period, and the communication unit is controlled to receive information controlling display of a game screen from a user terminal of the first user account during the deactivated predetermined period, and the received It may include a processor for controlling the game screen displayed on the user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account based on the information for controlling the display of the game screen.

The processor obtains information on whether to agree to the timeout request from a user terminal of a second user account included in the same group, and based on the information on the consent of the acquired timeout request in the instance space. At least one game object may be set to be inactive for a predetermined period.

Whether or not to agree with the time-out request is determined based on the setting of the second user account, and the setting of the second user account is a setting that allows all time-out requests and a setting that allows only time-out requests of a given user account. And it may be one of the settings that do not allow the time-out request of all user accounts.

The processor may control the communication unit to receive at least one of information for controlling a viewpoint of a game screen and information for controlling an annotation displayed on the game screen from a user terminal of the first user account.

The control of the viewpoint of the game screen rotates the screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account around the character of the first user account, or the game screen is fixed at a predetermined time. It is possible to rotate the view of the game screen according to a predetermined route.

The annotation displayed on the game screen may include at least one of ping, highlight, marking, line, figure, text, image, and chat between user accounts.

The processor may control at least one of a display of a view or an annotation of the game screen at a user terminal of a second user account included in the same group based on information for controlling the display of the received game screen. .

The processor may control the user terminal of the second user account to share the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account based on the information controlling the display of the received game screen.

The processor may control to display information indicating that the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account is shared on the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the second user account.

The timeout request may be requested every predetermined time interval or a predetermined number of times.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a user terminal providing a communication function in an instance space of an online game includes: a communication unit; User interface; And transmitting a timeout request of a group located in an instance space, receiving information about whether to deactivate at least one game object in the instance space determined based on whether or not to agree to a timeout request of another user account in the group, and a user It may include a processor for controlling the communication unit to transmit the control information for controlling the game screen in the terminal, and to control the viewpoint of the game screen in the user terminal on the basis of the control information, or to display an annotation. have.

The control of the viewpoint of the game screen rotates the viewpoint of the game screen around the character of the first user account, the game screen is fixed at a predetermined viewpoint, or the viewpoint of the game screen is rotated according to a predetermined route. The annotation may include at least one of ping, highlight, marking, line, figure, text, image, and chat between user accounts.

Embodiments of the present disclosure increase the user's interest and provide a convenient communication function.

1 illustrates a network system including a server and a user terminal according to some embodiments.
2 is a diagram illustrating synchronization between a server and a user terminal according to some embodiments.
3 is a diagram for describing a time-out function between a server and a user terminal when using an instance space of a server according to some embodiments.
4 is a flowchart of a method for providing a communication function in an instance space of a server according to some embodiments.
5 is a view for explaining a timeout request according to some embodiments.
6 to 7 are diagrams for explaining timeout execution according to whether or not to agree to a user account according to some embodiments.
8 is a view for explaining switching and sharing of a viewpoint of a game screen according to some embodiments.
9 is a view for explaining annotation display and sharing of a game screen according to some embodiments.
10 is a flowchart of a method of providing a communication function in an instance space of a user terminal of a first user account according to some embodiments.
11 is a diagram for describing a detailed configuration of a server according to some embodiments.
12 is a diagram for describing a detailed configuration of a user terminal according to some embodiments.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to contents described in the accompanying drawings. Also, a method of configuring and using an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to contents described in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers or reference numerals in each drawing denote parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, the first component may be referred to as a second component without departing from the scope of the present invention, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as a first component. The term and/or includes a combination of a plurality of related items or any one of a plurality of related items.

Terms used in the present specification are used to describe examples, and are not intended to limit and/or limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as include or have are intended to designate the existence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and one or more other features, numbers, or steps. It should be understood that it does not preclude the existence or addition possibility of the operation, components, parts or combinations thereof.

Throughout the specification, when a part is connected to another part, this includes not only the case of being directly connected, but also the case of being electrically connected with another element in between. Also, when a part includes a certain component, this means that other components may be further included rather than excluding other components unless otherwise specified. In addition, terms such as “... unit” and “module” described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. .

In the following specification, the viewpoint of the game screen means a manner in which the game space photographed through a virtual camera photographing the game space is displayed on the screen. There are two types of views on the game execution screen: first person view and third person view, first person view means that the game execution screen is displayed according to the user's character's gaze, and third person view is not the view of the user's character. This means that the game execution screen is displayed, including the character of the user from another location. In addition, the direction of the viewpoint of the game execution screen means the shooting direction of the virtual camera that shoots the game space, and rotates or fixes the virtual camera by user input to display the left, right, front and rear of the game space. Can.

In the following disclosure, the timeout may include at least one of a time for pause and communication of an online game.

In the following disclosure, items may include various objects in the game, such as items and products, and equipment, in-game characters such as weapons, armor, clothes, and crystals, and boarding and food for in-game characters , Consumers such as potions, experience points, buffs, etc. may mean all digital and cyber objects that a user can acquire in the game, and are not limited to the above examples.

