CN116726496A

CN116726496A - Method and device for controlling virtual characters in game and electronic terminal

Info

Publication number: CN116726496A
Application number: CN202210194619.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 王泽�; 刘勇成; 胡志鹏; 袁思思; 程龙
Original assignee: Netease Hangzhou Network Co Ltd
Current assignee: Netease Hangzhou Network Co Ltd
Priority date: 2022-03-01
Filing date: 2022-03-01
Publication date: 2023-09-12

Abstract

The application provides a control method and device for virtual characters in a game and an electronic terminal, relates to the technical field of games, and solves the technical problem that a state recovery distance is difficult to control in the game, so that a state recovery process is easy to be interrupted passively. The method comprises the following steps: responsive to a recovery event for the first virtual character to perform state recovery for the second virtual character, controlling display of a recovery distance lock control for the recovery event in the graphical user interface; the recovery distance locking control is used for keeping the relative distance of the first virtual character to the second virtual character in the state recovery within a specified distance threshold; in response to a first specified operation for the resume distance lock control, when the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold, the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character is controlled to move so that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold.

Description

Method and device for controlling virtual characters in game and electronic terminal

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of game technologies, and in particular, to a method and an apparatus for controlling a virtual character in a game, and an electronic terminal.

Background

In a hijack-free or like game, some virtual characters can continue to perform state recovery on other virtual characters within a certain range, and when the distance between the two virtual characters exceeds the range, the state recovery process is forced to be interrupted. For example, in a game, auxiliary class avatars may connect and continue to treat output class avatars controlled by teammate players, and treatment will be discontinued when the two avatars are too far apart.

However, it is difficult for the player to control the distance from teammates during the state recovery process at present, so that the state recovery process is easily interrupted, and the game experience of the player is affected.

Disclosure of Invention

The application aims to provide a control method and device for virtual characters in a game and an electronic terminal, so as to solve the technical problem that the state recovery process is easy to be interrupted passively due to the fact that the state recovery distance is difficult to control in the game.

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for controlling a virtual character in a game, where a graphical user interface is provided by a terminal device, and a game scene of the game includes a first virtual character capable of performing state recovery on the virtual character and a second virtual character capable of performing state recovery; the method comprises the following steps:

Controlling to display a resume distance lock control for the resume event in the graphical user interface in response to a resume event for the first virtual character to resume state of the second virtual character; the recovery distance locking control is used for keeping the relative distance of the first virtual character when the state of the second virtual character is recovered within a specified distance threshold;

and in response to a first specified operation for the recovery distance locking control, when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold, controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move so that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold.

In one possible implementation, the graphical user interface includes a movement control for the second virtual character; the step of controlling the display of a resume distance lock control for the resume event in the graphical user interface in response to a resume event for the first virtual character to resume the state of the second virtual character, comprises:

responding to a recovery event of the first virtual character for carrying out state recovery on the second virtual character, and controlling a recovery distance locking control for the recovery event to be displayed in a target direction of the mobile control; the target direction is the direction of the first virtual character relative to the second virtual character.

In one possible implementation, the step of controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold in response to a first specified operation for the resume distance lock control so that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold includes:

responsive to a first specified operation for the resume distance lock control, detecting in real time whether the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold;

and if the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold, controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move so that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold.

In one possible implementation, the step of controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold in response to a first specified operation for the restore distance lock control, so that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold, further includes:

in response to a second designated operation for the resume distance lock control, cancelling maintaining the relative distance within a designated distance threshold.

in response to the end of the resume event, control conceals the resume distance lock control in the graphical user interface and cancels maintaining the relative distance within a specified distance threshold.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

and responding to a first specified operation for the recovery distance locking control, and controlling to display a prompt that the state recovery distance exceeds in the graphical user interface when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

and controlling to change the display form of the recovery distance locking control in response to a first specified operation for the recovery distance locking control.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

in response to a first specified operation for the resume distance lock control, a prompt in the graphical user interface to display the specified distance threshold for the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character is controlled.

