Methods and devices for controlling virtual objects, terminals and computer programs

Abstract

The present invention provides a control method and apparatus, terminal, and computer program for virtual objects that can reduce the ratio of the prop display area to the screen. [Solution] The user interface displays a virtual environment screen, a first control, and a second control; in response to an operation on the first control, the virtual object is controlled to either hold or put away the first virtual prop currently in use; and in response to an operation on the second control, the virtual object switches from the first virtual prop currently in use to the second virtual prop, and switches the icon of the first virtual prop displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual prop. By displaying only the virtual prop currently in use by the virtual object, the control enables the display of props, switching the usage state of props, and switching props, thereby reducing the prop display area to screen ratio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on a Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office on August 30, 2021, with an application number of 202111007282.4 and an invention title of "Control Method, Device, Terminal, and Storage Medium for Virtual Objects", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Embodiments of this application relate to the technical field of the Internet, and in particular, to a control method and device for virtual objects, a terminal, and a computer program.

Background Art

[0003] In a shooting game, a user can control a virtual object to perform actions such as shooting and close combat using virtual props.

[0004] In related technologies, in order to facilitate a user to operate virtual props to realize various functions of the virtual props, the virtual props owned by the virtual object can be displayed at the lower center position of the game interface. Usually, the virtual object has several (for example, 2 to 3) virtual props, and these several virtual props are displayed side by side left and right.

[0005] However, the above display method of virtual props has a problem that a relatively large display area is required, and the ratio of the prop display area to the screen (hereinafter, also referred to as the "prop display area to screen ratio") is too high.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of this application aim to provide a control method and device for virtual objects, a terminal, and a computer program that can reduce the prop display area to screen ratio.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a method for controlling a virtual object is provided, the method being performed by a terminal, and the method is A user interface is displayed, and the user interface displays a virtual environment screen, a first control, and a second control, of which the virtual environment screen is a screen that observes the virtual environment from the perspective of a virtual object; In response to an operation on the first control, the virtual object is controlled to switch the usage status of the currently used first virtual tool, and the icon of the first virtual tool is displayed in the area corresponding to the first control; and This includes controlling the virtual object to switch the currently used first virtual prop to the second virtual prop in response to an operation on the second control, and to switch the icon of the first virtual prop displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual prop.

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a control device for a virtual object is provided, the device is deployed (located) on a terminal, and the device is A display module for displaying a user interface, wherein the user interface displays a virtual environment screen, a first control, and a second control, the virtual environment screen being a screen showing the virtual environment from the viewpoint of a virtual object; A first control module for controlling the virtual object to switch the usage state of the currently used first virtual tool in response to an operation on the first control, wherein the icon of the first virtual tool is displayed in the area corresponding to the first control; and The system includes a second control module for controlling the virtual object to switch the currently used first virtual prop to the second virtual prop, and to switch the icon of the first virtual prop displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual prop, in response to an operation on the second control.

[0009] According to one aspect of the embodiment of this application, a terminal is provided, the terminal comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing at least one instruction, at least one program, a code set or instruction set, the at least one instruction, the at least one program, the code set or instruction set being loaded and executed by the processor to realize the above-described method of controlling a virtual object.

[0010] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the readable storage medium is provided with at least one instruction, at least one program, a code set or instruction set, and the at least one instruction, the at least one program, the code set or instruction set is loaded and executed by the processor to realize the above-described method of controlling a virtual object.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiment of this application, a computer program product or computer program is provided, which includes computer instructions (computer programs) stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A terminal processor reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, thereby enabling the terminal to implement the above-described method of controlling a virtual object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application offer at least the following advantageous effects:

[0013] The user interface has two controls, the first control and the second control. The first control is used to display the icon of the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object, allowing the user to control the virtual object's usage state (e.g., the first virtual prop) by performing operations on the first control. The user can further control the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object by performing operations on the second control, for example, switching the first virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object to the second virtual prop, and also switching the icon of the first virtual prop displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual prop. In other words, this proposed technology increases the number of second controls for switching props, and the first control displays only the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object, i.e., displays only one virtual prop. This ensures that the controls (first and second controls) can realize functions such as displaying virtual props, switching the usage state of virtual props, and switching virtual props, while reducing the prop display area to screen ratio. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] To more clearly explain the technical concept relating to the embodiments of this application, the drawings that need to be used in describing the embodiments are briefly introduced below. As will be clear, the drawings in the following description are only a few embodiments of this application, and as far as those skilled in the art are concerned, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work. [Figure 1] This figure shows the implementation environment of the technical solution provided in one embodiment of this application. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart of a control method for a virtual object provided in one embodiment of this application. [Figure 3] This figure shows a user interface provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4]It is a flowchart of a method for controlling a virtual object provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the holding state and storage state of a virtual prop provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the switching of a virtual prop provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of a method for controlling a virtual object provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the display of candidate virtual props provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the switching of a virtual prop provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the switching of a virtual prop provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart of a method for controlling a virtual object provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the switching of a virtual prop provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 13] It is a block diagram of a control device for a virtual object provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14] It is a block diagram of a control device for a virtual object provided in one embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15] It is a block diagram of the configuration of a terminal provided in one embodiment of the present application.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] To make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, which is a diagram showing the implementation environment of the technical solution provided in one embodiment of the present application. The implementation environment of the technical solution can be realized as a control system for a virtual object. The implementation environment may include a terminal 10 and a server 20.

