NPC Virtual Object Group Movement Using Leader-Follower Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In player versus environment (PVE) games, AI objects controlled by non-players often disperse and lose control due to uncontrollable factors, leading to chaotic game scenarios and increased interaction difficulty for players.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that identifies a leader AI object among multiple AI objects and controls non-leader AI objects to gather towards the leader, forming a group movement towards a player-controlled object, thereby maintaining control and reducing dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each AI object executes independent universal logic template to pursue and attack player-controlled object, then AI objects can independently chase targets, but AI objects disperse and lose control leading to chaotic game scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges independent AI objects into a cohesive group by establishing leader-follower relationships. Multiple AI objects that would otherwise act independently are combined into organized units that maintain relative positions and coordinate their pursuit, preventing dispersion while preserving individual chase capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a leader AI object as an intermediary that mediates between the player-controlled object and follower AI objects. The leader receives pursuit commands and coordinates the group's movement, acting as a central controller that maintains group stability while enabling collective chasing behavior.
2Productivity
If AI objects execute independent pursuit logic, then each AI object can chase the target, but mutual collision and squeezing occur reducing controllability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pursuit function by dividing AI objects into distinct leader and follower roles. The leader handles primary pursuit decision-making while followers execute coordinated movements, separating the complex pursuit logic into manageable segments that reduce collisions and improve controllability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical collision avoidance with a virtual coordination system. Instead of relying on physical collision detection and response, the system uses logical leader-follower relationships to pre-coordinate movements, substituting mechanical interaction with informational coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If AI objects follow different path-finding paths, then AI objects can navigate independently, but AI objects get lost in game levels and scatter in various positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where follower AI objects continuously monitor the leader's position and adjust their own paths accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that even as AI objects navigate through complex game levels using independent path-finding, they maintain group cohesion by constantly referencing the leader's location and coordinating their movements.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual object control method includes displaying a virtual environment picture of a virtual environment including a first virtual object, and determining a leader virtual object from among at least two non-player character virtual objects in response to a determination that the first virtual object is within an attack range of the at least two non-player character virtual objects. A non-leader virtual object of the at least two non-player character virtual objects moves towards the leader virtual object. The method further includes displaying, in the virtual environment, group movement of the at least two non-player character virtual objects led by the leader virtual object towards the first virtual object.