KR102621158B1 - Educational game softwres development tools and operation method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a development tool for educational game software and an operation method thereof. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation method thereof includes: a step in which an input device receives input about stage information on a game corresponding to an aim of learning, facility object information, and option information including original identification information on a facility object and state setting information on the facility object; and a step in which an option data generator generates an action card data file including one or more action cards for each facility object by using the option information and action card resource information stored in advance. The action card of the first facility object changes a first facility object corresponding to the original identification information into a second facility object corresponding to exchange identification information according to the state setting information when applied to a map. When the game is executed, the action card of the first facility object executes an execution command opposite to the change by being applied to the second facility object. The exchange identification information may be generated automatically according to the state setting information on the first facility object and the original identification information based on a predetermined mathematical model. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the development tool for educational game software and the operation method thereof can largely improve development convenience by automatically performing an object and space (map) setting for forming the game.

Description

Educational game software development tools and operating methods thereof {EDUCATIONAL GAME SOFTWRES DEVELOPMENT TOOLS AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF}

This application relates to an educational game software development tool and its operating method. Specifically, it relates to an educational game software development tool and its operating method that allows convenient customization of the environment and options of objects in the game.

Setting each option within the space (map) that makes up the game requires a significant amount of manpower and time. In this way, various technologies have been continuously developed to reduce the time required for development.

As an example, a technology related to a map development method that can effectively develop a map and reduce the computing load during map editing or development, Korean Patent No. 10-1423417 (title of the invention: Game map editing method for an online game) and an editing system for this) have been applied for.

In addition, in order to compensate for the shortcomings of existing game scenario writing and editing tools, a convenient and quick way to configure scenarios is provided in Korean Patent No. 10-1022130 (title of the invention: Game scenario production system and method of producing the same) ) has been disclosed.

In this way, in the game development field, attempts have been made to develop game components such as game scenarios and maps more effectively. As game scenarios have become more complex and the scenarios themselves have become a piece of content, the environment that makes up the map has continued. This is because the settings are also becoming more detailed.

However, in the case of educational game software in which the game structure is standardized to some extent and only some content is changed or updated, it is inefficient to spend too much time manually changing the settings of the objects that make up the map or the map environment. There is, and the present invention was designed to improve this problem.

The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to automatically set the objects and space (map) that make up the game, by developing spatial information and option information applied to objects separately, and It innovatively reduces the time spent on game software development by automatically matching objects and their settings.

In addition, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to quickly respond to situations even when game content is updated or game settings are changed by automatically creating various problem situations that may occur in the game.

In addition, the present invention aims to quickly generate various action cards - tools used in the game - using previously stored content, without the need to individually create action cards used in the game.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. .

A method of operating an educational game software development tool according to an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving option information including game stage information, facility object information, facility object information, and state setting information of facility objects; Generating an action card data file including an action card for one or more equipment objects using the option information and pre-stored action card resource information; may include.

An educational game software development tool according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an input device that receives option information including game stage information, facility object information, facility object information, and state setting information of facility objects; It may include an option data generator that generates an action card data file including an action card for one or more equipment objects using the option information and pre-stored action card resource information.

The means for solving the problem of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned solution means, and the solution methods not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings. You will be able to.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the objects and space (map) that make up the game can be set automatically.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, spatial information and option information applied to objects are developed separately, and the objects in space and the setting values of each object are automatically matched, thereby reducing the time invested in game software development. and man-hours can be innovatively reduced.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by automatically creating various problem situations that may occur in the game, it is possible to quickly respond to the situation even when the game content is updated or the game settings are changed.

Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present invention, various action cards - tools used in the game - can be quickly created using existing stored content without the need to individually create action cards used in the game.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a development tool according to an embodiment of the present application.
Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a game development method according to an embodiment of the present application.
Figure 3 is a flow chart specifying a method for generating an action card data file according to an embodiment of the present application.
4 is a diagram for explaining a map according to an embodiment of the present application;
5 is a diagram for explaining a method of matching option information and spatial information according to an embodiment of the present application;
Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining an action card and an action card data file according to an embodiment of the present application.

The above-described objects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, since the present application can make various changes and have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below.

Like reference numerals throughout the specification in principle refer to the same elements. In addition, components with the same function within the scope of the same idea shown in the drawings of each embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

If it is determined that a detailed description of a known function or configuration related to the present application may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present application, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, numbers (eg, first, second, etc.) used in the description of this specification are merely identifiers to distinguish one component from another component.