[0017] Terminal 10 may be an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, game console, e-reader, multimedia player, wearable device, or PC (Personal Computer). Terminal 10 may have a client for the target application program (for example, a game application program) installed on it.

[0018] In the embodiments of this application, the above-mentioned target application program refers to an application program that provides a shooting scene. The target application program can provide a virtual environment, which allows a virtual character substituted and operated by the user to perform activities in the virtual environment, such as walking and shooting. In one possible implementation, the target application program may include a shooting application program. Examples of shooting application programs include shooting game application programs, virtual reality (VR) shooting application programs, augmented reality (AR) shooting application programs, 3D map programs, social application programs, and interactive entertainment application programs. Generally, the target application program may be a TPS (Third-Person Shooting Game), FPS (First-Person Shooting Game), MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game, or multiplayer gunfight survival game. Furthermore, different target application programs may have different forms of virtual targets and corresponding functions, all of which can be pre-configured according to actual needs and are not limited to the embodiments of this application.

[0019] Among these, the aforementioned virtual environment may be a scene displayed (or provided) when a client of the target application program (e.g., a game application program) is executed on terminal 10. The virtual environment may refer to a scene created for a virtual object to perform an activity (e.g., a game competition), such as a virtual house, a virtual island, a virtual map, etc. The virtual environment may be a simulation environment of the real world, a semi-simulated, semi-fictional environment, or a completely fictional environment. The virtual environment may be a two-dimensional virtual environment, a 2.5-dimensional virtual environment, or a three-dimensional virtual environment, and is not limited thereto in the embodiments of this application. When a client of the target application program is executed on terminal 10, it may display (or provide) different virtual environments at different time intervals.

[0020] The virtual object described above may refer to an object controlled by a user account in the target application program. Taking the example that the target application program is a game application program, the virtual object may refer to an object controlled by a user account or AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the game application program. The virtual object may be a person, an animal, a cartoon character, or in other form, and is not limited thereto in the embodiments of this application. The virtual object may be displayed in three dimensions or exhibited in two dimensions, and is not limited thereto in the embodiments of this application. In one possible implementation, when the virtual environment is a three-dimensional virtual environment, the virtual object is a three-dimensional model generated based on an animation skeleton. Each virtual object has its own shape and volume in the three-dimensional virtual environment and occupies a portion of the space in the three-dimensional virtual environment.

[0021] In the embodiments of this application, the virtual targets engage in combat using virtual props. Virtual props (also called "virtual items") are props provided by the system for the virtual targets to use in combat, and include, for example, virtual guns, virtual swords, virtual cannonballs, etc. Virtual props may be displayed in three dimensions or two dimensions, and are not limited to these in the embodiments of this application. In one possible implementation, when the virtual environment is a three-dimensional virtual environment, the virtual props are three-dimensional models. Each virtual prop has its own shape and volume in the three-dimensional virtual environment and occupies a portion of the space in the three-dimensional virtual environment. Server 20 is used to provide background services to clients of the target application program on terminal 10. For example, server 20 may be a background server for the target application program described above. Server 20 may be a single server, a group of servers, or a single cloud computing service center. In one possible implementation, server 20 simultaneously provides background services to target application programs on multiple terminals 10.

[0022] Terminal 10 and server 20 can communicate with each other via network 30. Network 30 may be a wired network or a wireless network.

[0023] In embodiments of the method of this application, the entity executing each step may be a terminal, for example, a client of the target application program described above that runs on the terminal. In some embodiments, the target application program described above may be an application program developed based on a three-dimensional virtual environment engine, which can construct a three-dimensional virtual environment, virtual objects, virtual props, etc., to provide the user with a more immersive gaming experience.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2, which is a flowchart of a method for controlling a virtual prop provided in one embodiment of the present application. The method may include several steps (steps 210 to 230) as follows.

[0025] Step 210: The user interface is displayed, which includes the virtual environment screen, the first control, and the second control. The virtual environment screen is a view of the virtual environment from the perspective of the virtual object.

[0026] The virtual environment screen is a view of the virtual environment from the perspective of a virtual object, which may be a first-person or third-person perspective. The virtual environment screen displays elements of the virtual environment, such as virtual buildings, virtual props, and virtual objects. In addition to the virtual environment screen, the user interface also displays first and second controls, which may be buttons, slide blocks, sliders, icons, etc., allowing the user to perform operations.

[0027] The display layer on which the first and second controls reside may be different from the virtual environment screen. In one possible implementation, the user interface displays a virtual environment screen and a control display layer above the virtual environment screen. The virtual environment screen is a screen that observes the virtual environment from the viewpoint of a virtual object, and is used to display the virtual environment and its elements. The control display layer is used to display operation controls, such as the first and second controls, in order to realize human-machine interaction functions. Typically, operation controls may include buttons, slide blocks, slide bars, icons, etc., and are not limited to these in the embodiments of this application. As an example, referring to Figure 3, the client displays the user interface 310. The user interface 310 may display the first control 320 and the second control 330. The user interface 310 may also display the virtual object 340.