In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

controlling, in response to a recovery event in which the first virtual character performs state recovery for the second virtual character, a prompt in the graphical user interface to display the recovery event for the first virtual character and the second virtual character;

and in response to a first specified operation for the recovery distance locking control, controlling to change the display form of the prompt of the recovery event in the graphical user interface when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold.

In one possible implementation, the first specifying operation includes any one or more of:

and aiming at the click operation, the sliding operation and the operation with the touch duration longer than the preset duration of the recovery distance locking control.

In one possible implementation, the second specifying operation includes any one or more of:

In one possible implementation, the recovery event of the state recovery includes any one or more of the following:

blood volume value recovery events, energy value recovery events, and skill value recovery events.

In a second aspect, a control device for virtual characters in a game is provided, a graphical user interface is provided through a terminal device, and a game scene of the game includes a first virtual character capable of performing state recovery on the virtual characters and a second virtual character capable of performing state recovery; the device comprises:

a first control module for controlling display of a resume distance lock control for the resume event in the graphical user interface in response to a resume event for the first virtual character to perform state resume for the second virtual character; the recovery distance locking control is used for keeping the relative distance of the first virtual character when the state of the second virtual character is recovered within a specified distance threshold;

and the second control module is used for responding to a first specified operation for the recovery distance locking control, and controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold value so as to enable the relative distance to be within the specified distance threshold value.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic terminal, including a memory, and a processor, where the memory stores a computer program that can be run on the processor, and the processor implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect when executing the computer program.

In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present application further provide a computer readable storage medium storing computer executable instructions which, when invoked and executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of the first aspect.

The embodiment of the application has the following beneficial effects:

according to the method and device for controlling the virtual roles in the game and the electronic terminal, provided by the embodiment of the application, the recovery event of the state recovery of the second virtual role by the first virtual role can be responded, the recovery distance locking control for the recovery event is controlled to be displayed in the graphical user interface, wherein the recovery distance locking control is used for keeping the relative distance of the first virtual role when the state recovery of the second virtual role is carried out within the specified distance threshold, and then the first virtual role and/or the second virtual role can be controlled to move when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold by responding to the first specified operation for the recovery distance locking control, so that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold. In the scheme, when the first virtual character releases the state recovery skill for the second virtual character to enable the second virtual character to recover the state, the recovery distance locking control is displayed in the graphical user interface, after the player performs a first appointed operation on the recovery distance locking control, the system can keep the relative distance of the first virtual character when the state recovery is performed on the second virtual character within an appointed distance threshold value so as to ensure that the recovery skill is not interrupted due to overlarge relative distance, and when the relative distance of the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character reaches the appointed distance threshold value, the system can control the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move so that the distance of the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character is within the appointed distance threshold value, the automatic control on the state recovery distance is realized, the technical problem that the state recovery distance is difficult to control in games and the state recovery process is easy to be interrupted passively is solved, the operation is simple, and the game experience of the player is improved.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings that are needed in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly described, and it is obvious that the drawings in the description below are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained according to the drawings without inventive effort for a person skilled in the art.

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an application scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic terminal according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3 is a schematic view of a usage scenario of a touch terminal according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart of a method for controlling virtual characters in a game according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic terminal displaying a graphical user interface according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic terminal displaying another graphical user interface according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an electronic terminal displaying another graphical user interface according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an electronic terminal displaying another graphical user interface according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electronic terminal displaying another graphical user interface according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electronic terminal displaying another graphical user interface according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a control device for virtual characters in a game according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

For the purpose of making the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more apparent, the technical solutions of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and it is apparent that the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present application, but not all embodiments. All other embodiments, which can be made by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the application without making any inventive effort, are intended to be within the scope of the application.

The terms "comprising" and "having" and any variations thereof, as used in the embodiments of the present application, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of steps or elements is not limited to only those listed but may optionally include other steps or elements not listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

In a game such as a hijack, the skills of some auxiliary virtual characters are connected with targets and continuously treated in a certain range, and when the distance between the two skills exceeds the skill release distance, the treatment connection line is interrupted. For example, in a game, teammates can control auxiliary class avatars to connect and continue to treat output class avatars controlled by players, and treatment will be discontinued when the two avatars are too far apart.

