System and method for precise positioning using touch screen gestures

Abstract

A system and method for using touch screen gestures to precisely locate items such as communication markers in a map of a multiplayer game. Specifically, the method may include: displaying a dynamic image or map on a touch screen and receiving a touch gesture thereon. The touch gesture may start at a tool selection icon and end at a release location within the map. Then, the method may include: in response to the touch gesture, displaying a precision placement tool that depicts a portion of the map that is obscured by the received touch gesture. The depiction may be an enlarged view of the obscured portion and is displayed outside the obscured portion. Finally, the method may include: when the touch gesture ends, displaying changes to the map at the release location. Specifically, at the release location, items such as communication markers may be placed on the map.

Description

Background Art

[0001] As online multiplayer games are transferred to mobile devices and handheld touch screen devices, the size limitations of such mobile device touch screens have brought various challenges. For example, multiplayer online battle (MOBA) games or other multiplayer strategy video games generally involve a vast virtual world or virtual map in an isometric perspective. For navigation, communication, and other in-game actions and communications in these virtual worlds, maps are generally selectable to be displayed in the game. However, such maps face various disadvantages on touch screens. For example, maps on conventionally smaller touch screens are presented in a reduced size that is difficult to see. In addition, when manipulated by touch gestures, fingers or thumbs may block some parts of the map. When performing operations that need to be accurately placed in the map (such as placing communication marks or other such reference marks on the map and / or in the virtual world of the game), this may cause accuracy to decrease.

[0002] To address these challenges, various games and applications on mobile devices and handheld touch screen devices provide features such as panning and / or pinch-to-zoom tools and interfaces. However, while these solutions can improve accuracy, they are often too slow for live games. For example, MOBA games can present a variety of objects, and game pieces are often animated and movable in real time, thus requiring increased processing resources. In addition, panning and pinch-to-zoom tools and interfaces also limit how much of the map can be viewed at one time, which is disadvantageous in strategy games where a panoramic view of the game's virtual world via a map may help formulate game strategies. Summary of the invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to precise positioning using touch screen gestures. More specifically, embodiments relate to systems and methods for viewing portions of a dynamic image (such as a map in a multiplayer video game) that are obscured by touch screen gestures. Essentially, the described embodiments facilitate the ability to view in real time what is in contact with the touch screen under a player's thumb or finger in order to accurately place a communication marker on a map.

[0004] In some example embodiments, the precise location selection on the touch screen during a multiplayer game is achieved via a precise placement tool that displays a magnified view of the portion of the map that is obscured by the touch gesture in real time, while the rest of the map is still displayed to the player at the same time. For example, the method herein may include the steps of displaying a dynamic image or map on the touch screen and receiving a touch gesture thereon. The touch gesture may start at a tool selection icon and end at a release location within the map. For example, the touch gesture may start with a player's finger touching the tool selection icon and dragging the finger across the map to the release location. Then, the method may include: in response to the touch gesture, displaying a precise placement tool that depicts the portion of the map that is obscured by the received touch gesture. The depiction may be an enlarged view of the obscured portion and is displayed outside the obscured portion. Finally, the method may include: when the touch gesture ends, displaying changes to the map at the release location. Specifically, by way of non-limiting example, operations such as communication markers or items that signal communications between players may be performed or placed at the release location on the map.

[0005] In some embodiments, the precision placement tool can display an obstructed portion of the map at a fixed position relative to the map. For example, the obstructed portion under the finger making the touch gesture can be presented at a fixed position in the user interface. In some other embodiments, the precision placement tool can display the obstructed portion of the map at a fixed distance away from the obstructed portion. More specifically, the precision placement tool can be virtually or visually tethered to the obstructed portion during the entire touch gesture (e.g., when the finger is dragged across the map to the release position) so that the obstructed portion is presented at a fixed distance relative to the finger making the touch gesture. In some other embodiments, the precision placement tool may include a visual context indicator that conveys additional information to the player during the touch gesture. For example, the additional information may include what type of signal will be released at the release position, and when passing through some fixed objects, it may include what type of fixed object will be associated with if the signal is released at the current position. In some embodiments, the precision placement tool can be selected from a menu or array of different precision placement tools for conveying different communication markers.