[0028] Step 220: In response to an operation on the first control, the client controls the virtual object to switch the usage status of the currently used first virtual tool, and the icon of the first virtual tool is displayed in the area corresponding to the first control.

[0029] In the embodiments of this application, the first control is used to control the virtual object to switch the usage state of the currently used virtual prop. The usage state of the virtual prop includes a handheld state and a stored state. Operations on the first control described above include, but are not limited to, at least one of click, long press, and slide.

[0030] The "handheld state" may refer to the state in which the virtual object's hand grasps (holds) the virtual prop, as shown in Figure 5(a), while the "stored state" may refer to the state in which the virtual prop is not grasped by the virtual object's hand, as shown in Figure 5(b). For example, the virtual prop is stored (carried) on the virtual object's back.

[0031] As an example, the first virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object is in a held state, the user clicks the first control, and the client controls the first virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object to be stored, that is, to switch the first virtual prop from a held state to a stored state. As an example, the first virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object is in a stored state, the user clicks the first control, and the client controls the first virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object to be held in its hand, that is, to switch the first virtual prop from a stored state to a held state.

[0032] The area corresponding to the first control is used to display the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object. If the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object is the first virtual prop, the icon of the first virtual prop will be displayed in the area corresponding to the first control. The area corresponding to the first control refers to the display area of ​​the first control. As shown in Figure 3, the area corresponding to the first control 320 is its display area.

[0033] In one example, when the first virtual prop is in a handheld state, the first control is displayed in a first display mode, and when the first virtual prop is in a stored state, the first control is displayed in a second display mode, the first display mode being different from the second display mode. In one possible implementation, the difference between the first and second display modes relates to a display element, which includes, but is not limited to, luminance (brightness) and color.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, when an operation is performed on the first control, it can be determined whether the first virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object is in a handheld state. If yes, the control is set to put away the first virtual prop, and the first control is displayed in the second display format. If no, the control is set to hold the first virtual prop in its hand, and the first control is displayed in the first display format.

[0035] As an example, the first display mode and the second display mode have different brightness levels. As shown in Figure 5, when the first virtual prop is in the handheld state, the first control 320 displays the icon of the first virtual prop in a highlighted state (for example, the first control corresponding to the figure shown in Figure 5(a)), and when the first virtual prop is in the stored state, the first control 320 displays the icon of the first virtual prop in a non-highlighted state (for example, the first control corresponding to the figure shown in Figure 5(b)).

[0036] By displaying the first control in different display formats based on the usage status of the currently used virtual prop, users can intuitively understand the usage status of the virtual prop based on the display format of the first control, thereby improving the user experience.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the first control further supports operations such as discarding, positioning (setting), and switching for currently used virtual props, and by integrating multiple functions into the same control, the virtual prop display area to screen ratio can be further reduced.

[0038] In one possible implementation, in response to a discard operation on a first control, the client controls the virtual object to discard the first virtual prop currently in use. The discard operation includes, but is not limited to, any one of click, long press, and slide. For example, if the discard operation is a slide operation, and the first virtual prop currently in use by the virtual object is a dagger, and the user controls the touch position to slide from the dagger icon displayed in the area corresponding to the first control out of the area corresponding to the first control, then the client controls the virtual object to discard the dagger.

[0039] In one possible implementation, after the virtual object discards its currently used first virtual prop, the client controls the virtual object to use a second virtual prop and display the icon for the second virtual prop in the area corresponding to the first control. Typically, the second virtual prop is one of the next virtual props after the first. For example, after the user controls the virtual object to discard a dagger, the client controls the virtual object to use an automatic rifle and display the icon for the automatic rifle in the area corresponding to the first control.

[0040] In one possible implementation, in response to a placement operation on a first control, the client places accessories for the first virtual prop currently in use. These virtual prop accessories refer to devices that enhance the performance of the virtual prop, such as magazines, buttstocks, grips, and scopes. The placement operation includes, but is not limited to, a click, slide, or long press. For example, if the placement operation is a long press, the client long presses the first control, displaying accessory information for the first virtual prop currently in use by the virtual object, allowing the user to attach, detach, and replace accessories for the first virtual prop. This accessory information may include accessories attached to the virtual prop currently in use by the virtual object. Furthermore, the accessory information may also include accessories that can be attached to the virtual prop currently in use by the virtual object.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the attack mode (method) of the currently used first virtual prop is adjusted in response to a switching operation on the first control. The switching operation includes, but is not limited to, a click, slide, and long press. The attack mode refers to the attack state of the virtual prop when a virtual target uses the virtual prop to engage in combat. Attack modes may include melee attacks and ranged attacks, burst fire and single shots, etc. If the attack mode of the first virtual prop includes burst fire and single shots, the user adjusts the current gun from burst fire to single shot by double-clicking the first control 320, as shown in Figure 5.

[0042] Different operations are required to perform different functions. For example, while a discard operation may be performed by clicking the first control, a placement operation cannot be performed by clicking the first control. This application does not limit the specific operations required to perform each function.

[0043] By integrating multiple functions into a single control, it is possible to further reduce the virtual prop display area to screen ratio, assuming that the various functions of the currently used virtual props can be implemented.

[0044] Step 230: In response to an operation on the second control, the client controls the virtual object to switch the first virtual prop currently in use to the second virtual prop, and to switch the icon of the first virtual prop displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual prop.