However, with the existing control method for the virtual characters, when two virtual characters exceed a certain distance, the treatment connection line is broken, and the treatment is stopped, so that the game experience of the player is affected.

As is clear from the above-described drawbacks, the conventional control method for the virtual character has a technical problem that it is difficult to control the state recovery distance, and the state recovery process is easily interrupted passively.

Based on the above, the embodiment of the application provides a control method and device for virtual characters in a game and an electronic terminal, which solve the technical problem that the state recovery process is easy to be interrupted passively due to the fact that the state recovery distance is difficult to control in the game.

The method for controlling the virtual character in the game in one embodiment of the application can be operated on the local terminal equipment or the server. When the method for controlling the virtual roles in the game runs on the server, the method can be realized and executed based on a cloud interaction system, wherein the cloud interaction system comprises the server and the client device.

In an alternative embodiment, various cloud applications may be run under the cloud interaction system, for example: and (5) cloud game. Taking cloud game as an example, cloud game refers to a game mode based on cloud computing. In the running mode of the cloud game, the running main body of the game program and the game picture presentation main body are separated, the storage and running of the control method of the virtual character in the game are completed on the cloud game server, and the function of the client device is used for receiving and sending data and presenting the game picture, for example, the client device can be a display device with a data transmission function close to a user side, such as a mobile terminal, a television, a computer, a palm computer and the like; but the cloud game server which performs information processing is a cloud. When playing the game, the player operates the client device to send an operation instruction to the cloud game server, the cloud game server runs the game according to the operation instruction, codes and compresses data such as game pictures and the like, returns the data to the client device through a network, and finally decodes the data through the client device and outputs the game pictures.

In an alternative embodiment, taking a game as an example, the local terminal device stores a game program and is used to present a game screen. The local terminal device is used for interacting with the player through the graphical user interface, namely, conventionally downloading and installing the game program through the electronic terminal and running. The manner in which the local terminal device provides the graphical user interface to the player may include a variety of ways, for example, it may be rendered for display on a display screen of the terminal, or provided to the player by holographic projection. For example, the local terminal device may include a display screen for presenting a graphical user interface including game visuals, and a processor for running the game, generating the graphical user interface, and controlling the display of the graphical user interface on the display screen.

In a possible implementation manner, the embodiment of the application provides a method for controlling a virtual character in a game, and a graphical user interface is provided through a terminal device, wherein the terminal device can be the aforementioned local terminal device or the aforementioned client device in a cloud interaction system.

For example, as shown in fig. 1, fig. 1 is a schematic view of an application scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application. The application scenario may include a touch terminal (e.g., a mobile phone 102) and a server 101, and the touch terminal may communicate with the server 101 through a wired network or a wireless network. The touch terminal is used for running a virtual desktop, and can interact with the server 101 through the virtual desktop so as to control the virtual roles in the server 101.

The touch terminal of the present embodiment is illustrated by taking the mobile phone 102 as an example. The handset 102 includes Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry 210, memory 220, touch screen 230, processor 240, and the like. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the handset construction shown in fig. 2 is not limiting of the handset and may include more or fewer components than shown, or may combine certain components, or split certain components, or a different arrangement of components. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the touch screen 230 pertains to a User Interface (UI) and that the handset 102 may include fewer User interfaces than shown or otherwise.

RF circuitry 210 may also communicate with networks and other devices through wireless communications. The wireless communication may use any communication standard or protocol including, but not limited to, global system for mobile communications (Global System of Mobile communication, GSM), general packet radio service (General Packet Radio Service, GPRS), code division multiple access (Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access, WCDMA), long term evolution (Long Term Evolution, LTE), email, short message service (Short Messaging Service, SMS), and the like.