In addition, the suffixes “group” and “part” for the components used in the following examples are given or used interchangeably only considering the ease of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

In the following examples, singular terms include plural terms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as include or have mean that the features or components described in the specification exist, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of adding one or more other features or components.

In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

If an embodiment can be implemented differently, the order of specific processes may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or may proceed in an order opposite to that in which they are described.

In the following embodiments, when components are connected, this includes not only the case where the components are directly connected, but also the case where the components are indirectly connected by intervening between the components.

For example, in this specification, when components, etc. are said to be electrically connected, this includes not only cases where the components are directly electrically connected, but also cases where components, etc. are interposed and indirectly electrically connected.

The basic concept implemented in educational game software according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4 as follows. ‘Map’ (1000) is a unit concept that provides a spatial background for running the game, and can be understood as a concept corresponding to a unit farm. In an example of a farm operation educational game, the educational game according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a small farm map corresponding to a small farm and a large farm map corresponding to a large farm equipped with more diverse facilities than a small farm. .

There are various objects within the map, and the status of the objects may vary depending on the setting values. Here, objects refer to various objects displayed on the map. Objects can be divided into facility objects and facility objects. The facility object 1100 is a concept that corresponds to a facility in the real world and can be understood as an object that has a type of spatial connectivity information. As an example, facility objects may include objects such as ‘shed No. 1’, ‘pig shed no. 2’, and ‘cow shed no. 3’, and are classified by identification information (number) that can specify the facility.

Facility objects refer to various objects that make up a facility (space). For example, if the facility to be operated in a farm operation educational game is a livestock farm, various objects that make up the space called the livestock barn may be displayed on the map as facility objects. For example, each item placed in the livestock shed, such as fences, entrances, disinfection facilities, quarantine supplies, disinfection tanks, and CCTV, corresponds to equipment objects.

Within the game, users perform missions. The game may consist of multiple stages, and the number of missions solved in each stage can be counted and provided as statistical data. In an example of a farm management educational game, stages may be set to topics related to learning objectives, such as ‘foot-and-mouth disease stage’ or ‘avian flu stage’. When the game user (learner) enters the facility of each stage within the game, he or she can check the various facilities placed in that facility. When he or she enters the facility, he or she can check several cards that correspond to a type of quest or action. You can. 'Action card' (2000) in this specification is a card used to perform missions such as facility inspection and facility inspection, and refers to a card that can change the status of various facility objects placed in the facility entered within the game. do. For example, among the action cards, there may be a card called ‘Check the installation of vehicle disinfection facilities.’ If this action card is applied to an entrance without a vehicle disinfection facility, a vehicle disinfection facility will be installed at the entrance, which is a scoring point in the game. It can be.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the educational game software development tool of the present application and its operating method will be described.

Figure 1 is a block diagram for explaining an educational game software development tool 10 (hereinafter referred to as the development tool 10) according to an embodiment of the present application.

The development tool 100 is a tool for conveniently developing educational game software according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the content content and topic may vary, such as educational content to respond to a disaster situation, but the operation method or game The progress process is a tool that can be useful in developing educational game software to provide a somewhat standardized, interactive educational experience.

The development tool 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an input device 100, a resource DB 200, an option data generator 300, a spatial data generator 500, and a data matching unit 700. , it may further include a functional connection unit 800 and a test unit 900.

The input device 100 may receive option information including game stage information, facility object information, facility object information, and facility object state setting information from the developer. Optional information corresponds to information necessary for creating action cards and setting objects in the map. An educational game according to an embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a plurality of stages in which missions must be cleared, and the developer may input stage information where action cards will be used. For example, when including educational content about foot-and-mouth disease, ‘foot-and-mouth disease’ can be entered as stage information for the game. Facility object information is spatial connectivity information for connecting the map and action card, and includes identification information of the facility object to which the action card is to be applied. As an example, the developer can enter the facility number in the game where the action card will appear, such as ‘Farm 1’, as facility object information.

Equipment object information is information about the equipment object that will be affected by the action card, and may include category information (disinfection tank, breaker, fence) of the equipment object and/or identification information (breaker classification number) to specify the equipment object. . More specifically, the equipment object information may include original identification information (Origianl_ObjID) and exchange identification information (Swap_ObjID) of the equipment object. The original identification information is a unique identification code given to the normal state object of all equipment objects, and the exchange identification information is paired with the original identification information and refers to the identification code of the object applied to the game in response to the state setting. For example, when there is a facility object called a 'breaker' installed in a livestock farm, the original identification information is the object ID given to the 'breaker in a normal state', and the exchange identification information is the object ID corresponding to the 'damaged circuit breaker'. . In order to use an action card that allows the user to replace a broken breaker with a normal breaker during the game execution phase, the breaker placed in the map's barn during the game development phase must be a broken breaker. The action card containing the above original identification information and exchange identification information will be a [Replace a Broken Breaker] card, which is used when the user replaces a broken breaker during the game execution phase, but during the game development phase. It can be used to automatically place 'broken barriers' on the map.