[0045] In embodiments of this application, the second control is used to switch the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object. Operations on the second control include, but are not limited to, any one of click, long press, and slide. In one example, the user clicks the second control, and the client controls the virtual object to switch from the first virtual prop currently being used to the second virtual prop; and the client switches the icon of the first virtual prop displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual prop. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the user clicks the second control 330, and the client controls the virtual object 340 to switch from the gun currently being used to a dagger, and switches the gun icon displayed in the area corresponding to the first control 320 to the dagger icon.

[0046] The client switching the icon of the first virtual tool displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual tool may occur simultaneously with the client controlling the virtual object to switch from the currently used first virtual tool to the second virtual tool, or before the client controls the virtual object to switch from the currently used first virtual tool to the second virtual tool, or after the client controls the virtual object to switch from the currently used first virtual tool to the second virtual tool, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0047] To make it clear, before the switch, the first virtual prop may be in a different state of use, and because the state of the first virtual prop is different, the state of the second virtual prop after the switch may also be different.

[0048] In one example, if the first virtual prop is in a handheld or stored state, the client can control the virtual object to hold the second virtual prop in its hand. For example, suppose the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object is a dagger and the second virtual prop is an automatic rifle. In this case, regardless of whether the dagger is in a handheld or stored state, after the user clicks the second control, the client can control the virtual object to switch from the dagger to the automatic rifle and hold the automatic rifle in its hand.

[0049] In another example, the usage state of the second virtual prop after the switch is the same as the usage state of the first virtual prop before the switch. That is, if the usage state of the first virtual prop is in the handheld state, the client can control the virtual object to hold the second virtual prop in its hand, or if the usage state of the first virtual prop is in the stored state, the client can control the virtual object to store the second virtual prop. For example, suppose the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object is a dagger and the second virtual prop is an automatic rifle. In this case, when the dagger is in the handheld state, after the user clicks the second control, the client can control the virtual object to switch from the dagger to the automatic rifle and hold the automatic rifle in its hand. Also, when the dagger is in the stored state, after the user clicks the second control, the client can control the virtual object to switch from the dagger to the automatic rifle and store the automatic rifle.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the first and second controls may be displayed at the bottom center of the user interface screen.

[0051] In another possible implementation, the first and second controls may be displayed in a corner area of ​​the user interface. This corner area may be an area that is easy for the user to operate; for example, since users are usually accustomed to operating with their right hand, this corner area may be the upper right corner of the user interface. As shown in Figure 3, the first control 320 and the second control 330 are displayed in the upper right corner of the user interface.

[0052] By displaying the first and second controls in a corner area of ​​the user interface, users can easily and conveniently operate the first and second controls. This allows for easy and convenient implementation of functions such as switching the usage status of virtual tools and switching the currently used virtual tool, thereby improving the user experience.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the positions of the first and second controls may be self-defined and adjusted by the user. The relative positions of the first and second controls are not limited in this application. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the first control 320 is located to the left of the second control 330, and the two are closely adjacent. Since the first control is relatively obvious, the user can quickly find the position of the second control based on the position of the first control, achieving the effect of quickly switching between virtual props.

[0054] In summary, the invention provided in the embodiments of this application includes a user interface with two controls, a first control and a second control. The first control is used to display the icon of the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object, thereby allowing the user to control the virtual object to switch the usage state of the currently used virtual prop (e.g., the first virtual prop) by performing operations on the first control. The user can further control the virtual object to switch the currently used virtual prop by performing operations on the second control, for example, by controlling the virtual object to switch from the currently used first virtual prop to the second virtual prop, and to switch the icon of the first virtual prop displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual prop. In other words, this proposed technology adds a second control for switching props, and displays only the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object in the first control, i.e., displays only one virtual prop. This ensures that functions such as displaying virtual props, switching the usage status of virtual props, and switching virtual props can be achieved using the controls (first and second controls). Furthermore, it reduces the prop display area to screen ratio, simplifies the user interface, and provides users with a better visual experience.

[0055] Refer to Figure 7, which is a flowchart of a control method for a virtual object provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0056] The operations performed on the second control mentioned above include both the first and second operations, and the method for switching the currently used virtual prop differs depending on the operation performed on the second control.

[0057] If the operation on the second control is the first operation, the virtual prop switches to the second virtual prop in accordance with the first operation on the second control. For example, the client determines that the next virtual prop after the first virtual prop is the second virtual prop according to the prop sorting rules, and the client controls the virtual object to switch from the first virtual prop to the second virtual prop.

[0058] In one example, the first operation may refer to a click operation. The prop sorting rule refers to the method of sorting props that is set, and the sorting basis of the prop sorting rule may include multiple factors. In one possible implementation, the prop sorting rule may refer to sorting according to the type of prop. In one example, the prop sorting rule refers to sorting virtual props in the order of automatic rifle, semi-automatic rifle, sniper rifle, and dagger. For example, the virtual prop currently used by the virtual object is an automatic rifle, and the user clicks the second control, in which case the client determines the semi-automatic rifle to be the second virtual prop, and controls the virtual object to switch from the automatic rifle to the semi-automatic rifle.