In the following disclosure, a game object may mean a virtual object existing in a game space. For example, the game object may include a user's game character (for example, an avatar), a user's vehicle (a vehicle), a user's pet, and the like, but is not limited thereto, and a game space such as a background or terrain It can mean any object implemented within.

In the following disclosure, a character may mean a predetermined object that can be controlled by a user in the game. Character information is information related to the game character, and includes all information about the character, such as the level of the character, the grade of the character, the cumulative usage time of the character, the amount of the character's holding, the character's reputation, the achievement rate of the character, and the achievement rate of the character It can, and is not limited to the above example.

In the following description of the present disclosure, a user account may mean an account of a user including at least one character. In the game, a user may create a plurality of characters, and a plurality of characters may exist in a form dependent on one user account. Of course, it is not limited to the above example, and a form of providing a game service through one user account may also exist. The user account information may include a user's name, phone number, email address, game usage period, etc., and is not limited to the above example.

In the following disclosure, a group may mean a set of user accounts in a predetermined unit that can be identified, such as a guild, party, or circle.

In the following disclosure, a mission, a quest, and a request may mean a mission provided in the game. In other words, missions, quests, and referrals can mean actions to achieve a given goal in the game. Also, one mission may consist of at least one sub mission (or sub quest). In addition, the mission may include various types of missions.

In the present disclosure below, a user may mean a user or a gamer, and is not limited to the above example.

In the following disclosure, meaning that the server controls the user terminal means that the server outputs from the user terminal through communication with the user terminal (all output devices in the user terminal, such as screen display, sound output, vibration output, and lamp emission). And it may mean that the user terminal provides data for performing a predetermined operation. Of course, the user terminal may control the output from the user terminal using the pre-stored data, and is not limited to the above example.

In the following disclosure, the sharing of the game screen is not only when the first user account directly provides the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account, but also when the server displays the game screen on the user terminal of the first user account. It may also include the case of controlling the second user account to be the same as the display of the game screen on the user terminal.

In the following disclosure, the meaning of transmitting and receiving information or data with a user account may include the meaning of transmitting and receiving information or data with a device (or user terminal) corresponding or linked with a user account.

In the following disclosure, the user account corresponding to the user terminal may include a user account logged in or connected to the service through the user terminal and a user account in which the user terminal stores information. In addition, the user terminal of the user account may mean a user terminal to which a user account is logged in, user account information is stored, or a user account is accessed.

1 illustrates a network system including a server and a user terminal according to some embodiments.

The network 100 of the present invention may include a server 170 and at least one user terminal 110 to 160. The server 170 may provide various online activities through a network network. The server 170 may simultaneously provide online activities to at least one user terminal 110 to 160.

According to some embodiments, the server 170 may include a single server, a collection of servers, a cloud server, etc., and is not limited to the above example. The server 170 provides various online activities, and may include a database storing data for online activities. Also, the server 170 may include a payment server that generates and processes payment events.

According to some embodiments, a network means a connection established (or formed) using all communication methods, and may mean a communication network connected through all communication methods that transmit and receive data between a terminal and a terminal or between a terminal and a server. .

All communication methods may include all communication methods such as a predetermined communication standard, a predetermined frequency band, a predetermined protocol, or communication through a predetermined channel. For example, it may include Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, 3G, LTE, a communication method through ultrasound, and the like, and may include short-range communication, telecommunication, wireless communication, and wired communication. Of course, it is not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, the short-range communication method may mean a communication method in which communication is possible only when a device (terminal or server) performing communication is within a predetermined range. For example, Bluetooth, NFC, etc. It can contain. The long-distance communication method may mean a communication method in which a device performing communication can communicate regardless of a distance. For example, a long-distance communication method may mean a method in which two devices performing communication through a repeater such as an AP can communicate even when a predetermined distance is greater than or equal to a cellular network (3G, LTE) such as SMS and telephone. It may include the communication method used. Of course, it is not limited to the above example. The meaning of receiving an online activity using a network network may include a meaning that communication between a server and a terminal can be performed through all communication methods.

At least one user terminal (110 to 160) in the specification is a personal computer (Personal Computer) 110, a tablet (Tablet) 120, a cell phone (Cellular Phone) 130, a notebook 140, a smart phone In addition to the 150 and TV 160, various electronic devices such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PMPs (Portable Multimedia Players), navigation, MP3 players, digital cameras, refrigerators, washing machines, and cleaners may be included. It is not limited to examples.

According to some embodiments, online activities may include online games, portal services, and social network services (SNS), and are not limited to the above examples. In addition, online games may include various genres such as sports, MMORPG, AOS, FPS, TCG, and CCG. Also, the online game may be a game of a user-to-user confrontation method, or may be a method of confronting a user with a computer (for example, artificial intelligence). It may also be a game of construction or embellishment rather than a confrontation. Of course, it is not limited to the above example and there is no limit to the form of the online game.