The status setting information of the facility object is information for setting the status of the facility object, such as whether to 'delete' any facility object placed on the map or 'change' the facility object in the map to another facility object. It can be understood as information for determining the status of a facility object. For example, variables corresponding to change, deletion, creation, and text modification can be entered as status setting information. Change changes the object corresponding to the original identification information to an object corresponding to the exchange identification information, and deletion changes the object corresponding to the original identification information to an object corresponding to the exchange identification information. This may be an event that deletes the object corresponding to the original identification information. Creation may be an event that creates an object corresponding to exchange identification information at the location of the object corresponding to the original identification information, and text modification may be an event that deletes text information of the object corresponding to the original identification information. The action card is information for setting the state of each object in order to configure a space where the user (player) can play within the game, so when the action card is applied when the actual game is run, changes in objects that occur within the game and The opposite execution command may be included as status setting information of the equipment object.

The above-described option information can be used to create an action card. Action cards are later used to set objects in the map and are also used during user games.

The input device 100 may manually input data for each item of option information from the developer, or may receive the data as a file. If a large amount of option information is entered in a file such as Excel, it is possible to filter the desired topic and select only the option information for the topic you need.

The resource DB is a database that stores the resource information of the action card. Text or images to be used for the action card can be stored in the resource DB. For example, text resource information may include definitions or usage methods for each object, and image resource information may include image data for each object.

The option data generator 300 may generate an action card data file including an action card for one or more equipment objects using the above-described option information and previously stored action card resource information.

The option data generator 300 may include an action card generator 310, a temporary storage unit 330, and a file generator 350.

The action card generator 310 generates action cards for each plurality of facility objects using option information and action card resource information. The action card generator 310 may generate action cards for each plurality of facility objects by combining game stage information, facility object information, facility object information, and state setting information of facility objects using a preset mathematical model. The mathematical model is a rule model that combines option information and resource information, and various mathematical models can be used depending on user settings.

According to one embodiment, the mathematical model may generate action cards for each plurality of facility objects using option information and action card resource information according to the following rules. The mathematical model may not generate an action card with the original identification information of the facility object that is the same as a previously generated action card. Additionally, an action card having original identification information that is different from a previously generated action card is generated, and exchange identification information can be automatically generated according to the original identification information and state setting information. As an example, the mathematical model may determine the value to be input as exchange identification information according to the state setting information of the equipment object. For example, if the status setting information is ‘Delete’, enter 0 as the exchange identification information, and if the status setting information is ‘Text Edit’, enter the original identification information as the exchange identification information. If the status setting information is ‘created’ or ‘changed’, the identification information of the object to be created or changed can be entered automatically.

The temporary storage unit 330 temporarily stores action cards for each group of facility objects created. Action cards for each group of equipment objects may be accumulated and stored in the temporary storage unit 330. For example, if information related to a ‘breaker’ equipment object is entered, a plurality of action cards related to the circuit breaker are created.

The file generator 350 repeatedly performs the operations of the input device 100 and the action card generator 310, and creates an action card using a plurality of groups of temporarily stored action cards for each facility object according to the results of the repeated performance. Create a data file. The action card data file may be a character-based standard format data file for expressing structured data such as json.

Meanwhile, the spatial data generator 500 may receive spatial information of a map displayed on the game screen and generate a spatial information data file. The spatial data generator 500 may include a spatial information input unit 510, an output unit 530, and a file generator 550. Spatial information may include the size of the map, location information of facility objects and facility objects installed on the map, and identification information for each object, and may include location information and setting values of other elements (background objects). . That is, spatial information may include map size, object location information and identification information, background object information (location and identification information), environment information, etc. For example, background object information includes identification information (image, unique number, etc.) of a tile installed on the map background (1300 in FIG. 4) or background objects such as trees and forests that make up the background (1500 in FIG. 4). Information may be included. Environmental information is information about environmental factors displayed on the map, and may include information such as weather (clear weather, cloudy weather, rainy weather), temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

The spatial information input device 510 is a user interface for receiving spatial information from a developer, and can receive spatial information through user selection made through a mouse, keyboard, pen, pointer, and/or touch screen. For example, developers can input the map size through the keyboard and input spatial information by selecting and installing background objects through a drag-and-drop gesture of a previously stored background object.