[0059] In the embodiments of this application, different virtual props of the same type may have a predetermined order, and the basis for that order may differ. In one possible implementation, different virtual props of the same type may be sorted according to the order of collection. In another possible implementation, different props of the same type may be sorted according to the initials of their names. For example, the AKM (Avtomat Kalashnikov Modernizirovannyi), M416, and M4 (M4A1 Carbine) all belong to the category of automatic rifles, and in this case, they are sorted in the order of AKM, M4, M416.

[0060] In another possible implementation, the prop sorting rule may refer to sorting the virtual props in the order in which they are collected. In one example, the user controls a virtual object to collect a dagger, an automatic rifle, a sniper rifle, and a semi-automatic rifle in that order, in which case the virtual props are sorted in the order of dagger, automatic rifle, sniper rifle, and semi-automatic rifle. For example, the virtual object is currently using a dagger, and the user clicks a second control, in which case the client determines the automatic rifle to be the second virtual prop and controls the virtual object to switch from the dagger to the automatic rifle.

[0061] When an operation on the second control is a second operation, the client displays icons for multiple candidate virtual props in response to the second operation on the second control. These candidate virtual props include the second virtual prop, and in response to a selection operation on the icon of the second virtual prop, the client controls the virtual target to switch from the first virtual prop to the second virtual prop.

[0062] As an example, the second operation described above may be a long press operation. In the embodiments of this application, the first operation is different from the second operation, and this application does not limit whether the first and second operations are specifically clicks, long presses, or other operations.

[0063] Taking the example of a first operation being a click and a second operation being a long press, the second control is given the added functionality of time detection. For example, using 0.4 seconds as a baseline, if the touch time is less than 0.4 seconds, it is a click operation, and if the touch time is 0.4 seconds or longer, it is a long press operation. If the touch time for the operation on the second control is less than 0.4 seconds, the client determines the next virtual prop after the first virtual prop to be the second virtual prop according to the prop sorting rules, and the client controls the virtual target to switch from the first virtual prop to the second virtual prop. If the touch time for the operation on the second control is 0.4 seconds or longer, the client displays icons for multiple candidate virtual props, and the second virtual prop is included among the multiple candidate virtual props. Depending on the selection operation on the icon of the second virtual prop, the client controls the virtual target to switch from the first virtual prop to the second virtual prop.

[0064] In one example, the multiple candidate virtual props mentioned above may include virtual props owned by the virtual object. Virtual props owned by the virtual object may also be virtual props collected in the current game. For example, if the user controls the virtual object to collect a dagger and an automatic rifle (i.e., it collects a dagger and an automatic rifle), the client will only display the dagger and the automatic rifle. Virtual props owned by the virtual object may also be virtual props assigned by the system at the start of the game.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the virtual props a user is familiar with may differ, or the current combat scene may differ over different time periods, and the appropriate virtual prop for use may differ in each case. In such cases, to facilitate the user's quick selection of the appropriate virtual prop, it is possible to determine whether any of the candidate virtual props among several candidates is the recommended virtual prop (i.e., the appropriate virtual prop for use). If yes, the icon of the recommended virtual prop is displayed in a way that distinguishes it from the icons of the other virtual props. For example, the icon of the recommended virtual prop may be marked with a star, while the icons of the other virtual props may not.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the recommended virtual prop may be provided by the system according to the needs of the current combat scene, or it may be provided according to the user's usage habits. For example, if the system determines that the current combat scene is a close-quarters combat scene, the system will recommend a close-quarters combat prop. For example, if the user has used an automatic rifle the longest, the system will recommend an automatic rifle.

[0067] In one example, the above-mentioned list of candidate virtual props includes virtual props owned by the virtual object and virtual props not owned by the virtual object. For example, if the user controls the virtual object and causes it to collect a dagger and an automatic rifle, the client will display the dagger, automatic rifle, and sniper rifle. The virtual props not owned by the virtual object may also be virtual props provided by the system. For example, the system provides appropriate virtual props according to the needs of the current combat scene. For instance, if an enemy of the virtual object appears within 5 meters of the current virtual object, the system may determine that a melee attack is appropriate and provide melee attack props such as a dagger, frying pan, machete, or crowbar. If an enemy of the virtual object appears within 5 to 200 meters of the current virtual object, the system may determine that the current battle is a medium-range fight and provide automatic rifles such as an AKM or M4. If an enemy of the virtual object is located within 200 to 500 meters of the virtual object, the system may determine that the current battle is a long-range fight and provide a sniper rifle. As an example, the system provides virtual props that the user uses most frequently, based on the user's usage habits. For instance, the system provides the virtual prop that the user has used the most, based on the user's usage time for each type of virtual prop, or the system provides the virtual prop that the user has used the most, based on the user's usage count for each type of virtual prop.

[0068] In one possible implementation, if the user selects a virtual prop that the virtual object does not own, the client displays a presentation pop-up window offering the user the option to purchase the virtual prop and / or exchange it for another virtual prop they own. For example, suppose the user owns an automatic rifle and a dagger, but not a semi-automatic rifle or a sniper rifle, and the user selects a sniper rifle. In one example, the client displays a presentation pop-up window offering the user the option to buy the sniper rifle using gold coins, which can be obtained in games. In another example, the client displays a presentation pop-up window offering the user the option to exchange a dagger or automatic rifle for the sniper rifle. In yet another example, the client displays a presentation pop-up window offering the user the option to buy the sniper rifle using gold coins, or to exchange a dagger or automatic rifle for the sniper rifle.