According to some embodiments, the server 170 timeouts a group including a character of a first user account located in the instance space from a user terminal of the first user account to provide a communication function in the instance space of the online game. Upon receiving the request, based on the timeout request, at least one game object in the instance space is set to be deactivated for a predetermined period of time, and the display of the game screen is displayed from the user terminal of the first user account during the deactivated period of time. Based on the information that controls and controls the display of the received game screen, the game screen displayed on the user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account may be controlled.

According to some embodiments, at least one of the user terminals 110 to 160 transmits a timeout request of a group located in the instance space to the server 170 to provide a communication function in the instance space of the online game, and within the group Receives information about whether to deactivate at least one game object in the instance space determined based on whether or not the other user account agrees to the timeout request, transmits control information for controlling the game screen in the user terminal, and based on the control information By controlling the viewpoint of the game screen on the user terminal, it is possible to display the annotation. This is explained in more detail below.

2 is a diagram illustrating synchronization between a server and a user terminal according to some embodiments. 2 shows a synchronization system 220 during gameplay and a synchronization system 240 when gameplay is paused.

Referring to the synchronization system 220 during gameplay of FIG. 2, during gameplay, the logic of the server 170 is updated, the updated logic is synchronized with the user terminal 150, and the synchronized user terminal 150 ), the presentation may be updated according to the updated logic.

According to some embodiments, logic means a program in a server or a user terminal that generates, displays, and stores data, and presentation can mean a display to a user.

In other words, when the data of the server 170 is updated according to the play of the user account in the synchronization system 220 during game play, the data of the user terminal 150 is also synchronized through synchronization between the server 170 and the user terminal 150. The display of the game screen on the user terminal 150 may also be updated based on the updated data.

However, referring to the synchronization system 240 when the game play is paused in FIG. 2, when the game play is paused, the logic update of the server 170 is also paused, and the logic update of the user terminal 150 is also paused. The presentation update is also paused. That is, when the logic update in the server 170 is paused, the logic update and the presentation update in the user terminal 150 are also paused.

Accordingly, in the online game, when the server 170 pauses the game, the user terminal 150 may also be paused. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a pause function in an online game in which multiple user accounts play in real time. This will be described in more detail in FIG. 3 below.

3 is a diagram for describing a time-out function between a server and a user terminal when using an instance space of a server according to some embodiments. 3 shows a system 320 that provides a game service that does not use the instance space and a system 340 that provides a game service that uses the instance space.

According to some embodiments, the server 170 may be connected to a plurality of user terminals 130 to 150. As described in FIG. 2, when the logic of the server 170 is updated, the logic of the plurality of user terminals 130 to 150 is updated through a synchronization procedure, and the presentations of the plurality of user terminals 130 to 150 are also updated. However, when the game play is paused on the server 170, the logic update of the server 170 is also paused, and the logic update of all of the plurality of user terminals 130 to 150 may also be stopped.

Conversely, in the case of a system 340 that provides a game service using an instance space, the server 170 can provide a game service by providing an instance space in a group unit including a plurality of user terminals 120 to 150. have. Referring to the system 340 illustrated in FIG. 3, the server 170 is the first instance in the first group including the 1-1 user terminal to the 1-4 user terminal 121, 131, 141, 151. Provide a space, provide a second instance space to the second group including the 2-1 user terminal to the 2-4 user terminal (122, 132, 142, 152), the 3-1 user terminal to the third A third instance space may be provided to a third group including 3-4 user terminals 123, 133, 143, and 153.

According to some embodiments, the server may independently perform logic updates for each instance space. Therefore, when the game play in the second instance space is paused and the logic update is paused, the logic update and presentation update of the second group of user terminals 122, 132, 142, and 152 are paused. However, since the game play of the first instance space and the third instance space continues, the first group of user terminals 121, 131, 141, 151 and the third group of user terminals 123, 133, 143, 153 Logic update and presentation update are performed.

In other words, since the server may be paused in units of instance space, it may be possible to pause game play only for user terminals in a group using an instance space in which logic updates are paused, rather than all user terminals. Therefore, the pause function of the game can be provided in an instance space unit such as an instance dungeon. Also, communication for cooperative play may be possible between user accounts during the pause period.

4 is a flowchart of a method for providing a communication function in an instance space of a server according to some embodiments.

In step 420, the server may receive a timeout request of the group including the character of the first user account located in the instance space.

According to some embodiments, the time-out request may be a pause of game play of a group in the instance space, and may be a request of using a game screen control and communication method in a certain manner with the pause of game play.

According to some embodiments, the timeout request may be requested every predetermined time interval or a predetermined number of times. For example, the time-out request may be possible only once or once an hour during game play in the instance space, or may be possible only once during the completion of a predetermined quest or every execution completion. The number of times the timeout request is possible may be different depending on the server setting.

In step 440, the server may set the at least one game object in the instance space to be deactivated for a predetermined period based on the timeout request.

According to some embodiments, deactivation of a game object may mean that an update of logic associated with each game object is paused according to a pause of the game. For example, deactivation of a game object may mean that the movement, attack, use of skill, etc. of the game object is paused. However, even if the game object is deactivated, the communication function including the display of the game screen of the user terminal or the chat function is activated, so it can be continuously used.