The memory 220 may be used to store software programs and modules that the processor 240 performs various functional applications and data processing of the handset 102 by executing the software programs and modules stored in the memory 220. The memory 220 may mainly include a storage program area and a storage data area, wherein the storage program area may store an operating system, application programs required for at least one function, and the like; the storage data area may store data created according to the use of the cell phone 102, etc. In addition, memory 220 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

The touch screen 230 may be used to display a graphical user interface and to receive user operations with respect to the graphical user interface. A particular touch screen 230 may include a display panel and a touch panel. The display panel may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display, LCD), an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), or the like. The touch panel may collect contact or non-contact operations on or near the user (e.g., operations on or near the touch panel by the user using any suitable object or accessory such as a finger 301, a stylus, etc., as shown in fig. 3) and generate preset operation instructions. In addition, the touch panel may include two parts, a touch detection device and a touch controller. The touch detection device detects the touch azimuth and the touch gesture of a user, detects signals brought by touch operation and transmits the signals to the touch controller; the touch controller receives touch information from the touch detection device, converts the touch information into information which can be processed by the processor, sends the information to the processor 240, and can receive and execute commands sent by the processor 240. In addition, the touch panel may be implemented by various types such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave, or may be implemented by any technology developed in the future. Further, the touch panel may overlay the display panel, and a user may operate on or near the touch panel overlaid on the display panel according to a graphical user interface displayed by the display panel, and upon detection of an operation thereon or thereabout, the touch panel is transferred to the processor 240 to determine a user input, and the processor 240 then provides a corresponding visual output on the display panel in response to the user input. In addition, the touch panel and the display panel may be implemented as two independent components or may be integrated.

The processor 240 is a control center of the mobile phone 102, connects various parts of the entire mobile phone using various interfaces and lines, and performs various functions and processes data of the mobile phone 102 by running or executing software programs and/or modules stored in the memory 220, and invoking data stored in the memory 220, thereby performing overall monitoring of the mobile phone.

Embodiments of the present application are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a virtual character in a game according to an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a terminal (such as the mobile phone 102 shown in fig. 2) capable of presenting a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface is provided through a terminal device, and a game scene of a game comprises a first virtual character capable of carrying out state recovery on the virtual character and a second virtual character capable of carrying out state recovery. As shown in fig. 4, the method includes:

in step S410, in response to a recovery event that the first virtual character performs state recovery on the second virtual character, the control displays a recovery distance lock control for the recovery event in the graphical user interface.

The recovery distance locking control is used for keeping the relative distance of the first virtual character to the second virtual character in the state recovery within a specified distance threshold.

Illustratively, as shown in fig. 5, the first virtual character 501 releases the treatment skills to the second virtual character 502, and restores the life value of the second virtual character 502 (restoration event). In response to the occurrence of the vital value restoration event, the system controls the terminal device to display a restoration distance lock control 503 for the restoration event in the graphical user interface. In some games, as shown in FIG. 5, a link 504 from a first virtual character 501 to a second virtual character 502 may be displayed in the game scene to indicate to the player that the second virtual character 502 is receiving treatment from the first virtual character 501. In other games, a game scene will appear with a circle around the first virtual character 501 to indicate to the player that the second virtual character 502 is within the circle to receive treatment from the first virtual character 501.

It should be noted that the state recovery event includes, but is not limited to, the first virtual character 501 treating the second virtual character 502, the first virtual character 501 adding a gain effect to the second virtual character 502, for example, adding an attack force to the second virtual character 502, adding a defense force to the second virtual character 502, adding a magic value to the second virtual character 502, and so on. The embodiments of the present application will be described with respect to treatment. The relative distance refers to a distance between the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502 in the game scene, and the specified distance threshold may be a value not greater than a release distance of the above-mentioned treatment skills, for example, the release distance of the above-mentioned treatment skills is 10 meters, and the specified distance threshold may be 10 meters, 9 meters, 5 meters, or the like. The embodiment of the application is illustrated by taking 10 meters as an example.

In practical applications, the terminal device that provides the graphical user interface may be a terminal device that controls the first virtual character, or may be a terminal device that controls the second virtual character. For example, the resume distance lock control 503 may be displayed only on the terminal device corresponding to the first virtual character 501, may be displayed only on the terminal device corresponding to the second virtual character 502, or may be displayed on both terminal devices.