The output unit 530 is a module that displays spatial information input through the spatial information input device 510 in real time, and can display a GUI (Graphic Iser Interface) regardless of the display method and type of hardware. Various convenient functions can be provided through the output unit 530, including a viewpoint change function that changes the viewpoint of the screen displayed on the output unit 530, a function that displays detailed information of background objects (tiles, etc.) on the screen, A function to simulate spatial information input through the spatial information input device 510 may be provided. For example, when rainy weather is input as environmental information, a screen showing rain on a farm may be displayed on the screen.

The file generator 550 generates the spatial information input through the spatial information input unit 510 as a single file, that is, a spatial information data file. The spatial information data file may be a character-based standard format data file for expressing structured data such as json.

The data matching unit 700 uses the action card data file generated by the option data generator 300 and the spatial information data file generated by the spatial data generator 500 to apply the action card to the first facility object located on the map. Thus, the first equipment object can be changed to the second equipment object to correspond to the state setting information of the first equipment object. More specifically, the data matching unit 700 may receive an action card data file and a spatial information data file from the option data generator 300 and the spatial data generator 500. As shown in FIG. 5, the data matching unit 700 can automatically match spatial information and option information after outputting spatial data on the screen. Since spatial information includes location information for each facility object and equipment object, when an object is placed in a set location on the map, an action card containing identification information for each object can be automatically matched to the object, and the action card The state of the object may change depending on the state setting information included in .

As shown in Figure 6, let's assume that there is an action card (A) to [check the presence of an entrance blocker]. The data matching unit 700 matches the action card (A) to spatial information data using facility object information (2) and facility object identification information (7) related to the facility where the card appears stored in the action card data file (B). It can be matched with the equipment object in the file (see (B) in Figure 5). As a more specific example, facility object identification information (2), that is, building number, can be used to match spatial information and option information as shown in (B) of FIG. 2, for example, 1 in the spatial information data file. By matching the identification number 'No. 1' of the building designated as Building No. 1 with 'No. 1' stored as facility object identification information in the action card data file, the action cards applicable to that building can be confirmed when 'Building No. 1' is selected. It's like that.

Next, change the resource information of the object displayed on the map using the first facility object information to be applied (7) and the second facility object information (8) to be replaced, deleted, or created according to the status setting information (9). do. In an embodiment referring to FIG. 6, the status setting information among the option information is set to 2, meaning deletion, and therefore the first equipment object, 00002 (breaker, default), is deleted. Since 0, meaning that nothing exists, is written in the second equipment object data, separate replacement is not necessary in this embodiment. In this way, when the resource information (image, text, etc.) of the object is changed by matching spatial information and option information, the function connection unit 800 can perform the task of connecting separately developed functions to the map after completing the map. , developers can proceed with testing and improvement using the test unit 900.

The function connection unit 800 can connect other functions required for game play after map production is completed using option information and spatial information. For example, this means adding a function that allows you to click on a building (facility object) on the map, or a pop-up or notification function that appears on the screen when you click on the building. In other words, it can be understood as a task of applying and connecting functions created by developers to the map, independently of option information or spatial information.

Hereinafter, a method of operating an educational game software development tool according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring to Figure 2, the development tool receives option information including game stage information, facility object information, facility object information, and state setting information of the facility object, and uses the option information and pre-stored action card resource information to create one. An action card data file containing action cards for each facility object described above can be created (S100), and spatial information data files of the map displayed on the game screen can be input to generate a spatial information data file (S300). Here, the spatial information of the map may include size information of the map, location information, and identification information of facility objects and equipment objects installed on the map. Next, the development tool applies the action card to the first equipment object located in the map using the action card data file and the spatial information data file to create the first equipment object to correspond to the state setting information of the first equipment object. By changing to a second equipment object, spatial information and option information can be mapped (S500).

With reference to FIG. 3, step S100 will be looked at in more detail. In step S110, the development tool may receive option information including game stage information, facility object information, facility object information, and facility object state setting information from the developer. Additionally, action cards for each facility object can be created using option information and action card resource information (S130). The action cards for each group of facility objects created here can be viewed as a type of card deck. The development tool generates action cards for each facility object by combining the stage information of the game, facility object information, facility object information, and state setting information of the facility object based on the preset mathematical model in step S130, where the mathematical model is It may be characterized by generating an action card with original identification information that is different from a previously generated action card, and automatically generating exchange identification information according to the original identification information and state setting information.