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1ADepicting an exemplary operating environment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 1B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a system for precise positioning using touch gestures according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2A is an exemplary dynamic image to be displayed on a touch screen according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2B A map having a selection by touch gesture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2A An exemplary dynamic image of;

[0012] Figure 3A A method of displaying a portion of a map with a precise placement tool according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2B An exemplary dynamic image of;

[0013] Figure 3B According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, when a precision placement tool is released, a communication mark is left at its location. Figure 3A An exemplary dynamic image of;

[0014] Figure 4 is an associated visual context indicator that is displayed extending from a pinpoint placement tool when the crosshairs of the pinpoint placement tool intersect a graphical object of a map according to some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3A An exemplary dynamic image of;

[0015] Figure 5 is an alternative embodiment of an exemplary dynamic image having a precision placement tool fixed at a predetermined location on a map according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart depicting a method for precise positioning using touch screen gestures according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing environment suitable for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The subject matter of the present disclosure is specifically described herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Instead, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter may also be embodied in other ways in conjunction with other prior art or future technologies to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the steps described in this document. In addition, although the terms "step" and / or "box" may be used herein to refer to different elements of the method employed, these terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order between the various steps disclosed herein unless the order of the various steps is explicitly described.

[0019] The online multiplayer video game industry has gained great popularity among all populations around the world. As online multiplayer video games are transferred to mobile platforms to play games on touch screen devices (such as tablet computers and smart phones), some modifications are needed in how to display games and how users interact with games (e.g., control games). For example, the size limitations of touch screens bring various challenges, such as game elements appearing too small. However, the limited screen size and processing power of such mobile devices pose challenges to providing full-featured multiplayer video games via mobile platforms.

[0020] Current solutions to these constraints primarily include panning and / or pinch-to-zoom operations and interfaces. Pinch-to-zoom operations can improve the accuracy of defining target locations during gameplay, for example, because they allow a close-up view of a particular location. Similarly, panning operations conveniently allow navigating a map while still in such a zoomed-in view. However, these solutions are often too slow for live gaming, particularly since the various animations and real-time movable game pieces involved in, for example, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games require significant processing resources. Panning and pinch-to-zoom operations also limit how much of the map can be viewed at once, which complicates the player's ability to view a panoramic view of the game's virtual world while developing a game strategy.

[0021] Therefore, various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and computer-implemented method for selecting or in other words defining the precise location of a dynamic image (such as a live action map on a MOBA game). The precise location selection is implemented via a precise placement tool, which displays a magnified view of the portion of the map that is blocked by a touch gesture in real time. Specifically, by implementing the precise placement tool, the portion of the map that is blocked by a player's finger or thumb (or other input tool, such as a stylus) when performing a touch gesture on a mobile device touch screen can be viewed in real time, while the rest of the map is still displayed to the player at the same time. The portion of the map blocked by the player's finger or thumb can also be depicted as enlarged or magnified to help the player accurately place items (such as communication markers) on the map. As is known in the art, communication markers are facilitated by the player selecting a message and defining a location on the map, and communicating the selected message and the defined location (e.g., via a network) to his or her teammates so that the teammates can receive the message and location. The precise placement tool can display the occluded portion of the map at a fixed position relative to the map (e.g., the upper left corner of the map) or at a constant distance away from the occluded portion and be virtually or visually tethered to the occluded portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the pinpoint placement tool includes a visual contextual indicator, such as an icon indicating the type of communication marker to be placed when the pinpoint placement tool is activated on the map (i.e., the touch gesture controlling the pinpoint placement tool is released) (e.g., a "Sending Help Now" message) and / or an icon indicating the type of object in the virtual game to which the communication marker will be attached or associated if the touch gesture is released at its current location (e.g., a fixed tower within the game). Additionally or alternatively, the visual contextual indicator may include a changing color displayed around or on the pinpoint placement tool. In some embodiments, the pinpoint placement tool may be selected from a menu or array of different pinpoint placement tools for conveying different communication markers (e.g., "Sending Help Now," "Attack This Location," etc.).

[0023] Now turn to Figure 1A, a schematic diagram showing an exemplary operating environment 100 in which an embodiment of the present disclosure can be adopted is provided. It should be understood that this and other arrangements described herein are only set forth as examples. In addition to or in place of the arrangements and elements shown, other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, sequences, functional groupings, etc.) can be used, and some elements can be omitted completely. In addition, many elements described herein are functional entities, which can be implemented as discrete or distributed components or combined with other components, and are implemented in any suitable combination and position. The various functions described herein as being performed by one or more entities can be performed by hardware, firmware and / or software. For example, various functions can be performed by a processor that executes instructions stored in a memory.

[0024] Figure 1A The operating environment 100 of the embodiment of the present invention includes a server device 110, which provides services to one or more client devices (such as game clients 115, 120) for indicating game operations and / or settings in a virtual game environment through a network 130 (such as the Internet). The game clients 115, 120 can be implemented on one or more processors as described later in this article. In some embodiments, the game clients 115, 120 are mobile electronic devices with a touch screen thereon, such as smart phones, tablet computers, or laptop computers. The server device 110 and the game clients 115, 120 can communicate in a wired or wireless manner through the network 130.

