HTC;
This is long! Please read this only if you have the time. I am excited about this possiblity and think that is it worthy of your consideration.I am continuing my quest for modifying the AH existing view system. The is regarding a change that would allow views to be selected, but not requiring that the key be held continuously.
I believe that I have devised a method for you to accomplish this. A system that works 100% within the current framework of game code and still provides the enhancements that I would like to see.
I am very confident my methods will work, because they already are working. The method I use is external via programmed macros using my Thrustmaster Joystick. I have used this same system for AW, WB and now AH.
I am guessing that this implementation into your game code will remarkably improve versatility of an already remarkable and very versatial view system.
IMO this will "Blow the competition out of the water!".Please keep in mind that I do not know the mechanics of programing nor the specific operations of a computor. This presentation will only describe the logical and functional aspects of what I propose.
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Abbreviations I will use:- KPC = Key Pressed Code - The code sent when a key is pressed
- KRC = Key Released Code - The code sent when a key is released
- VRF = View Reset Function - Any existing view in use is reset and the view is returned to FrontHome.
- KPH = Key Pressed & Held - When a key is pressed and held down
- KPR = Key Pressed & Released - When a key is pressed and released
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Discussion:Currently AH utililizes a view that is called at "Look". For example; "Look Front Up".
I propose the addition of two more view methods and one more view added. I call would call these views a "Stare", "Glance" and "Home". For example; "Stare Front Up", "Glance Left" or "Home".
The use of a Stare, Glance and Home requires a coded function added to the game code. I will call this the "ViewReset Function" or VRF. The VRF will act to reset all 26 possible views. Functioning to reset all the KPC's that are set and return the view to FrontHome.
Reseting a KPC has no effect on the game, unless a specific KPC has been prevously set. For example; if I send KPC_KP4, then the KPC for key KP4 is set. A call to VRF will simultaneously reset all the view key KPC's. Since only KP4 is set, then only KP4 is effected and then KPC is reset.
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Desription of Functionality:- Look - When a Look view key is pressed and held (KPH) a KPC is sent. When the key is released (KPR) a KRC is sent. This is how AH works now and requires no changes.
- Stare - When a Stare KPH is sent two different things will happen in order. First a VRF call is made, reseting any previously set KPC. Second the the KPC is sent. The KRC is ignored, and the view is not reset.
- Glance - When a Glance KPH is sent a KPC will be sent and the view will function exactly as a Look view would. When the KRC is sent this calls VRF and consequently all views are reset. The view is reset to FrontHome
- Home = When a Home KPC is sent a VRF call is made. Reseting the view to FrontHome.
Functionality:- Look - No changes here, exactly as it is now.
- Stare - KPC calls VRF then sends KPC setting view. The KRC is ignored.
- Glance - KPC sent sets view. KRC sent calls VRF reseting all views.
- Home - KPC is ignored. KRC sent calls VRF reseting all views.
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Implementation:As I stated before, I request these modifications to allow sustaining a given view and not requiring the key to held down.
Concerning Stare and Glance views, not every possible view of the 27 possible views will require the capability of a Stare or a Glance. Only critical or more useful views, in the AH current view matrix, will require them.
Stare View Description:These are views that are often used for combat and are critical IMO for "Lose Sight Lose Fight". These views are used repeatedly to maintain constant view of the target.
The advantage of a Stare view is that it will always go straight to the view that is requested. No mofifiers, no messing around, you press the key and you get the view.
Views that would have Stare capablility would be Front, FrontUp, Up, BackUp, Back, Left, Right and Down. Basically the "core" view group.
The Down view is only a useful combat view when using an external view. It would also be very useful when using the bombsight.
Glance View Description:These views have less value in combat, but are very important to maintain SA. Glance views will serve as a modifier to a view that is already set. For example if the Up view is set, a Glance Left view would modify the Up view to LeftUp.
Views that would have Glance capablility would be Front, Back, Left and Right.
Note: The implementation of Glance views is not a critical as the implementation of Stare views. Every function provided by the Glance view is currently provided by the Look view, except keyboard efficientcy. I believe Glance views would increase efficientcy by requiring fewer key presses by not requiring a press of the Home key.
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Game Functionality and Operation:Below I will give examples of how this system could be effectively utilized within the game.
Example:- Stare Back - KPC VRF Back --> KRC null
- Look Left - KPC BackLeft --> KRC Back
- Look Right - KPC BackRight --> KRC Back
- Stare BackUp - KPC VRF BackUp --> KRC null
- Stare Up - KPC VRF Up --> KRC null
- Look Back - KPC BackUp --> KRC Up
- Stare FrontUp - KPC VRF FrontUp --> KRC null
- Glance Left - KPC FrontLeftUp --> KRC VRF FrontHome
- Stare Front - KPC VRF Front --> KRC null (Guns Guns Guns)
- Home - KPC VRF --> FrontHome
Example:- Stare Left - KPC VRF Left --> KRC null
- Glance Front - KPC FrontLeft --> KRC VRF FrontHome
- Stare Right - KPC VRF Right --> KRC null
- Look Front - KPC FrontRight --> KRC Right
- Look Back - KPC BackRight --> KRC Right
- Stare UP - KPC VRF Up --> KRC null
- Look Back - KPC BackUp --> KRC Up
- Look Left - KPC LeftUp --> KRC Up
- Glance Front - KPC FrontUp --> KRC VRF FrontHome
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If you got to here, thanks for reading. That is all I asked for in the beginning.Thanks again!
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Mino
The Wrecking Crew
[This message has been edited by Minotaur (edited 03-16-2000).]