In response to the first designating operation for restoring the distance lock control, when the relative distance reaches the designated distance threshold, the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character is controlled to move so that the relative distance is within the designated distance threshold.

Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 5, after a player clicks (first specified operation) resume distance lock control 503, when the relative distance between first virtual character 501 and second virtual character 502 reaches 10 meters (specified distance threshold), the system may control first virtual character 501 to move toward second virtual character 502; or control the second virtual character 502 to move toward the first virtual character 501; or controls the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502 to simultaneously move toward each other so that the relative distance is within 10 meters.

In the scheme, when the first virtual character releases the state recovery skill for the second virtual character to enable the second virtual character to recover the state, the system can display a recovery distance locking control in the graphical user interface, after a player performs a first appointed operation on the recovery distance locking control, the system can keep the relative distance of the first virtual character when the state recovery of the second virtual character is performed within an appointed distance threshold value so as to ensure that the recovery skill is not interrupted due to overlarge relative distance, and when the relative distance of the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character reaches the appointed distance threshold value, the system can control the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move a certain distance in the direction of the opposite party, so that the relative distance is within the appointed distance threshold value, the problem that the skill is easily interrupted due to the fact that the distance between the player is difficult to maintain in a game is solved, the operation is simple, and the game experience of the player is improved.

In some embodiments, the system may make an intuitive prompt to the player by restoring the displayed position of the distance lock control, e.g., the system may correspond to the relative positions of the first virtual character and the second virtual character in the game scene by restoring the relative positions of the distance lock control and the movement control, thereby enabling the player to know the relative position of the first virtual character to the second virtual character in a concise and intuitive manner. Illustratively, the graphical user interface includes a movement control for the second virtual character, and the step S410 may specifically include the following steps:

And a step a), responding to a recovery event of the first virtual character for carrying out state recovery on the second virtual character, and controlling the recovery distance locking control for the recovery event to be displayed in the target direction of the mobile control.

For step a) above, the target direction is the direction of the first virtual character relative to the second virtual character.

As an example, as shown in fig. 5, a graphical user interface includes a movement control 505 for a second virtual character 502, and when a first virtual character 501 releases a treatment skill for the second virtual character 502 and restores a life value of the second virtual character 502 (a restoration event), the system may control the terminal device to display a restoration distance locking control 503 for the restoration event in a target direction of the movement control 505 according to a relative position of the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502. Wherein the direction of distance lockout control 503 relative to movement control 505, i.e., the direction of first virtual character 501 relative to second virtual character 502, is restored.

As another example, as shown in fig. 6, a moving control 602 for a second virtual character 601 is included in the graphical user interface, when the first virtual character 603 releases the treatment skill for the second virtual character 601 and restores the life value of the second virtual character 601 (restoring event), the system may control the terminal device to display a restoring distance locking control 604 for the restoring event in the target direction of the moving control 602 according to the relative positions of the first virtual character 603 and the second virtual character 601. Wherein the direction of the distance lock control 604 relative to the movement control 602, i.e. the direction of the first virtual character 603 relative to the second virtual character 601, is restored.

The distance between the restoring distance locking control and the moving control can correspond to the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character, namely, the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character is reduced according to a certain ratio, and the distance between the restoring distance locking control and the moving control is obtained. For example, the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character in the game is 10 meters, and the distance between the corresponding restoring distance locking control and the moving control can be a distance of 10 pixels on the screen.

The system responds to the recovery event that the first virtual character recovers the state of the second virtual character, and the control terminal device displays the recovery distance locking control for the recovery event in the target direction of the mobile control, so that a player can quickly and clearly know that the control corresponds to the recovery distance locking function, and the player can intuitively know the relative position between the first virtual character and the second virtual character only by observing the relative position between the recovery distance locking control and the mobile control, and the game experience of the player is improved without adjusting the game view angle to judge the relative position between the first virtual character and the second virtual character.

In some embodiments, the system may accurately and real-timely determine the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character, so as to ensure that the relative distance does not exceed the preset distance, and implement locking of the recovery distance.