The development tool may temporarily store the action card for each created group of facility objects (S150) and repeatedly perform the steps S110 to S150 described above. The development tool can generate an action card data file using action cards for each of a plurality of groups of facility objects that are accumulated and temporarily stored as a result of repeating steps S110 to S150 (S170).

According to the educational game software development tool and its operating method according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is no need to set the objects placed on the map one by one, and the characteristics of the objects can be set automatically. Furthermore, by linking the map environment with items (action cards) used when running the game later, the convenience of game development can be significantly increased, and the manpower, time, and resulting costs required for game development can be greatly reduced.

The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. illustrated in each embodiment can be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the above description focuses on the embodiment, this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to understand the above without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. You will see that various modifications and applications not illustrated are possible. In other words, each component specifically shown in the embodiment can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

10: Development tools
100: input device 200: resource DB
300: Optional data generator 500: Spatial data generator
700: data matching unit 800: function connection unit
900: Test department

Claims (9)

In a method of operating an educational game software development tool for automatically configuring a game environment,
Receiving, by an input device, option information including game stage information corresponding to the learning goal, facility object information, original identification information of the facility object, and state setting information of the facility object;
A step of the option data generator generating an action card data file including an action card for one or more equipment objects using the option information and pre-stored action card resource information,
When applied to the map, the action card of the first facility object changes the first facility object corresponding to the original identification information to the second facility object corresponding to the exchange identification information according to the state setting information, and when the game is run, the second facility object Characterized by being applied to an object and performing an execution command opposite to the change,
A method of operating an educational game software development tool in which the exchange identification information is automatically generated according to the original identification information and state setting information of the first equipment object based on a preset mathematical model. According to paragraph 1,
A step of receiving spatial information of a map displayed on a game screen and generating a spatial information data file;
By applying the action card to the first equipment object located in the map using the action card data file and the spatial information data file, the first equipment object is converted to a second equipment object to correspond to the state setting information of the first equipment object. It further includes a step of changing to,
The spatial information of the map includes size information of the map and location information of facility objects and equipment objects installed on the map. According to paragraph 1,
The step of creating the action card data file is,
generating action cards for each of a plurality of facility objects using the option information and the action card resource information;
Temporarily storing action cards for each created group of equipment objects;
Repeating the steps of receiving the option information and generating the action card;
generating the action card data file using a plurality of groups of action cards for each facility object temporarily stored according to the results of the repeated execution;
A method of operating an educational game software development tool comprising:
According to paragraph 3,
The step of generating an action card for each facility object is,
It includes the step of generating action cards for each plurality of facility objects by combining game stage information, facility object information, facility object information, and state setting information of facility objects based on a preset mathematical model,
The mathematical model is an educational game software development tool characterized in that it generates an action card with original identification information different from a previously generated action card, and automatically generates exchange identification information according to the original identification information and the state setting information. How it works.
In an educational game software development tool for automatically configuring a game environment,
An input device that receives optional information including stage information of the game corresponding to the learning goal, facility object information, original identification information of the facility object, and state setting information of the facility object;
An option data generator that generates an action card data file including an action card for one or more equipment objects using the option information and the previously stored action card resource information,
When applied to the map, the action card of the first facility object changes the first facility object corresponding to the original identification information to the second facility object corresponding to the exchange identification information according to the state setting information, and when the game is run, the second facility object Characterized by being applied to an object and performing an execution command opposite to the change,
The exchange identification information is automatically generated based on the original identification information and the state setting information of the first equipment object based on a preset mathematical model. According to clause 5,
A spatial data generator that receives spatial information of the map displayed on the game screen and generates a spatial information data file;
By applying the action card to the first equipment object located in the map using the action card data file and the spatial information data file, the first equipment object is connected to the second equipment so that it corresponds to the state setting information of the first equipment object. It further includes a data matching unit that changes it into an object,
An educational game software development tool wherein the spatial information of the map includes size information of the map and location information of facility objects and equipment objects installed on the map. According to clause 5,
The option data generator,
an action card generator that generates action cards for each facility object using the option information and the action card resource information;
a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores action cards for each group of equipment objects created;
A file that repeatedly performs the step of receiving the option information and the step of generating the action card, and generates the action card data file using a plurality of groups of action cards for each facility object temporarily stored according to the results of the repeated performance. generator;
Educational game software development tools including.
In clause 7,
The action card generator,
Based on the preset mathematical model, action cards for each facility object are generated by combining the game stage information, facility object information, facility object information, and facility object state setting information,
The mathematical model generates an action card with original identification information different from a previously generated action card, and automatically generates exchange identification information according to the original identification information and the state setting information. An educational game software development tool.
A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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