According to some embodiments, the server obtains information on whether to agree to the timeout request of the first user account from the user terminal of the second user account included in the same group, and the information on the consent of the obtained timeout request. Based on this, at least one game object in the instance space may be set to be inactive for a predetermined period.

In other words, when the first user account in the group requests a timeout, it is possible to check information on whether the second user account in the group agrees to the timeout request. The definition of the timeout request may be included in the user account setting information of the second user account, and the server may determine whether the second user account agrees to the timeout request based on the setting information of the second user account.

According to some embodiments, the setting related to the timeout agreement of the second user account may be a setting that allows all timeout requests, or a setting that does not allow timeout requests of all user accounts. In addition, the setting related to the timeout agreement of the second user account may be a setting that allows only a request for timeout of a predetermined user account. For example, the setting related to the timeout agreement of the second user account may be a setting that allows a request for timeout of only the user account registered as a friend of the second user account. Of course, it is not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, when the server receives a timeout request from the first user account, it queries the second user account to agree to the timeout of the first user account, and accepts the timeout request based on the query. It might be. That is, the server notifies the user terminal of the second user account that the timeout request of the first user account has been received, queries whether to agree, receives a response to agree, and at least within the instance space based on the received response. One game object may be set to be inactive for a predetermined period.

In step 460, the server may receive information controlling the display of the game screen from the user terminal of the first user account for a predetermined period of inactivity.

According to some embodiments, the server may receive at least one of information controlling a viewpoint of a game screen and information controlling an annotation displayed on the game screen from a user terminal of the first user account.

According to some embodiments, the control of the viewpoint of the game screen or the control of the annotation displayed on the game screen may be executable only during the timeout period, or may be executed at any time in the instance dungeon or game play.

According to some embodiments, the screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account is rotated with respect to the character of the first user account, the viewpoint of the game screen is rotated, the game screen is fixed at a predetermined time, or a predetermined route is set. Accordingly, a user input for controlling the viewpoint of the game screen that rotates the viewpoint of the game screen may be received from the user terminal of the first user account.

According to some embodiments, the server may control the display of the game screen on the user terminal of the first user account based on the user input from the first user terminal that controls the viewpoint of the game screen. Of course, based on the game program provided by the server, the user terminal of the first user account may control the display of the game screen on the user terminal of the first user account without control of the server.

According to some embodiments, the server may control the annotation display displayed on the game screen at the user terminal of the first user account based on the user input from the first user terminal controlling the annotation display displayed on the game screen. . Of course, based on the game program provided by the server, the user terminal of the first user account may control the annotation display displayed on the game screen at the user terminal of the first user account without control of the server.

According to some embodiments, the annotation displayed on the game screen may include at least one of ping, highlight, marking, line, shape, text, image, and chat between user accounts.

In step 470, the server may control the game screen displayed on the user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account based on the information controlling the display of the received game screen.

According to some embodiments, the server may be configured to display a view or comment of a game screen at the user terminal of the second user account included in the same group based on information controlling display of the game screen received at the user terminal of the first user account. At least one of the displays can be controlled.

For example, the server may control the user terminal of the second user account to display the same game screen as the display of the game screen on the user terminal of the first user account. In other words, the server may control the user terminal of the second user account to share the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account based on the information controlling the display of the received game screen.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the server may control to display information indicating that the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account is shared on the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the second user account.

For example, the server may control the user terminal of the second user account to display an annotation indicating that the first user account is displaying an annotation or adjusting the viewpoint of the game screen, and display the annotation based on the user input. 1 In the user terminal of the user account, the game screen displayed in can be controlled to be shared.

5 is a view for explaining a timeout request according to some embodiments. 5 shows a game screen 510 before a timeout request and a game screen 520 after a timeout request in the terminal of the first user account.

Referring to FIG. 5, the game screen 510 prior to the time-out request uses the character 501 of the first user account, the character 502 of the second user account, the monster 503, the minimap 504, and the potion. It may include an interface 505, a skill use interface 506, a communication interface 507, an boilerplate interface 508, and a timeout request interface 509. Of course, the game screen 510 prior to the time-out request is not limited to the illustration of FIG. 5, and may further display user account information (level, retained goods, etc.). That is, the game screen 510 may display more components than those illustrated in FIG. 5, or may include fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 5.

According to some embodiments, the characters 501 of the first user account and the characters 502 of the second user account may be included in the same group (eg, a party) using the same instance space.

Also, according to some embodiments, the monster 503 may be a game object existing in the instance space. The character 501 of the first user account and the character 502 of the second user account may also be game objects existing in the instance space. The monster 503 may be a game object used for performing a quest performed in the instance space.

According to some embodiments, the minimap 504 may be configured to display the arrangement of game objects within a predetermined range based on the character of the first user account.

According to some embodiments, the potion use interface 505 may be an interface using a potion held by a character of the first user account to recover HP or MP.

