Virtual Controller Aiming for Touchscreen Games
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual controller systems for touch devices with flat screens, such as those used in games with isometric cameras, lack precision and input granularity, leading to player frustration due to inadequate control over avatar movement and targeting.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a virtual controller system that automatically adjusts the facing of an origin object, such as an avatar, to target specific objects by detecting user input and repositioning the object's facing towards the selected target, thereby enhancing control and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a virtual controller is used on a touch device with a flat screen, then the controller can be implemented on-screen, but the precision and input granularity are reduced compared to physical controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically adjusting the avatar's facing direction toward the selected target object before the action is executed. When a user taps on a target object, the system pre-orients the avatar toward that object, so that when the action is performed, the avatar is already facing the correct direction. This eliminates the need for the player to manually aim while maintaining precise control over the action execution.
2Measurement precision
If automatic targeting is implemented to improve precision, then targeting accuracy is enhanced, but player control and awareness may be compromised through intrusive assist techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having the avatar automatically orient itself toward the selected target without requiring continuous player input or intervention. The automatic facing adjustment is triggered solely by the player's selection action, and once initiated, the system handles the orientation autonomously. This provides precise targeting while maintaining player control, as the player only needs to select the target, not manually aim.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by visually indicating which object the player has selected as the target, and the avatar's facing direction dynamically updates to reflect the selected target. This feedback mechanism ensures the player is always aware of the system's state and the intended action, maintaining control and awareness while benefiting from automatic targeting precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are techniques for implementing a virtualized physical controller. The techniques may comprise displaying, on a touchscreen display, an origin object and a set of potential target objects, receiving, from a user via the touchscreen display, a touch input associated with an action to be performed with respect to the origin object, determining, based on the action, a target object of the set of potential target objects on which the action is to be performed, changing a facing of the origin object to be directed toward the target object, and causing the action to be performed by the origin object on the target object.