[0025] In some embodiments, server device 110 is directly or indirectly coupled to database 140 for facilitating storage and querying of records corresponding to a plurality of game operation instructions, actions, objects (e.g., virtual game pieces / characters, weapons, buildings, etc.), maps, and / or settings. Database 140 includes a relational database or similar storage structure, etc., accessible by server device 110. According to embodiments described herein, database 140 stores a plurality of records, each corresponding to a game operation instruction, action, object, map, and / or setting.

[0026] The server device 110 includes a game server accessible by any of the game clients 115, 120, and / or a data server for supporting applications of any of the game clients 115, 120 via the network 130. The game server can support any type of application, including applications that facilitate live game operations. The server device 110 can also determine the relationship between the game clients 115, 120 (e.g., teams). In various embodiments, the server device 110 transmits actions commanded via one or more of the game clients 115, 120 to another one or more of the game clients 115, 120 to be presented thereon via a user interface, etc., as described later herein.

[0027] The network 130 may be wired, wireless, or both. The network 130 may include multiple networks or one of the networks, but is shown in a simplified form so as not to obscure aspects of the present disclosure. By way of example, the network 130 may include one or more wide area networks (WANs), one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more public networks (such as the Internet), one or more private networks, and / or one or more telecommunication networks. In the case where the network 130 includes a wireless telecommunication network, components such as base stations, communication towers, or even access points (as well as other components) may provide wireless connections. Networked environments are common in enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet. Therefore, the network 130 is not described in detail.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the server device 110 or the game client 115, 120 can be a computing device capable of accessing the Internet (such as the World Wide Web) and / or a telecommunication network. Any of the server device 110 or the game client 115, 120 can take a variety of forms, such as a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a video player, a handheld communication device, a smart phone, a smart watch, a workstation, any combination of these described devices, or any other suitable device.

[0029] It should be understood that within the scope of the present disclosure, any number of the aforementioned devices may be employed in operating environment 100. Each may include a single device or multiple devices cooperating in a distributed environment. In addition, other components not shown may also be included in the distributed environment. It should also be understood that Figure 1A The illustrated operating environment 100 is an example of a suitable computing system architecture. For example, Figure 1A Each of the servers, game clients, networks, and databases shown may be accessed via a computing device (such as the one referenced later). Figure 7The components may communicate with each other via the network 130.

[0030] Next, Figure 1B A block diagram of the operational modules of an exemplary game client (specifically, game client 115) in a game client according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted. Please note that the depicted implementation is merely exemplary and is not intended to be limiting in any way, as each component can be arranged in various configurations, distributed across multiple computing devices, combined with other components or each other, arranged to communicate over a network, or any combination of the foregoing (including other methods not mentioned). For example, each operational module may include a combination of hardware components and / or computer instructions stored on a computer-readable medium and executable on its processor, as described later below with respect to computing device 700.

[0031] like Figure 1B As shown, the operation module of the game client 115 may include a game execution component 210, a communication component 220, and a graphical user interface (GUI) component 230. The game execution component 210 may be configured to execute a game associated therewith, such as the MOBA game described herein. In some embodiments, executing the game may include displaying dynamic images, such as those described later in this article and in Figure 2A-Figure 5 The communication component 220 may be configured for network communication between the game client 115, the game client 120 and / or the server device 110 via the network 130.

[0032] The GUI component 230 can be configured to display dynamic images and various manipulable features therein, such as menus, virtual joysticks, fixed and / or movable objects, etc. In some embodiments, the GUI component 230 may also include a gesture detection component 240, which is configured to detect touch gestures on the touch screen of the game client 115, as described later herein. For example, the gesture detection component 240 can display a map in response to detecting the start of a touch gesture. The gesture detection component 240 can also respond to detecting the start of a gesture by displaying a depiction of an obscured portion of the map that is obscured by the player's finger or another object, as described later herein. When the touch gesture is released (i.e., at the end of the touch gesture), the gesture detection component 240 or another sub-element of the GUI component 230 can present and / or display a communication marker at the release position, as described later herein.

[0033] Specifically, the GUI component 230 may also include a communication tag component 250 configured to display a communication tag (e.g., an icon, a symbol, and / or a text message) on the dynamic image, and may receive a location associated therewith from the gesture detection component 240. The communication tag component 250 may also be configured to send information associated with the communication tag to other game clients (such as the game client 120) in the game client via the network 130. The communication tag component 250 may then send the generated communication tag to the server device 110 via the network 130 via the communication component 220 of the game client 115.

