SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MULTI-TOUCH INTERACTION WITH VIRTUAL OBJECTS
A method is provided for enabling user interaction with virtual objects in a virtual world using a touchscreen device. A touch input within or across a region of the display is detected from the touchscreen device. After determining that the touch input exceeds a predetermined threshold, and further determining whether the touch input is of a single touch or multi-touch type based on a number of contacts detected in the touch input, a multi-touch type input is interpreted as a multi-touch attract or repel command with respect to a virtual object displayed on the display. The virtual object is then visibly moved or changed on the display in response.
1 . A method of enabling user interaction with virtual objects in a virtual world using a touchscreen device having a display, comprising:
detecting a touch input received from the touchscreen device, the touch input being detected within or across a region of the display on the touchscreen device;
determining that the touch input exceeds a predetermined threshold;
determining whether the touch input is of a single touch or multi-touch type based on a number of contacts detected in the touch input; and
if the touch input is of multi-touch type, interpreting the touch input as a multi-touch attract or repel command with respect to a virtual object displayed on the display, and visibly moving or changing the virtual object on the display in response to the multi-touch attract or repel command.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the multi-touch attract or repel command is used to visibly move the virtual object away from the region of the touch input.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the multi-touch attract or repel command is used to visibly rotate the virtual object.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the multi-touch attract or repel command is used to visibly compress, stretch or deform the virtual object.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein there is a plurality of virtual objects, and the multi-touch attract or repel command is used to corral or bring together the virtual objects.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein there is a plurality of virtual objects, and the multi-touch attract or repel command is used to disperse the virtual objects.
7 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
detecting a second touch input received from the touchscreen device, the second touch input being detected within or across a non-overlapping second region of the display;
determining that the second touch input exceeds a predetermined threshold;
determining whether the second touch input is of single touch or multi-touch type based on a number of contacts detected in the second touch input; and
if the second touch input is of multi-touch type, interpreting the second touch input as a second multi-touch attract or repel command.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the first and second multi-touch attract or repel commands are used to visibly move the virtual object between the first and second regions.
9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the first and second multi-touch attract or repel commands are used to visibly move the virtual object away from the first and second regions.
10 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the first and second multi-touch attract or repel commands are used to visibly compress, stretch or deform the virtual object.
11 . The method of claim 7 , wherein there is a plurality of virtual objects, and the first and second multi-touch attract or repel commands are used to corral or bring together the virtual objects.
12 . The method of claim 7 , wherein there is a plurality of virtual objects, and the first and second multi-touch attract or repel commands are used to disperse the virtual objects.
13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual world comprises a virtual game.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the virtual object is a game object.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the multi-touch attract or repel command is used to score points or advance the game.
16 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the virtual world comprises a graphical editor.
17 . A touchscreen device having a display and a processor, the touchscreen device operable to:
detect a touch input, the touch input being detected within or across a region of the display on the device;
determine that the touch input exceeds a predetermined threshold;
determine whether the touch input is of a single touch or multi-touch type based on a number of contacts detected in the touch input; and
if the touch input is of multi-touch type, interpret the touch input as a multi-touch attract or repel command with respect to a virtual object displayed on the display, and visibly move or change the virtual object on the display in response to the multi-touch attract or repel command.
18 . The touchscreen device of claim 17 , wherein the touchscreen device has a resistive touchscreen.
19 . The touchscreen device of claim 17 , wherein the touchscreen device has a capacitive sensing touchscreen.
20 . The touchscreen device of claim 17 , wherein the touchscreen device is a game device.
21 . The touchscreen device of claim 17 , wherein the touchscreen device is a mobile device.