Virtual Environment Illumination for Dynamic Object Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side-scrolling games in virtual environments lack diverse interaction states for virtual objects, limiting player engagement and strategic depth.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that modify the visual state of a side-scrolling virtual environment in response to user input, allowing virtual objects to change their interaction states based on their location within illuminated areas, thereby enriching interactions with the main control virtual character.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single status is assigned to virtual objects in the side-scrolling virtual environment, then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability and versatility of virtual object interactions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the interaction state of virtual objects changeable based on environmental conditions. Virtual objects transition between different interaction states (first interaction state and second interaction state) depending on whether they are located in obscured or unobscured areas, making the system adaptive without requiring complex manual configuration for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interaction state parameter of virtual objects based on environmental parameters (visual state/illumination). When environmental conditions change from obscured to unobscured, the interaction state parameter automatically transitions, providing versatility through parameter coupling rather than complex structural changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the visual state of the virtual environment is modified in response to user input, then the adaptability of the environment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only specific areas (second area) of the virtual environment rather than the entire environment. The illumination action affects a localized region where the virtual object is located, providing environmental responsiveness without requiring global environmental modification and associated complex processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the visual state (obscured/unobscured areas) as an intermediary between user input and virtual object interaction states. The environmental modification serves as a mediator that translates user actions into meaningful changes in object behavior, simplifying the control architecture
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for interacting in a virtual environment, the virtual environment is displayed that includes a first area having an obscured visual state, an interactive object, and a virtual character controlled by a user. In response to a user input corresponding to an illumination action, a second area within the first area is modified to an unobscured visual state. Whether the interactive object is located within the second area is determined. An interaction state of the interactive object is changed from a first interaction state to a second interaction state based on the interactive object being determined to be located within the second area. The first interaction state and the second interaction state defining different interactions with the virtual character. Apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium counterpart embodiments are also contemplated.