According to some embodiments, the skill use interface 506 may be an interface for a character of the first user account to use skill for in-game activities such as battle or collection. Skills are obvious to those skilled in the art, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

According to some embodiments, the communication interface 507 may be an interface that the first user account uses to communicate with other user accounts. The communication interface 507 may include an AutoText interface 508 and a timeout request interface 509. Of course, it is not limited to the above example, and the communication interface 507 may further include an annotation interface (not shown).

According to some embodiments, the boilerplate interface 508 may be an interface for outputting the boilerplate set by the first user account to a game screen or a chat window. For example, the boilerplate interface 508 may be an interface that outputs a stored boilerplate, such as "hello" and "thank you".

According to some embodiments, the timeout request interface 509 may be an interface that requests a timeout from the server. The timeout request interface 509 can only be activated within the instance space. That is, a timeout request may be possible only within the instance space.

According to some embodiments, the user terminal of the first user account may acquire a user input requesting a timeout through the timeout request interface 509 and transmit it to the server. The server may execute a timeout based on a timeout request from the user terminal of the first user account. Of course, the server may execute a timeout based on whether the character of the first user account is located in the instance dungeon or whether another user account in the same group as the first user account agrees to timeout.

As described above, execution of a timeout may be deactivation of a game object. According to some embodiments, deactivation of a game object may mean setting the activity of the game object to pause, such as movement of the game object, attack, use of skills, and the like.

Referring to the game screen 520 after the time-out request of FIG. 5, a time-out request interface 519 is deactivated differently from the game screen 510 before the time-out request. The time-out request can be requested every predetermined time interval or a predetermined number of times, so the first user account requesting the time-out cannot request the time-out again for a predetermined time. Therefore, the user terminal of the first user account may display the deactivated timeout request interface 519 after requesting a timeout.

According to some embodiments, the user terminal of the first user account may display the timeout request interface 519 deactivated by control of the server, or display the timeout request interface 519 deactivated without control of the server. It might be.

6 to 7 are diagrams for explaining timeout execution according to whether or not to agree to a user account according to some embodiments.

6 shows a timeout execution confirmation message 620. The timeout execution confirmation message 620 is as shown in FIG. 6, "The first user account, the first user account has timed out. The game has been stopped, but it is possible to switch time, display, and chat. If you don't want to allow it, you can change the timeout setting in Settings. You can include the phrase "Pause remain time 10:00".

According to some embodiments, the timeout execution confirmation message 620 may display information of the user account requesting the timeout, a guide phrase, and the remaining time of game pause. Of course, there may be no time limit for pausing the game, and if there is no time limit for pausing the game, the remaining time may not be displayed.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the guide phrase may include information about possible activities during the timeout period in which the game is paused (a phrase indicating that a view is possible to be switched, displayed, and chat) and timeout settings, It is not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, the timeout execution confirmation message 620 may be a message displayed on a user terminal of a user account other than the user account that requested the timeout. Of course, it is not limited to the above example, and the timeout execution confirmation message 620 may be a message displayed on the user terminal of all user accounts in the group.

Of course, the timeout execution confirmation message 620 is not limited to the illustrated example of FIG. 6, and more configurations than those illustrated in FIG. 6 may be displayed, or fewer configurations than those illustrated in FIG. 6 may be displayed. .

7 shows a timeout execution rejection message 720. As shown in FIG. 7, the timeout execution rejection message 720 may display a phrase “The timeout cannot be executed because the second user account has refused the timeout.” Of course, it is not limited to the above example, and the timeout execution rejection message 720 may further include a guide phrase such as information about timeout setting.

Also, according to some embodiments, the timeout execution rejection message 720 may be a message displayed on the user terminal of the user account that requested the timeout. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and the timeout execution rejection message 720 may be a message displayed at the user terminals of all user accounts in the group including the user account that requested the timeout.

In addition, the timeout execution rejection message 720 is not limited to the illustrated example of FIG. 7, and more configurations than those illustrated in FIG. 7 may be displayed, or fewer configurations than those illustrated in FIG. 7 may be displayed. .

8 is a view for explaining switching and sharing of a viewpoint of a game screen according to some embodiments.

8 shows a game screen 800 in a user terminal. Referring to FIG. 8, the game screen 800 includes a character 801 of a first user account, a character 802 of a second user account, a monster 803, a minimap 804, a potion use interface 805, It may include a first skill use interface 806, a full skill use interface 807, a chat interface 808, a viewpoint switch interface 809, a viewpoint mode information 810, and a timeout stop interface 811. Of course, the game screen 800 is not limited to the illustration of FIG. 8, and may further display user account information (level, retained goods, etc.). That is, the game screen 800 may display more components than the components illustrated in FIG. 8, or may include fewer components than the components illustrated in FIG. 8. In addition, the game screen of FIG. 8 may be an embodiment in which some components of the game screens 510 and 520 of FIG. 5 are differently illustrated.

Since the character 801 of the first user account, the character 802 of the second user account, the monster 803, the minimap 804, and the potion use interface 805 correspond to those described in FIG. 5, detailed description will be omitted. .