[0034] In some embodiments, server device 110 can receive communication mark, identify other game clients associated with teammates of players sending communication mark, and relay communication mark to those other game clients. For example, server 110 and / or database 140 associated therewith can store multiple player identification data, which correspond to one or more game clients in game clients 115, 120 and / or are otherwise transmitted to server device 110 together with communication mark. In this example, the game client receiving communication mark is referred to as receiver game client (e.g., game client 120). Receiver game client can be configured to receive communication mark to be displayed in dynamic image associated with game via its GUI component. Specifically, receiver game client can receive communication mark by their corresponding communication component (e.g., substantially the same as communication component 220), interpret communication mark with their communication mark component (e.g., substantially the same as communication mark component 250) to identify the map position and message of communication mark, and then use its GUI component (e.g., substantially the same as GUI component 230) to display communication mark at appropriate position on the dynamic image of receiver game client. Although identified as a recipient game client in this example, it should be noted that the components and capabilities of each of the game clients 115, 120 may be identical to one another without departing from the technical scope of this document. For example, the recipient game client may add a communication tag and then transmit it to one or more other game clients.

[0035] Now turn to Figure 2A-Figure 4 , presenting an example depiction of a dynamic image 10 and a precision placement tool 12 for use therewith on a display screen such as a touch screen of a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device may include the following and Figure 7 Similarly, the touch screen may include the following description and Figure 7Any of the I / O components 720 depicted in . For example, a touch screen may specifically include an embodiment of an I / O component 720 having gesture recognition on the screen and touch recognition associated with a display of computing device 700.

[0036] The dynamic image 10 may include a movable image or an image having an object that can move in real time, such as a video image, an animated image, an image including a movable game piece, etc. For example, Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, dynamic image 10 may include a visual depiction of at least a portion of a dynamic virtual world 14 of a multiplayer game (e.g., a MOBA game, etc.). The visual depiction may include fixed graphical objects (such as fixed graphical objects 16) and movable graphical objects (such as movable graphical objects 18). The visual depiction may include animated and / or movable game pieces and / or destinations, such as towers, castles, roads, paths, walls, fences, roadblocks, trees, mountains, streams, weapons, objectives, rewards, etc. Game pieces (such as on maps 22 and Figure 2A and Figure 2B The game pieces 20 depicted in the dynamic virtual world 14 in the multiplayer game can represent the positions of various players in the multiplayer game and / or the tools or weapons available to various players. The visual depiction can show such fixed or movable graphical objects in perspective and / or plan view. However, the systems and methods herein can be used in other dynamic graphics that are not part of a multiplayer game or a single-player game without departing from the scope of the technology described herein.

[0037] In some embodiments, the dynamic image 10 may include a mini map 23 that is continuously displayed or selectively displayed, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B The mini map 23 or other such graphical depiction may provide a floor plan of the entire dynamic virtual world 14 and / or a large portion of the dynamic virtual world 14. For example, Figure 2A As shown, the mini map 23 or other icon can be continuously displayed at a corner of the touch screen, and then when selected by a touch gesture (e.g., via selection of the precision placement tool 12), the map 22 can be displayed as an enlarged version of the mini map 23 for interaction therewith in the same corner or another portion of the touch screen, such as Figure 2BAs shown. By way of non-limiting example, the map 22 may be a dynamic map or other dynamic image including fixed graphical objects 16 and / or movable graphical objects 18 and / or representative depictions thereof, etc. The example embodiments described herein are primarily directed to the map 22 as a dynamic image 10 to which the virtual tools (e.g., precision placement tool 12) and methods described herein are applied. However, the virtual tools and methods described herein are also applicable to other dynamic images (e.g., dynamic virtual worlds 14, videos, augmented reality images, animations, etc.) without departing from the technical scope of this document.

[0038] Now go to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The map 22 and / or mini map 23 may be used to present a panoramic view of the entire dynamic virtual world 14, the current status within the virtual world, the current location of the player's teammates, and communication markers 24 (such as the location of the player's teammates) left by each player for his teammates. Figure 3B In some embodiments, a player can cause a specific action to be performed at a specific location within the dynamic virtual world 14 via the map 22, such as placing a communication marker 24 for display by the computing devices of one or more other players of the multiplayer game and for viewing by one or more other players, such as Figure 3B As shown. The communication marker 24 may include a communication icon, symbol, graphic, and / or text notification that indicates to at least some of the players (e.g., teammates) of the multiplayer game that the player placing the communication marker 24 needs help, expects to take a specific action at the location (e.g., attack, carry supplies, etc.), has learned of some valuable resources or clues at the location, etc. In some embodiments, the communication marker 24 may appear in the dynamic virtual world 14, the mini-map 23, and / or the map 22. In some other embodiments, such a communication marker 24 may be applied using a precision placement tool 12.

