Adaptive Virtual Controller Shape for Portable Game Input Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operability of virtual controllers in portable game machines is compromised due to the limited screen size, making it difficult for players to perform precise operational inputs, as the display size of virtual controllers is dependent on the screen size of the portable device.
Innovation Solution
A video game processing apparatus that includes a virtual controller information memory, a virtual controller display controller, an operational input receiver, and a shape updater, which allows for the display and adaptive shaping of virtual controllers on a touch panel, enabling intuitive slide and tap operations and improving player interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual controller is displayed on a portable game machine screen, then the game can be played on portable devices, but the display size of the virtual controller is limited by the screen size making fine operational input difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual controller's shape is dynamically updated based on operational input. When the player performs a slide operation, the virtual controller changes its shape to reflect the sliding distance and direction, providing visual feedback that enhances operational precision on the limited screen space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback by updating the virtual controller's shape according to the player's operational input. The shape updater modifies the virtual controller's appearance based on slide operations, giving the player immediate visual confirmation of their input accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the virtual controller display size is increased to improve operability, then fine operational input becomes easier, but the available screen space for game content is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual controller dynamically adjusts its shape during operation rather than maintaining a fixed size. This allows the controller to occupy more visual space when needed for precise input while maintaining a compact form when not in use, optimizing both operability and screen real estate utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the shape parameter of the virtual controller based on operational input. When the player slides the controller, its shape transforms to indicate the slide distance, effectively using parameter changes to enhance operability without permanently increasing the controller's footprint.
3Ease of operation
If a touch panel is used to enable intuitive operations, then player interaction is improved, but precise operational input becomes more difficult due to the lack of physical feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The touch panel system provides visual feedback by updating the virtual controller's shape in response to player input. This visual feedback compensates for the lack of tactile feedback in touch-based interfaces, helping players achieve more precise operational input through visual confirmation of their actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual controller changes its visual appearance (shape updates) based on operational input, providing visual feedback that compensates for the absence of physical tactile feedback in touch panel interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
A video game processing apparatus is provided for controlling progress of a video game while displaying a player character on a display screen. A player character operation area and a viewpoint operation area are set so that the player character operation area and the viewpoint operation area do not overlap on the display screen. A first operational input to the set player character operation area is received, and an action of the player character is controlled on a basis of the first operational input. A second operational input to the set viewpoint operation area is received, and a viewpoint or a position of a virtual camera is controlled in response to the second operational input. The player character operation area is an operation area through which the player character is operated by a slide operation.