According to some embodiments, the first skill use interface 806 may be an interface that provides a skill that has been used immediately before, or a set skill that can be used quickly. Also, the entire skill use interface 807 may be an interface 807 in which all skills included in the character of the first user account are displayed and the skill is used according to the user input. Of course, it is not limited to the above example, and the skill use interface may be different according to a server setting or a user account setting.

According to some embodiments, the chat interface 808 may be an interface for inputting a chat. The chat interface may include a chat input window and a chat display window, and is not limited to the above example.

According to some embodiments, the viewpoint switching interface 809 may be an interface provided to control viewpoint. The viewpoint of the game screen may be variously changed based on user input through the viewpoint switching interface 809.

According to some embodiments, the viewpoint of the game screen is converted from the first person viewpoint to the third person based on the user input selecting the viewpoint switching interface 809, or the viewpoint viewed from above the character's head from the point of view of the front of the character (TOP VIEW). In addition, the viewpoint of the game screen may be controlled to rotate around the character of the first user account, the game screen may be fixed at a predetermined time point, or the viewpoint of the game screen may be controlled to rotate according to a predetermined route. Of course, it is possible to control the game screen view to be changed to correspond to the user input.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account may be displayed in the same manner on the user terminal of the second user account, depending on the input of the first user through the viewpoint switching interface 809. The game screen changed by changing the viewpoint may also be displayed in the same manner in the user terminal of the second user account.

According to some embodiments, the viewpoint mode information 810 may display information regarding the viewpoint mode currently being applied to the game screen. The free viewpoint mode may be a mode that controls the game screen viewpoint to be changed to correspond to a user input. Therefore, the viewpoint of the game screen may be changed based on user input.

According to some embodiments, the timeout stop interface 811 may be an interface requesting termination of execution of the timeout. When the timeout is executed, the user terminal of the first user account may request the server to end the timeout execution based on the user input selecting the timeout stop interface 811. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above example, and the timeout stop interface 811 may be displayed on the user terminals of all user accounts subject to the timeout execution, not the first user account. The user terminal of the user account may request the server to end execution of the timeout based on the user input through the timeout stop interface 811.

9 is a view for explaining annotation display and sharing of a game screen according to some embodiments.

9 shows a game screen 900 in a user terminal. Referring to FIG. 9, the game screen 900 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a character 901 of a first user account, a character 902 of a second user account, a monster 903, a chat display interface 904, and chat It may include an input interface 905, an annotation selection interface 906, displayed annotation information 907, a timeout stop interface 908, and viewpoint mode information 909. Of course, the game screen 900 is not limited to the illustration of FIG. 9, and may further display user account information (level, retained goods, etc.). That is, the game screen 900 may display more components than those illustrated in FIG. 9, or may include fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 9. In addition, the game screen of FIG. 9 may be an embodiment in which some components of the game screens 510 and 520 of FIG. 5 and the game screen 800 of FIG. 8 are differently illustrated.

The character 901 of the first user account, the character 902 of the second user account, and the monster 903 correspond to those described above, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

According to some embodiments, the chat display interface 904 is an interface in which input chats are displayed, and may be an interface in which chats input by at least one user account are output. According to some embodiments, the chat input interface 905 may be an interface for inputting a chat, and may be, for example, an interface for inputting a chat according to a user input in connection with a user interface such as a keyboard.

According to some embodiments, the annotation selection interface 906 may be an interface for selecting an annotation to be displayed on the screen. For example, the annotation may be ping, highlight, marking, line, shape, text, or image. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be an interface for selecting colors, drawings, and phrases corresponding to the activities in each game in order to display annotations matching the activities in the game, such as attack, movement, check, avoidance, and waiting.

For example, in FIG. 9, color and line shapes representing game activities such as attack, movement, check, avoidance, and waiting are respectively separated, and corresponding annotations may be selected and displayed according to user input.

According to some embodiments, the displayed annotation information 907 means an annotation displayed in the game screen, and an annotation selected through the annotation selection interface 906 is displayed in the game screen. For example, the circles 1, 2, and 3 indicate an attack at the corresponding location, and the contents indicated by arrows 1, 2, and 3 may indicate an movement according to the corresponding movement line.

In other words, the timeout may be a time to pause the game and discuss the operation for cooperative play between users. In order to facilitate cooperative play among users, a game meeting can be conducted through a viewpoint change, annotation display and chat on the game screen.

The time-out stop interface 908 and the viewpoint mode information 909 correspond to the above-mentioned instructions, so a detailed description is omitted.

10 is a flowchart of a method of providing a communication function in an instance space of a user terminal of a first user account according to some embodiments.

In step 1020, the user terminal of the first user account may transmit a timeout request of the group located in the instance space.

According to some embodiments, the timeout request may be requested every predetermined time interval or a predetermined number of times. For example, the time-out request may be possible only once or once an hour during game play in the instance space, or may be possible only once during the completion of a predetermined quest or every execution completion. The number of times the timeout request is possible may be different depending on the server setting.

In step 1040, the user terminal of the first user account may receive information on whether to deactivate at least one game object in the instance space determined based on whether the other user account in the group agrees to the timeout request.