[0039] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the precision placement tool 12 can be used to place such communication markers 24, command other in-game changes, and / or provide enhanced visuals of the map 22. The precision placement tool 12 can be selected and moved via touch gestures on the touch screen. The touch gesture can include, for example, tapping the touch screen with one or more fingers, one or more thumbs, a stylus, or other such selection tool. Additionally or alternatively, the touch gesture can include pressing and dragging a finger, thumb, stylus, or other such selection tool on the touch screen in a continuous manner, and / or releasing the finger, thumb, stylus, or other such selection tool from the touch screen at a release position 26, the release indicating the end of the touch gesture. Specifically, the touch gesture can begin at a tool selection icon (such as tool selection icon 28), as shown. Figure 3AContinue into Map 22 as shown, and Figure 3B As shown, the precision placement tool 12 ends at the release location 26 within the map 22. For example, the precision placement tool 12 may be selected from a menu 30 of precision placement tools or communication tools (such as a menu 30 of tool selection icons) via a touch gesture, released to Figure 2A-Figure 5 22 in the left side of the map. However, without departing from the scope of the technology described herein, other methods of selecting the precise placement tool 12 may be used. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3B As shown, the precision placement tool 12 is operable to display a change to the dynamic image 10 or the map 22 at the release location 26. For example, the change to the dynamic image 10 may be to place a communication marker 24 on the map 22 at a location associated with the release location 26 on the map 22 within the multiplayer game.

[0040] Refer again Figure 3A and Figure 3B As can be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, a touch gesture of a player (i.e., a user of a computing device executing a MOBA game) can obstruct a portion of the dynamic image 10 or the map 22 (e.g., a player's finger or thumb can block or obstruct a portion of the map 22 corresponding to the location where the touch screen senses the touch gesture). This blocked or obstructed portion of the map 22 or the dynamic image 10 may be referred to herein as an obstructed portion 32 and is shown directly in FIG. Figure 3A 33. Thus, once the precision placement tool 12 is selected, and throughout the touch gesture (prior to release at the release location 26), the precision placement tool 12 and / or any visual depiction thereof may be displayed outside of the obscured portion 32, allowing the player to see exactly what is being selected if the touch gesture ends at its current location.

[0041] The precise placement tool 12 can have a boundary 34 of any size or shape, and can present a revealed view 36 of the occluded portion 32 of the dynamic image 10 or map 22 within its boundary 34. In one embodiment, the precise placement tool 12 can be circular, and / or can be depicted as an object such as a magnifying glass. However, other boundary shapes can be used without departing from the technical scope described herein. In addition, the revealed view 36 of the occluded portion 32 can be enlarged or magnified compared to the rest of the dynamic image 10 or map 22, thereby presenting an enlarged view of the occluded portion 32. However, in some embodiments, without departing from the technical scope of this article, the revealed view 36 can be depicted at the same size as the size displayed on the map 22. For example, since the map 22 may be small and more difficult to discern visual details, an enlarged version of the occluded portion 32 in the revealed view 36 may be advantageous on the touch screen of the phone. However, without departing from the technical scope described herein, for larger touch screen devices, the revealed view 36 can simply display the occluded portion 32 within its boundary 34 without enlarging. The precision placement tool 12 may additionally or alternatively include a crosshair configuration and / or crosshairs 38 within its boundary 34 that cover the revealed view 36 of the obscured portion 32, such as Figure 3A shown.

[0042] In one embodiment, Figure 3A and Figure 4 As shown, the precise placement tool 12 and the revealed view 36 therein can be displayed on the map 22 from the obstructed portion 32 in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined distance from the obstructed portion during the entire touch gesture, regardless of the position of the obstructed portion 32 on the map 22. In addition, the precise placement tool 12 may also include a connection graphic (not shown) that extends from the obstructed portion 32 on the map 22 to the boundary 34 of the precise placement tool 12 and / or the revealed view 36 therein. For example, the connection graphic may be similar to the handle of a magnifying glass, or may be similar to the tail of a speech bubble that narrows as it approaches the obstructed portion 32. Alternatively, as Figure 5 As shown, the precision placement tool 12 and / or the revealed view 36 therein are displayed at a fixed, predetermined position on the touch screen, regardless of the position of the obscured portion 32 during the entire touch gesture. For example, the precision placement tool 12 and / or the revealed view 36 therein can be fixed at the upper left corner of the map 22, showing an enlarged view of the obscured portion 32 of the map 22.