[0069] In one possible implementation, icons for virtual props not owned by the virtual object (which may be other virtual props) may be displayed in a way that distinguishes them from icons for virtual props owned by the virtual object (which may be recommended virtual props). For example, a lock indicator (mark) may be placed on virtual props not owned by the virtual object, while a lock indicator may not be placed on virtual props owned by the virtual object.

[0070] In one possible implementation, when the client displays icons for multiple candidate virtual props, the aforementioned first control can be hidden, thereby ensuring simplicity in the user interface display, reducing the prop display area-to-screen ratio, and simultaneously maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the user interface.

[0071] In one possible implementation, in response to a second operation on a second control, a switching roulette is displayed centered on the second control, and the switching roulette displays icons and attribute information corresponding to each of several candidate virtual props. As an example, as shown in Figure 8, in response to a second operation on the second control 330, a switching roulette 350 is displayed centered on the second control 330. The switching roulette 350 displays icons and attribute information corresponding to each of several candidate virtual props. The switching roulette described above may be in the shape of a wheel or other shapes, and this application does not limit it thereto. The attribute information described above may include the number of bullets and names of the virtual props, and this application does not limit it thereto. In some embodiments, only four virtual props can be displayed on the switching roulette described above. However, this application does not limit how many specific virtual props can be displayed on the switching roulette.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the client controls the virtual object to switch from the first virtual object to the second virtual object in response to the touch position of the second operation moving from the second control to the icon of the second virtual object. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the user controls the touch position to slide from the second control 330 to the icon of the second virtual object, and the client controls the virtual object to switch from the first virtual object to the second virtual object.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the icons for the multiple candidate virtual props described above are displayed in a corner area of ​​the user interface. In some embodiments, the icons for the multiple candidate virtual props described above are displayed in a fan shape in the upper right corner of the user interface.

[0074] In one possible implementation, in response to the disappearance of the touch signal from the second operation, the client cancels the display of the icons for multiple candidate virtual tools. For example, when the user lifts their finger, the touch signal disappears (see Figure 7), and in this case, the client controls the display of the icons for multiple candidate virtual tools and does not switch the currently used virtual weapon. As shown in Figure 9, when the user long-presses the second control 330, the client displays the switch roulette 350, and when the user lifts their finger, the client hides the switch roulette 350.

[0075] In one possible implementation, the second virtual prop is displayed in a distinguishable manner in response to the touch position of the second operation moving to the icon of the second virtual prop. For example, the user controls the touch position to slide from the second control to the icon of the second virtual prop, and the client controls the icon of the second virtual prop to be highlighted. As shown in Figure 9, when the user long-presses the second control 330, the client displays the toggle roulette 350, and the user controls the touch position to slide from the second control 330 to the icon of the second virtual prop, the client controls the icon of the second virtual prop to be highlighted.

[0076] In one possible implementation, in response to a selection operation on the icon of a second virtual prop among several candidate virtual props, the client displays an icon of an available accessory corresponding to the second virtual prop, and in response to a selection operation on the icon of a target accessory among the available accessories, the client controls the second virtual prop to equip the target accessory. In one possible implementation, the icon of the available accessory is displayed near the icon of the second virtual prop. For example, the icon of the available accessory is displayed in the form of an accessory switching roulette. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the user controls the touch position to slide from the second control 330 to the icon of the second virtual prop, the client displays the icon of the available accessory near the icon of the second virtual prop, the user controls the touch position to continue sliding to the icon of the target accessory among the available accessories, and the client controls the second virtual prop to equip the target accessory. The available accessory may also be displayed in the accessory switching roulette 360 ​​in Figure 10, and the accessory switching roulette 360 ​​is one type of switching roulette in the embodiment of this application.

[0077] Furthermore, this application does not limit the method of displaying the icons for the available accessories mentioned above, and the accessory switching roulette is merely an example.

[0078] In summary, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application provides two types of control operations, achieving the effects of sequential switching and precise switching, respectively, thereby improving accuracy when a user controls a virtual object to hold, store, or switch virtual props, while simultaneously displaying only the virtual prop currently being used by the virtual object, thereby emphasizing the display effect of the virtual props and reducing the virtual prop display area to screen ratio.

[0079] Referring to Figure 7 and then to Figure 11, which is a flowchart of a control method for a virtual object provided in one embodiment of this application, and which includes the steps of the embodiment corresponding to Figure 7, a detailed explanation of which is omitted here.

[0080] The operations on the second control mentioned above include the first and second operations.

[0081] In response to the first operation on the second control, the client determines the next virtual prop after the first virtual prop to be the second virtual prop according to the prop sorting rules, and the client controls the virtual object to switch from the first virtual prop to the second virtual prop.

[0082] In response to a second operation on the second control, the client displays icons for multiple candidate virtual props, and in response to a selection operation on the icon of the second virtual prop among the multiple candidate virtual props, the client controls the virtual target to switch from the first virtual prop to the second virtual prop.

[0083] As an example, the second operation described above may be a long press operation. In the embodiments of this application, the first operation is different from the second operation, and this application does not limit whether the first and second operations are specifically clicks, long presses, or other operations.

