Real-time control system for console-based gaming

Abstract

A control layout for a game console that supports intuitive play of a game comprising both first person point of view (FPPOV) and third person point of view (TPPOV) control elements. The game control layout uses a plurality of functions that support in-depth third person control and large-scale unit commands that require a minimum of buttons to achieve complex motion and strategic decision making.

1 . A process for selection of a portion of a group of characters in a game, the process comprising: 
 positioning a reticule in a space occupied by characters of interest using a directional controller;    defining a circular reticule boundary centered on the reticule by depressing a trigger button, wherein a circular reticule boundary circumference increases while the trigger button remains depressed; and    selecting characters from the characters of interest within the circular reticule boundary by releasing the trigger button.    
   
   
       2 . The process for selection of a portion of a group of characters of  claim 1 , wherein the circular reticule boundary is adjustable to encompass from one character of interest to all of the characters of interest within the space.  
   
   
       3 . A process for selection of a portion of a group of characters in a game, the process comprising: 
 selecting characters by tapping a trigger; and    representing the selection made via a center view reticule.    
   
   
       4 . The process for selection of a portion of a group of characters of  claim 3 , wherein tapping the trigger selects one character per tap.  
   
   
       5 . A process for selection of a portion of a group of units in a game, the process comprising: 
 positioning a reticule in a space occupied by units of interest using a directional controller;    defining a circular reticule boundary centered on the reticule by depressing a trigger button, wherein a circular reticule boundary circumference increases while the trigger button remains depressed; and    selecting units from the units of interest within the circular reticule boundary by releasing the trigger button.    
   
   
       6 . The process for selection of a portion of a group of units of  claim 5 , wherein the circular reticule boundary is adjustable to encompass from one unit of interest to all of the units of interest within the space.  
   
   
       7 . A process for selection of a portion of a group of units in a game, the process comprising: 
 selecting units by tapping a trigger; and    representing the selection made via a center view reticule.    
   
   
       8 . The process for selection of a portion of a group of characters of  claim 7 , wherein tapping the trigger selects one unit per tap.  
   
   
       9 . A process for fast grouping of characters or units in a game space, the process comprising: 
 defining an area that starts from a point within the game space and radiates outwards from that point in a pre-defined direction and dimension; and    stopping outward radiation of the area, thereby establishing a capture area,    wherein the capture area will increase in size based on a time period defined by the depression of a selection button and the release of the selection button; and    selecting characters or units that fall within the capture area to be part of a group.    
   
   
       10 . The process for fast grouping of units in a game of  claim 9 , wherein the point within the game space comprises a cursor.  
   
   
       11 . The process for fast grouping of units in a game of  claim 9 , wherein the point within the game space comprises a reticule.  
   
   
       12 . The process for fast grouping of units in a game of  claim 9 , wherein the pre-defined direction and dimension comprise a circle with an increasing radius.  
   
   
       13 . A process for fast grouping of characters or units in a game space, the process comprising: 
 defining an area that starts from a point within the game space and radiates outwards from that point in a pre-defined direction and dimension; and    stopping outward radiation of the area, thereby establishing a capture area,    wherein the capture area will increase in size based on a pressure applied to a selection button and will become fixed in size upon the release of the selection button, and    selecting characters or units that fall within the capture area to be part of a group.    
   
   
       14 . The process for fast grouping of units in a game of  claim 13 , wherein the point within the game space comprises a cursor.  
   
   
       15 . The process for fast grouping of units in a game of  claim 13 , wherein the point within the game space comprises a reticule.  
   
   
       16 . The process for fast grouping of units in a game of  claim 13 , wherein the pre-defined direction and dimension comprise a circle with an increasing radius.  
   
   
       17 . A process for controlling combat in a console game, the process comprising: 
 selecting a command using a switching element of a console game controller;    assigning a the selected command to a trigger button of the console game controller;    assigning a first mode to the first trigger button, wherein the first mode comprises pressing and releasing the first trigger button and wherein executing the first mode results in a single execution of the selected command; and    assigning a second mode to the first trigger button, wherein the second mode comprises pressing and holding the first trigger button and wherein executing the second mode results in a plurality of executions of the selected command.    
   
   
       18 . The process for controlling combat in a console game of  claim 17 , wherein the command is selected from the group consisting of attack, follow, mutate, and guard.