According to some embodiments, based on a timeout request of the first user account, the server obtains information about whether or not to agree to the timeout of the other user account, and based on whether or not to agree with the timeout of the other user account, the server may use the instance space within the instance space. At least one game object can be deactivated. In other words, the server may pause the game and transmit information regarding the pause of the game to at least one user terminal.

In step 1060, the user terminal of the first user account may transmit control information for controlling the game screen in the user terminal.

According to some embodiments, the control of the viewpoint of the game screen rotates the viewpoint of the game screen around the character of the first user account, the game screen is fixed at a predetermined viewpoint, or the viewpoint of the game screen according to a predetermined route Is to rotate, and the annotation may include at least one of ping, highlight, marking, line, shape, text, image, and chat between user accounts.

In step 1080, the user terminal of the first user account may control the viewpoint of the game screen in the user terminal or display a comment based on the control information.

According to some embodiments, the user terminal of the first user account controls the timing of the game screen on the user terminal of the first user account based on the control command generated by the server based on the control information transmitted in step 1060, Comments can be displayed. Of course, the user terminal of the first user account can control the viewpoint of the game screen on the user terminal of the first user account based on the stored program and control information without a server control command.

Also, in some embodiments, game screen information controlled by the user terminal of the first user account may be transmitted to the server. The server may transmit the acquired game screen information to a user terminal of at least one other user account.

11 is a diagram for describing a detailed configuration of a server according to some embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the server 1100 according to some embodiments may include a processor 1110, a communication unit 1130, and a memory 1150. However, not all components shown in FIG. 11 are essential components of the server 1100. The server 1100 may be implemented by more components than the components illustrated in FIG. 11, and the server 1100 may be implemented by fewer components than the components illustrated in FIG. 11.

According to some embodiments, the processor 1110 typically controls the overall operation of the server 1100. For example, the processor 1110 may control overall components included in the server 1100 by executing a program stored in the server 1100.

According to some embodiments, the processor 1110 controls the communication unit 1130 to receive a timeout request of a group including a character of a first user account located in the instance space, and based on the timeout request, in the instance space At least one game object may be set to be inactive for a predetermined period.

In addition, the processor 1110 controls the communication unit 1130 to receive information for controlling the display of the game screen from the user terminal of the first user account for a predetermined period of inactivity, and to the information for controlling the display of the received game screen Based on this, the game screen displayed on the user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account may be controlled.

According to some embodiments, the processor 1110 obtains information on whether to agree to the timeout request from the user terminal of the second user account included in the same group, and based on the information on the consent of the obtained timeout request At least one game object in the instance space may be set to be inactive for a predetermined period.

Also, according to some embodiments, the processor 1110 receives the communication unit 1130 to receive at least one of information for controlling a viewpoint of a game screen and information for controlling an annotation displayed on the game screen from the user terminal of the first user account. Can be controlled.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the processor 1110 may display at least one of a display or an annotation of a game screen at a user terminal of a second user account included in the same group based on information controlling display of the received game screen. Can be controlled.

According to some embodiments, the processor 1110 may control the user terminal of the second user account to share the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account based on the information controlling the display of the received game screen. Can.

According to some embodiments, the processor 1110 may control the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the second user account to display information indicating that the game screen displayed on the user terminal of the first user account is shared. have.

According to some embodiments, the communication unit 1130 provides information (eg, timeout request, screen control information) required to provide a communication function in an instance space of an online game to a user terminal under the control of the processor 1110 Etc.), and receive data based on user input from the user terminal. In addition, according to some embodiments, the communication unit 1130 may transmit and receive data to and from the user terminal, and data transmitted and received to and from the user terminal may include control data for controlling a user terminal or a program included in the user terminal.

Also, the memory 1150 may store a program for processing and controlling the processor 1110, and may store data input to or output from the server 1100. According to some embodiments, the memory 1150 may store information related to a user account or game related information.

Also, according to some embodiments, the processor 1110 may provide a communication function in the instance space of the above-described online game using the program stored in the memory 1150.

According to some embodiments, the memory 1150 is a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (RAM, Random Access Memory) SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (ROM, Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) , A storage medium of at least one type of a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. Also, according to some embodiments, programs stored in the memory 1150 may be classified into a plurality of modules according to their functions.

In addition, according to some embodiments, a method for providing a communication function in an instance space of an online game may be performed by the server 1100 and the user terminal 1200 separately, and the server 1100 and the user terminal 1200 may be separately performed. It can also be done. That is, all of the above-described steps may be performed by the server 1100, the user terminal 1200, or the server 1100 and the user terminal 1200 may be divided. Also, at least one configuration included in the server 1100 may perform the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

12 is a diagram for describing a detailed configuration of a user terminal according to some embodiments.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the user terminal 1200 according to some embodiments may include a processor 1210, a user interface 1230, and a communication unit 1250. However, not all components illustrated in FIG. 12 are essential components of the user terminal 1200. The user terminal 1200 may be implemented by more components than those illustrated in FIG. 12, or the user terminal 1200 may be implemented by fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 12.