[0043] In some embodiments, Figure 4As shown, one or more visual context indicators 42, 44 may be displayed at or near the precision placement tool 12 during the touch gesture. The visual context indicators 42, 44 may be icons extending from either side of the precision placement tool 12 or the revealed view 36 therein, and / or may include a change in appearance or color of the border 34 surrounding the revealed view 36. In some embodiments, the visual context indicators 42, 44 may visually communicate to the player what type of action will be performed on the dynamic image 10, the map 22, or the dynamic virtual world 14 associated therewith at the release location 26. In some embodiments, the visual context indicators 42, 44 may include a signal type visual context indicator 42 and a target type visual context indicator 44. Specifically, when the touch gesture ends / is released, the signal type visual context indicator 42 may communicate to the player (such as a teammate in a multiplayer game) at the release location the type of signal to be communicated over the network. Similarly, the target type visual context indicator 44 may communicate to the player at the release location a target object on the map with which the signal type will be associated. For example, if Figure 4 As shown, the “attack” icon may be of a signal type, and the “tower” icon may appear when the crosshairs are located at the center of a tower depicted on the map 22. That is, when the crosshairs or a particular portion of the crosshairs 38 covers a particular graphical object in a fixed graphical object 16 (e.g., one of the towers) or a movable graphical object 18 of the map 22, one of the visual context indicators 42, 44 (such as a target type visual context indicator 44) may be changed, or may be displayed at, around, or near the precise placement tool 12. Additionally or alternatively, the border 34 may be changed in shape, color, style, etc. to indicate that the precise placement tool 12 covers a particular target object (e.g., a fixed graphical object 16 or a movable graphical object 18).

[0044] Now refer to Figure 6 , each block of the method described herein includes a computing process that can be performed using any combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software. For example, various functions can be performed by a processor executing instructions stored in a memory. The method can also be embodied as computer-usable instructions stored on a computer storage medium. The method 600 can be provided by a stand-alone application, a service or a hosted service (standalone or in combination with another hosted service), or a plug-in for another product, to name a few. For example, as described herein, the method 600 is a virtual tool within other software such as a virtual game. In addition, by way of example, for Figure 1A-Figure 5 The method 600 is described with reference to a dynamic image 10 or a map 22 on a touch screen of a computer. However, these methods may additionally or alternatively be performed by any system or any combination of systems, including but not limited to the systems described herein.

[0045] Now refer to Figure 6 , a flow chart depicts a method 600 for precise location selection within a dynamic image according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments, the method 600 can be employed to accurately define a very location-specific communication tag to be sent to other computing devices within a network. As shown in box 602, the method 600 may include the step of displaying a dynamic image 10 on a touch screen. As described above, the dynamic image 10 may include a map 22 or other dynamic image having fixed graphical objects 16 and movable graphical objects 18 therein. For example, the map 22 can be opened by tapping or clicking a map icon (not shown), or the map 22 can remain open throughout the game play of a multiplayer game manipulated via the touch screen.

[0046] Additionally, as indicated at block 604, method 600 may include receiving a touch gesture on the touch screen and / or the dynamic image 10 displayed (e.g., within map 22). As described above, the touch gesture may begin at the tool selection icon 28 and end at the release location 26 within the dynamic image 10. For example, when a player touches the touch screen with a finger at the tool selection icon 28 and drags the finger across a portion of the map 22, the touch gesture may be received by the touch screen. The location on the map 22 where the player releases or removes the finger from the touch screen is the release location 26 where some action occurs, as described below.

[0047] As shown in block 606, the method 600 may also include, in response to the touch gesture, displaying a precision placement tool 12 that depicts a portion of the dynamic image 10 that is obscured by the received touch gesture (e.g., a portion of the map 22). As described above, the reveal view 36 is displayed outside the obscured portion 32 throughout the touch gesture, such as at a fixed location on the map or at a set distance away from the obscured portion 32. The reveal view 36 may be an enlarged view of the obscured portion 32. In some embodiments, the reveal view 36 may be enlarged to include additional details that are not provided and / or not visible in the map 22 without the precision placement tool 12. The steps of block 606 may also include displaying visual context indicators 42, 44 as part of the precision placement tool 12 or in conjunction with the precision placement tool 12. As described above, the visual context indicators 42, 44 may include icons, colors, symbols, text, etc. that communicate to the player what type of action will be performed on the map 22 or the corresponding dynamic virtual world 14 at the point where the touch gesture on the map 22 or within the dynamic virtual world 14 ends (i.e., at the release location 26).

[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in block 608, the method 600 may further include displaying a change to the dynamic image 10 (e.g., the map 22 or the corresponding dynamic virtual world 14) at the release location 26. For example, the change may be placing a communication marker 24 on the dynamic image 10, the map 22, or the corresponding dynamic virtual world 14. The communication marker 24 may be viewed by multiple players in the multiplayer game at a location associated with the release location 26 within the multiplayer game or its dynamic virtual world 14.

