6 replies to this topic

[Grits N Gravy]

Proposal For Ipad as a interface device for MWO:
(synopsis)
The tablet has reached near ubiquitous status in today's world, with their multi use applications they are quickly replacing other forms hardware as the consumers primary device of choice. Their ubiquity is what makes an ideal choice for new generation of human input devices.

Many simulation games have taken this approach and allowed 3'd party developers to create Apps and software to drive touch screen devices to be used as secondary human interface devices for their games. One of the most prominent of which, is Icontrol of the DCS series of sims.

iControl allows the use of an iPad as both a switch interface and a secondary screen to display multifunction displays. Simply put the device replicates the panels, switches and secondary displays in the aircraft and allows the user to interact and scroll those with via the touch screen and gesture controls of the iPad. As a secondary screen and touch interface the Ipad makes an excellent choice for an input device for MWO.

https://itunes.apple...dcs/id435409019

With the growing complexity of MWO it makes sense to offer players a simple means of controlling their sim via an intuitive device. This approach offers a large potential for monetization via primary and secondary sales. Not only could the app the itself be sold, but skins and future features (modules) could be sold thus generating an entirely new revenue stream.

There is also minimal risk and greater potential revenue to developing an iOs controller compared than Joystick system such as the Razer Artemis, as currently the iPad enjoys large market penetration with over 100 million units sold to date and another 100 million in expected sales this year alone.

(feasibility)
The project is high feasible and would require minmal cost and development time to implement. Also the expenditure is easy to justify, as the project is a direct revenue generator. This project would not be a first to the moon type deal, most of software need to develop the application already exists and would require minimal new implementations from PGI.

(approach)
PGI; should follow a similar system used by DCS for ease and speed of development. DCS makes use of a Lua network socket and API's to drive secondary interface and screen systems. http://www.digitalco...rnal/lua-export
The use of that system has allowed multiple part time developers to create touch screen interface devices. , http://www.ipadpit.nl/ , http://www.gadrocsworkshop.com/helios

How it works:
The sim sends the API data via a Lua socket using IP protocol, in the case of the iPad this is done via the users wireless network. The app is built to interface with that data and display it on the device along with outputting commands back to the sim. This produces minimum input lag from iPad to the sim and is also easy to implement.

(barriers)
The only fundamental barrier to achieving is the implementation of the API's in cryengine. Where before, the cost to justify the implementation of these API was not economically feasible do to the small market for devices like the Razer Artemis, an approach targeting a more ubiquitous device like the iPad means much greater potential revenue stream and profit margins than could be achieved via hardware sales.


TLDR: PGI make a version of this for MWO people will buy it, and skins for it.


https://itunes.apple...dcs/id435409019

Edited by Grits N Gravy, 20 May 2013 - 04:34 PM.

[Phalanx100bc]

This is the polar opposite of those asking for XBOX controller use.

Lets get the game working and then move on to OCCULUS RIFT!!!!

[Grits N Gravy]

Phalanx100bc, on 20 May 2013 - 04:29 PM, said:

This is the polar opposite of those asking for XBOX controller use.

Lets get the game working and then move on to OCCULUS RIFT!!!!

No this would be a secondary control device, you wouldn't use it to drive the mech. Rather to control things like weapon grouping, power on and off coolant flush. It even could be setup to display the zoom module.

Edited by Grits N Gravy, 20 May 2013 - 04:38 PM.

[LordBraxton]

Grits N Gravy, on 20 May 2013 - 04:31 PM, said:

No this would be a secondary control device, you wouldn't use it to drive the mech. Rather to control things like weapon grouping, power on and off coolant flush. It even could be setup to display the zoom module.

zoom.... ?

are you going to hold the thing up like a Wii-U ******** controller to aim?

otherwise cool idea

dream on it takes them 2 months to change basic values on weapons that suck\are OP

[Sephlock]

I like this idea. I could put it on the floor and use my toes to manipulate it, like the foot petals for Steel Battalion.

And when I'm not doing that, I can (wipe it off, and then) play games on it... during those 3 minute long pre-contact dead times at the start of every match on Alpine.

[Grits N Gravy]

LordBraxton, on 20 May 2013 - 04:35 PM, said:

zoom.... ?

are you going to hold the thing up like a Wii-U ******** controller to aim?

otherwise cool idea

dream on it takes them 2 months to change basic values on weapons that suck\are OP

No you would use it like an MDF on a jet. Place the Ipad on your gaming area next to or above your screen. Look at the video above and see how the iPad is displaying the laser designator/FLIR vision area

[Asmudius Heng]

I would use it to have the large map up on the ipad screen and use it to give commander orders etc whiel i keep my main screen just for gunning and piloting.

I would buy an app like that.