NPC Group Control with Individual Logic for Complex Interactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling non-player characters (NPCs) in complex action games are inadequate, as they rely on group control logic that cannot handle complex behaviors and conditions, leading to limited interaction scenarios and realism.
Innovation Solution
Implementing individual control logic for each NPC within a group, with status parameters modified using group control logic based on interactions with a virtual character, allowing for customized behaviors and richer interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If group control logic is used to control multiple NPCs, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to handle complex behaviors and conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control logic is segmented into two distinct layers: group control logic that manages multiple NPCs collectively, and individual control logic that handles complex behaviors for specific NPCs. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity at the group level while enabling complexity at the individual level where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the control architecture, moving from a single-layer group control approach to a two-layer hierarchy. The group control logic operates at the higher level for simple tasks, while individual control logic operates at the lower level for complex behaviors, effectively adding a vertical dimension to the control structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual control logic is implemented for each NPC, then behavior control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control logic into group-level and individual-level components, the patent avoids the need to implement full individual control logic for all NPCs. Only NPCs requiring complex behaviors receive individual control logic, while others remain managed by group control logic, thus limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual control logic is applied locally and selectively to specific NPCs that require complex behavior control, rather than uniformly to all NPCs. This localized application ensures that complexity is introduced only where necessary, maintaining system efficiency for NPCs with simpler requirements.
3Ease of operation
If group control logic is used, then ease of operation is improved, but interaction realism and diversity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented such that group control logic handles routine, simple interactions maintaining ease of operation, while individual control logic handles complex interactions requiring realism. This segmentation allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while enhancing realism where it matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that can switch between group control logic and individual control logic based on the complexity requirements of specific situations. This dynamic allocation ensures that interaction realism is enhanced only when necessary, while maintaining ease of operation for standard scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for controlling a non-player character (NPC), each of a plurality of NPCs in an NPC group is controlled through a respective individual control logic of a plurality of individual control logics and a status parameter of the respective NPC. The status parameter corresponding to at least a first NPC in the NPC group is modified, by processing circuitry and through a group control logic, based on a modifying condition between a virtual character and a first NPC in the NPC group. An interaction between the NPC and the virtual character is controlled, through the individual control logic of the NPC, based on the modified status parameter of the NPC. Apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium counterpart embodiments are also contemplated.