[0049] In addition, some embodiments of the method 600 may include displaying or visually changing a visual context indicator (e.g., a target type visual context indicator 44) associated with one of the fixed graphical objects 16 or the movable graphical objects 18 in response to the crosshairs or crosshairs 38 of the precision placement tool 12 intersecting one of the fixed graphical objects 16 or the movable graphical objects 18 during the touch gesture, as shown in block 610. For example, one of the visual context indicators 42, 44 extending from the precision placement tool 12 may represent and / or communicate to the player the type of signal to be communicated to the player's teammates at the release location 26. Similarly, another of the visual context indicators 42, 44 extending from the precision placement tool 12 may represent and / or communicate to the player a target object on the map 22, such as a tower or a roadblock. However, the target type visual context indicator 44 may only appear when the crosshairs or crosshairs 38 of the precision placement tool 12 intersects a particular one of the fixed graphical objects 16 and / or the movable graphical objects 18 on the map 22. Thus, in this embodiment, if the touch gesture is released while the target type visual context indicator 44 is present, the corresponding signal type may be associated with the target object at the release location 26 within the map 22 and / or the corresponding dynamic virtual world 14. In various embodiments, the signal type may correspond to certain communication indicia 24 or messages displayed to the player's teammates, specific teammates among the other teammates, and / or all other players of the multiplayer game.

[0050] Having described the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following describes an exemplary operating environment in which the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in order to provide a general context for various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 7 , an exemplary operating environment for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is shown and generally designated as computing device 700. Computing device 700 is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the disclosed embodiments. Neither should computing device 700 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

[0051] The embodiments herein may be described in the general context of computer code or machine usable instructions, which include computer executable instructions (such as program modules) executed by a computer or other machine (such as a personal data assistant or other handheld device). In general, program modules including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. refer to code that performs a specific task or implements a specific abstract data type. The described embodiments may be practiced in a variety of system configurations including handheld devices, consumer electronics, general-purpose computers, more specialized computing devices, etc. The described embodiments may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communication network.

[0052] Reference Figure 7 , computing device 700 includes a bus 710 that is directly or indirectly coupled to the following devices: memory 712, one or more processors 714, one or more presentation components 716, input / output (I / O) ports 718, input / output (I / O) components 720, and an exemplary power supply 722. In some example embodiments, computing device 700 may be or may include a mobile electronic device such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a touch screen laptop computer, etc. Bus 710 represents one or more buses (such as an address bus, a data bus, or a combination thereof). Although for clarity, Figure 7 The various boxes of FIG. 1 are represented by lines, but in reality, it is not so clear to depict the various components, and metaphorically, the lines would more accurately be gray and fuzzy. For example, a presentation component such as a display device can be considered an I / O component. In addition, a processor has memory. The inventors recognize that this is the nature of the art and reiterate that Figure 7 The figures illustrate only exemplary computing devices that may be used in conjunction with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. No distinction is made between categories such as "workstation," "server," "laptop," "handheld device," etc., as all of these categories are considered to be in the same general category. Figure 7 and are referred to as “computing devices”.

[0053] The computing device 700 typically includes various computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computing device 700, and includes volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media. As an example and not limitation, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CDROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage devices, cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the required information and can be accessed by the computing device 700. The computer storage medium itself does not include signals. Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in the form of modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" refers to a signal that sets or changes one or more of its characteristics in a manner that encodes the information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0054] Memory 712 includes computer storage media in the form of volatile and / or non-volatile memory. Memory may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-state memory, hard drives, optical drives, etc. Computing device 700 includes one or more processors that read data from various entities such as memory 712 or I / O components 720. Presentation component 616 presents data indications to a user or other device. Exemplary presentation components include display devices, speakers, printing components, vibration components, etc.

[0055] I / O port 718 allows computing device 700 to be logically coupled to other devices including I / O components 720, some of which may be built-in. Illustrative components include microphones, joysticks, game pads, satellite dishes, scanners, printers, wireless devices, etc. I / O components 720 may provide a natural user interface (NUI) that processes air gestures, voice, or other physiological inputs generated by a user. In some cases, the input may be sent to an appropriate network element for further processing. NUI may implement any combination of the following: voice recognition, stylus recognition, facial recognition, biometrics, gesture recognition on and near the screen, air gestures, head and eye tracking, and touch recognition associated with the display of computing device 700 (as described in more detail below). Computing device 700 may be equipped with a depth camera for gesture detection and recognition, such as a stereo camera system, an infrared camera system, an RGB camera system, touch screen technology, and a combination of these. In addition, computing device 700 may be equipped with an accelerometer or gyroscope capable of detecting motion. The output of the accelerometer or gyroscope may be provided to a display of computing device 700 to present an immersive augmented reality or virtual reality.