[0084] In one possible implementation, in response to a selection operation on the icon of a second virtual prop, the client displays the icon of an available accessory corresponding to the second virtual prop, and in response to a selection operation on the icon of a target accessory among the available accessories, the client controls the second virtual prop to equip the target accessory. In one possible implementation, the icon of an available accessory is displayed near the icon of the second virtual prop. For example, as shown in Figure 12, when the user long-presses the second control 330, the client displays the toggle roulette 350, and the user controls the touch position to slide from the second control 330 to the icon of the second virtual prop, the client displays the accessory toggle roulette 360 ​​near the icon of the second virtual prop, the accessory toggle roulette 360 ​​is used to display the icon of an available accessory corresponding to the second virtual prop, and when the user controls the touch position to continue sliding from the icon of the second virtual prop to the icon of the target accessory, the client controls the second virtual prop to equip the target accessory.

[0085] If no target accessory is selected, the system determines whether a loss of touch signal has occurred. If yes, it switches to the second virtual prop and displays it in the area corresponding to the first control. If a target accessory is selected, it displays it in a distinguishable manner, determines whether a loss of touch signal has occurred, switches to the second virtual prop if yes, places (attaches) the target accessory to the second virtual prop, and displays the second virtual prop in the area corresponding to the first control.

[0086] Furthermore, the client may control the virtual prop to equip the target accessory before the client controls the virtual object to switch from the currently used first virtual prop to the second virtual prop, or after the client controls the virtual object to switch from the currently used first virtual prop to the second virtual prop, or even simultaneously with the client controlling the virtual object to switch from the currently used first virtual prop to the second virtual prop, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0087] In summary, the invention provided in the embodiments of this application allows for the switching of virtual props and the equipping of accessories to be completed with a single slide by providing at least one icon for an available accessory. This saves time on prop equipping, makes operation simple and efficient, and provides users with a better control experience in intense combat scenes.

[0088] The following are embodiments of the apparatus of this application, which are used to carry out embodiments of the method of this application. Details not disclosed in the embodiments of the apparatus of this application can be found in the embodiments of the method of this application.

[0089] Referring to Figure 13, which is a block diagram of a control device for a virtual object provided in one embodiment of the present application, the device has the function of implementing the control method for the virtual object described above, the function of which may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing the corresponding software. The device may be a terminal, or may be installed in a terminal. The device 1300 may include a display module 1310, a first control module 1320, and a second control module 1330.

[0090] The display module 1310 is used to display a user interface, which displays a virtual environment screen, a first control, and a second control. Of these, the virtual environment screen is a screen that observes the virtual environment from the perspective of a virtual object.

[0091] The first control module 1320 is used to control the virtual object so that it switches the usage state of the currently used first virtual tool in response to operations on the first control, and the icon of the first virtual tool is displayed in the area corresponding to the first control.

[0092] The second control module 1330 is used to control the virtual object in response to an operation on the second control, by switching the first virtual prop currently in use to the second virtual prop, and by switching the icon of the first virtual prop displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual prop.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the second control module 1330 is used to determine the next virtual prop after the first virtual prop as the second virtual prop in accordance with a prop sorting rule in response to a first operation on the second control; and to control the virtual object to switch the first virtual prop to the second virtual prop.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the second control module 1330 is used to display a plurality of candidate virtual prop icons in response to a second operation on the second control, the plurality of candidate virtual props including the second virtual prop; and to control the virtual object to switch the first virtual prop to the second virtual prop in response to a selection operation on the icon of the second virtual prop.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the second control module 1330 is used to display a toggle roulette centered on the second control, and the toggle roulette displays icons and attribute information corresponding to each of the plurality of candidate virtual props.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of candidate virtual props include a recommended virtual prop and other virtual props, the other virtual props are candidate virtual props other than the recommended virtual prop among the plurality of candidate virtual props, and the second control module 1330 is used to distinguish and display the icons of the recommended virtual prop and the other virtual props.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the second control module 1330 is used to control the virtual object to switch from the first virtual prop to the second virtual prop in response to the touch position of the second operation moving from the second control to the icon of the second virtual prop.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the second control module 1330 is used to cancel the display of the multiple candidate virtual prop icons in response to the disappearance of the touch signal for the second operation.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the second control module 1330 is used to display an icon of an available accessory corresponding to the second virtual prop in response to a selection operation on the icon of the second virtual prop; and to control the second virtual prop to equip the target accessory in response to a selection operation on the icon of a target accessory among the available accessories.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the second control module 1330 is used to control the virtual object to hold the second virtual prop in its hand whenever the first virtual prop is in a handheld or stored state; or to control the virtual object to hold the second virtual prop in its hand whenever the first virtual prop is in a handheld state; or to control the virtual object to store the second virtual prop when the first virtual prop is in a stored state.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the first control module 1320 is used to control the virtual object to store the first virtual prop when the first virtual prop is in a handheld state, or to control the virtual object to hold the first virtual prop in its hand when the first virtual prop is in a stored state.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, when the first virtual prop is in a handheld state, the first control is displayed in a first display format, and when the first virtual prop is in a stored state, the first control is displayed in a second display format, the first display format being different from the second display format.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a third control module 1340, a placement module 1350, and a regulating module 1360.

[0104] The third control module 1340 is used to control the virtual object to discard the first virtual prop currently in use in response to a discard operation on the first control.