According to some embodiments, the processor 1210 typically controls the overall operation of the user terminal 1200. For example, the processor 1210 may control the components included in the user terminal 1200 by executing a program stored in the user terminal 1200. Also, the processor 1210 may control the user interface 1230 and the communication unit 1250.

According to some embodiments, the processor 1210 performs some or all of a method of providing a communication function in an instance space of an online game by executing a program stored in the user terminal 1200 under the control of the server 1100 can do. As described above, some or all of a method for providing a communication function in an instance space of an online game may be performed in the server 1100 or the user terminal 1200, and the steps performed in the user terminal 1200 are user terminals It can be performed under the control of the processor 1210 of 1200.

According to some embodiments, the processor 1210 transmits a timeout request of a group located in the instance space, and deactivates at least one game object in the instance space determined based on whether or not to agree with the timeout request of another user account in the group. Controls the communication unit 1250 to receive control information for controlling the game screen at the user terminal, and to control the view point of the game screen at the user terminal or to display annotations based on the control information. Can be controlled.

According to some embodiments, the user interface 1230 may include various interfaces. For example, the user interface 1230 includes a key pad, a dome switch, a voice input interface, a fingerprint input interface, and a touch input interface (contact capacitive type, pressure resistive film type, infrared detection) Method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, integral tension measurement method, piezo effect method, etc.), camera, jog wheel, jog switch, etc. can include various interfaces, such as acceleration sensor, position sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor, etc. You can also interface with the user interface. Of course, it is not limited to the above example.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the user interface 1230 may further include an output unit (not shown). The output unit is a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display, It may include at least one of the electrophoretic display (electrophoretic display). When the display and the touch pad are configured as a touch screen in a layer structure, the display may be used as an input device in addition to an output device. In addition, the output unit (not shown) may include an LED lamp, a vibration motor, a speaker, a flash, and the like, and is not limited to the above example.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the user interface 1230 may receive a user input requesting a timeout. In addition, the user interface 1230 is a game play screen, a pause screen of game play, a screen where a viewpoint is switched by control information, or a comment is displayed based on control data received from the server 1100 through the communication unit 1250. Various game screens can be displayed. In addition, according to some embodiments, the user interface 1230 may output game notification information as an image, video, sound, vibration, lamp, and the like.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the communication unit 1250 may transmit and receive various information and data, such as a time-out request and game screen control information, to and from the server.

According to some embodiments, the communication unit 1250 is a Bluetooth communication unit, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication unit, a near field communication unit (Near Field Communication), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared (IrDA), infrared data association ) May include a communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an Ant+ communication unit, but is not limited thereto.

Also, according to some embodiments, the communication unit 1250 transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call signal, or a text/multimedia message.

According to some embodiments, the user terminal 1200 may further include a memory (not shown). The memory (not shown) can store various information, and the form stored in the memory (not shown) is not limited.

According to some embodiments, the memory (not shown) includes a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, and a card type memory (for example, SD Or XD memory, etc., random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPMROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM) ), a storage medium of at least one of a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Also, according to some embodiments, programs stored in a memory (not shown) may be classified into a plurality of modules according to their functions.

The device described above may be implemented with hardware components, software components, and/or combinations of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments include, for example, processors, controllers, arithmetic logic units (ALUs), digital signal processors (micro signal processors), microcomputers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). , A programmable logic unit (PLU), microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions, may be implemented using one or more general purpose computers or special purpose computers. The processing device may perform an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. In addition, the processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For convenience of understanding, a processing device may be described as one being used, but a person having ordinary skill in the art, the processing device may include a plurality of processing elements and/or a plurality of types of processing elements. It can be seen that may include. For example, the processing device may include a plurality of processors or a processor and a controller. In addition, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are possible.

The software may include a computer program, code, instruction, or a combination of one or more of these, and configure the processing device to operate as desired, or process independently or collectively You can command the device. Software and/or data may be interpreted by a processing device or to provide instructions or data to a processing device, of any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device. , Or may be permanently or temporarily embodied in the transmitted signal wave. The software may be distributed on networked computer systems, and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored in one or more computer-readable recording media.

The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media may include program instructions, data files, data structures, or the like alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be specially designed and constructed for the embodiments or may be known and usable by those skilled in computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. -Hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions such as magneto-optical media, and ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc., as well as machine language codes produced by a compiler. The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described by a limited embodiment and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the above description. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form from the described method, or other components Alternatively, even if replaced or substituted by equivalents, appropriate results can be achieved.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims are also within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (1)

In the method of providing the communication function in the instance space of the online game,
Receiving, from a user terminal of the first user account, a timeout request of a group including a character of the first user account located in the instance space;
Setting at least one game object in the instance space to be deactivated for a predetermined period based on the timeout request;
Receiving information controlling a display of a game screen from a user terminal of the first user account during the deactivated predetermined period; And
And controlling a game screen displayed on a user terminal of at least one user account included in the same group as the first user account based on the information controlling the display of the received game screen.

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