[0056] It is understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for precise positioning on a touch screen, etc. The present disclosure has been described with respect to specific embodiments, which are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] As can be seen from the foregoing, the embodiments of the present disclosure are well adapted to achieve all of the ends and purposes set forth above, as well as other advantages that are obvious and inherent to the systems and methods. It should be understood that certain features and subcombinations are practical and can be used without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by the claims and is within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for position selection of a dynamic image, the computer-implemented method comprising: displaying the dynamic image on the touch screen, wherein the dynamic image includes a dynamic map of both fixed graphical objects and movable graphical objects depicting a multiplayer game; receiving a touch gesture on the displayed dynamic image, wherein the touch gesture begins at a tool selection icon and ends at a release location within the dynamic image; During the entire touch gesture from the tool selection icon to the release position, displaying a precision placement tool, the precision placement tool depicting the portion of the dynamic image obscured by the received touch gesture, wherein the precision placement tool includes a crosshair as an overlay to the depiction; In response to the crosshairs intersecting one of the fixed graphical object or the movable graphical object, displaying or visually changing a visual context indicator associated with the one of the fixed graphical object or the movable graphical object; and In response to releasing the touch gesture at the release location, performing an operation at the release location.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The depiction is an enlarged view of the obscured portion of the dynamic image.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: A change to the dynamic image is displayed at the release position on the dynamic image.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein: The change to the dynamic image is the placement of a communication marker onto the dynamic image, wherein the communication marker is viewable by a plurality of players in the multiplayer game at a location within the multiplayer game associated with the release location.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: Regardless of the location of the obscured portion, the depiction is displayed at a fixed, predetermined location on the touch screen.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein: The precision placement tool includes a magnified view of an occluded portion of the dynamic image and one or more visual context indicators that communicate a type of action to be performed on the dynamic image at the release location on the dynamic image.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6, wherein: The one or more visual contextual indicators convey at least one of: a type of signal associated with the dynamic image at the release location to be communicated to multiple players in a multiplayer game, and A target object on the dynamic image is associated with the signal type at the release position.

8. A computer storage medium storing computer usable instructions that, when used by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform operations comprising: displaying a dynamic image on the touch screen, wherein the dynamic image includes a dynamic map of both fixed graphical objects and movable graphical objects depicting a multiplayer game; receiving a touch gesture on the displayed dynamic image, wherein the touch gesture begins at a tool selection icon and ends at a release location within the dynamic image; displaying a precision placement tool throughout the touch gesture from the tool selection icon to the release position, the precision placement tool depicting a portion of the dynamic image obscured by the received touch gesture, wherein the depiction is displayed outside of the obscured portion, wherein the precision placement tool includes a crosshair as an overlay to the depiction; In response to the crosshairs intersecting one of the fixed graphical object or the movable graphical object, displaying or visually changing a visual context indicator associated with the one of the fixed graphical object or the movable graphical object; and In response to releasing the touch gesture at the release location, performing an operation at the release location.

9. The computer storage medium of claim 8, wherein: The depiction is displayed at a fixed, predetermined location on the touch screen regardless of the location of the obscured portion, or The depiction is displayed from the obscured portion in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined distance from the obscured portion throughout the touch gesture, and the precise placement tool further includes a connection graphic extending from the obscured portion to the depiction.

10. The computer storage medium of claim 8, wherein: the precision placement tool includes one or more visual context indicators that communicate a type of action to be performed on the dynamic image at the release location on the dynamic image, or Wherein the one or more visual contextual indicators convey at least one of the following: a type of signal associated with the dynamic image at the release location to be communicated to multiple players in a multiplayer game, and A target object on the dynamic image is associated with the signal type at the release position.

11. The computer storage medium of claim 8, wherein: The depiction is an enlarged depiction of the obscured portion and is displayed outside the obscured portion, and the operation further includes displaying a change to the dynamic image at the release position on the dynamic image when the touch gesture ends.

12. The computer storage medium of claim 11, wherein: The change to the dynamic image is the placement of a communication marker onto the dynamic image, wherein the communication marker is viewable by a plurality of players in the multiplayer game at a location within the multiplayer game associated with the release location.

13. A system for position selection of a dynamic image, the system comprising: at least one processor; at least one data storage device communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the data storage device comprises a computer storage medium storing computer usable instructions that, when used by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations comprising: displaying the dynamic image on the touch screen, wherein the dynamic image includes a dynamic map of both fixed graphical objects and movable graphical objects depicting a multiplayer game; receiving a touch gesture on the displayed dynamic image, wherein the touch gesture begins at a tool selection icon and ends at a release location within the dynamic image; displaying a precision placement tool throughout the touch gesture from the tool selection icon to the release position, the precision placement tool depicting a portion of the dynamic image obscured by the received touch gesture, wherein the depiction is displayed outside of the obscured portion, wherein the precision placement tool includes a crosshair as an overlay to the depiction; In response to the crosshairs intersecting a particular one of the fixed graphical object or the movable graphical object, displaying or visually changing a visual context indicator associated with the particular one of the fixed graphical object or the movable graphical object; and In response to releasing the touch gesture at the release location, performing an operation at the release location.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The depiction is an enlarged depiction of the obscured portion and is displayed outside the obscured portion, and the operation further includes displaying a change to the dynamic image at the release position on the dynamic image when the touch gesture ends.

Images