[0105] The placement module 1350 is used to place the accessories of the currently used first virtual prop in response to a placement operation on the first control.

[0106] The adjustment module 1360 is used to adjust the attack method of the currently used first virtual prop in response to a switching operation on the first control.

[0107] In summary, the invention provided in the embodiments of this application provides a user interface with two controls, allowing the user to switch the usage status of virtual props for virtual objects using the first control, and the first control is also used to display the virtual props for virtual objects, allowing the user to switch the virtual props for virtual objects using the second control, thereby satisfying the user's need to quickly switch virtual props. This invention adds a second control for switching props, and allows the first control to display only the virtual prop currently in use for the virtual object, i.e., to display only one virtual prop. This ensures that the controls (first and second controls) can perform functions such as displaying virtual props, switching the usage status of virtual props, and switching virtual props, while reducing the prop display area to screen ratio.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the device is explained using the division of each functional module as an example to realize its functions. However, in actual applications, the above functions may be assigned to different functional modules according to the needs. In other words, all or some of the above functions may be completed by dividing the internal configuration of the device into different functional modules. Furthermore, the device provided in the above-described embodiment belongs to the same concept as the embodiment of the method, and its specific implementation process can be found in the embodiment of the method; therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0109] Referring to Figure 15, which is a block diagram of the configuration of terminal 1500 provided in one embodiment of this application, the terminal 1500 may be an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, game console, e-reader, multimedia player, wearable device, or PC. The terminal is used to implement the control method of a virtual object provided in the above embodiment. The terminal may also be terminal 10 in the game execution environment shown in Figure 1. Specifically, it is as follows:

[0110] Typically, terminal 1500 includes a processor 1501 and a memory unit 1502.

[0111] The processor 1501 may include one or more processing cores, for example, a 4-core processor, an 8-core processor, etc. The processor 1501 can be implemented in the form of at least one hardware component from among DSP (Digital Signal Processing), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and PLA (Programmable Logic Array). The processor 1501 may include a main processor and a coprocessor, the main processor being a processor for processing data in an active state and also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and the coprocessor being a low-power processor for processing data in a standby state. In some embodiments, the processor 1501 may integrate a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which is responsible for rendering and drawing content that needs to be displayed on the display screen. In some embodiments, the processor 1501 further includes an AI processor, which is used to process computational operations related to machine learning.

[0112] The memory unit 1502 may include one or more computer-readable storage media, which may be non-temporary. The memory unit 1502 may further include high-speed RAM and non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disks or fresh memory. In some embodiments, the non-temporary computer-readable storage media in the memory unit 1502 is used to store at least one instruction, at least one program, code set or instruction set, and the at least one instruction, at least one program, code set or instruction set is configured to be executed by one or more processors to realize the control method of the virtual object described above.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terminal 1500 may further optionally include a peripheral interface 1503 and at least one peripheral device. The processor 1501, memory 1502, and peripheral interface 1503 may be connected by a bus or signal lines. Each peripheral device may be connected to the peripheral interface 1503 by a bus, signal lines, or circuit board. Specifically, the peripheral device includes at least one of an RF circuit 1504, a display screen 1505, a camera head 1506, an audio circuit 1507, a positioning assembly 1508, and a power supply 1509.

[0114] As those skilled in the art will understand, the configuration shown in Figure 15 is not limited to terminal 1500 and may include more or fewer assemblies than shown, or may be a combination of several assemblies, or may employ different assembly layouts.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided, the storage medium storing at least one instruction, at least one program, a code set or instruction set, the at least one instruction, the at least one program, the code set or instruction set can realize the above-described method of controlling a virtual object when executed by a processor.

[0116] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may include ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drives), optical discs, etc. Of these, random access memory may include ReRAM (Resistance Random Access Memory) and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer program is further provided that, when executed by a processor, can realize the above-described method of controlling the virtual object.

[0118] Furthermore, to ensure clarity, “plural” as used herein refers to two or more, and “and / or” is used to indicate a relationship between related objects, meaning there are three types of relationships. For example, A and / or B represents three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The letter “ / ” generally indicates that the related objects before and after it have an “or” relationship. Also, the step numbers described herein are merely illustrative of one possible execution order between steps, and in some other embodiments, the steps described above do not have to be performed in the order of their numbers. For example, two different numbered steps may be performed simultaneously, or two different numbered steps may be performed in the reverse order shown, and this is not limited to the embodiments of this application. While preferred embodiments of this application have been described above, this application is not limited to these embodiments, and any modifications to this application that do not deviate from the spirit of this application fall within the technical scope of this application.

Claims

[Claim 1] A method for controlling a virtual object, which is performed by a terminal, A step of displaying a user interface, wherein the user interface displays a virtual environment screen, a first control, and a second control, and the virtual environment screen is a screen showing the virtual environment from the viewpoint of a virtual object; A step of controlling the virtual object to switch the usage state of the first virtual tool currently in use in response to an operation on the first control, wherein the icon of the first virtual tool is displayed in the area corresponding to the first control; and A method comprising the step of controlling the virtual object to switch the first virtual prop currently in use to the second virtual prop, and to switch the icon of the first virtual prop displayed in the area corresponding to the first control to the icon of the second virtual prop, in response to an operation on the second control.

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