As an example, the step S420 may specifically include the following steps:

and b), in response to a first specified operation for recovering the distance locking control, detecting whether the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold in real time.

And c), if the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold, controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move so that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold.

Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 5, after the player clicks (first specified operation) resume distance lock control 503, the system will detect the relative distance between first virtual character 501 and second virtual character 502 in real time to determine if the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold. If the relative distance between the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502 reaches 10 meters (the specified distance threshold), the system will control the first virtual character 501 to move toward the second virtual character 502; or control the second virtual character 502 to move toward the first virtual character 501; or controls the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502 to simultaneously move toward each other so that the relative distance is within 10 meters.

By enabling the system to respond to the first appointed operation of the player aiming at the recovery distance locking control, whether the relative distance reaches an appointed distance threshold value or not is detected in real time, so that the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character can be judged in real time, whether the relative distance reaches the appointed distance threshold value or not is judged, and if the relative distance reaches the appointed distance threshold value, the movement of the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character is controlled in time, so that the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character is accurately and surely ensured to be within the appointed distance threshold value.

In some embodiments, the player may cancel the resume distance lock function, so that the distance control is more flexible, and the influence of the function on the operation of the player is avoided, for example, the player may perform a second designated operation on the resume distance lock control, so that the resume distance lock function may be relatively conveniently canceled, and the first virtual character and the second virtual character may freely move according to the designated operation, so as to avoid the influence on the operation of the player. As an example, after the above step S420, the method may further include the steps of:

step d), in response to a second designated operation for restoring the distance lock control, canceling to keep the relative distance within a designated distance threshold.

Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 5, when the player clicks (second designating operation) the resume distance lock control 503 again in a state where the system locks the relative distance between the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502, the system will unlock the relative distance between the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502, i.e., cancel to keep the relative distance within the designated distance threshold. When the relative distance between the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502 is greater than 10 meters (a specified distance threshold), the system does not forcibly control the first virtual character 501 to move toward the second virtual character 502; or control the second virtual character 502 to move toward the first virtual character 501; or controls the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502 to move toward each other at the same time.

By enabling the system to respond to the second designated operation of the player aiming at the recovery distance locking control, canceling the function of keeping the relative distance within the designated distance threshold, namely canceling the recovery distance locking, the first virtual character and the second virtual character can be controlled by the player to move freely, so that the influence of the function on the operation of the player is avoided, and the game experience of the player is improved.

In some embodiments, after the recovery event is ended, the system may automatically cancel the recovery distance locking function, for example, when the first virtual character stops using recovery type skills for the second virtual character, that is, the recovery event is ended, the system may hide the recovery distance locking control from shielding the game scene, and automatically cancel the restriction on the relative distance, thereby quickly canceling the recovery distance locking function, so that the first virtual character and the second virtual character may freely move according to the operation specification, and avoiding the influence on the operation of the player. As an example, after the above step S420, the method may further include the steps of:

And e), in response to the end of the recovery event, controlling to hide the recovery distance locking control in the graphical user interface and canceling to keep the relative distance within a specified distance threshold.

Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 5, when the first virtual character 501 ceases to release treatment skills to the second virtual character 502, ending the restoration of the vital value of the second virtual character 502 (restoration event), the system will control the terminal device to hide the restoration distance lock control 503 in the graphical user interface. And the system will unlock the relative distance between the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502, i.e., cancel maintaining the relative distance within the specified distance threshold. When the relative distance between the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502 is greater than 10 meters (a specified distance threshold), the system does not forcibly control the first virtual character 501 to move toward the second virtual character 502; or control the second virtual character 502 to move toward the first virtual character 501; or controls the first virtual character 501 and the second virtual character 502 to move toward each other at the same time.

By enabling the system to respond to the end of the recovery event, the recovery distance locking control is controlled to be hidden in the graphical user interface, the relative distance is cancelled to be kept within the specified distance threshold, the recovery distance locking function can be cancelled conveniently and rapidly, the first virtual character and the second virtual character can move freely, the recovery distance locking control is hidden, the control can be prevented from shielding a game scene, the sight of a player is prevented from being influenced, and the game experience of the player is improved.

In some embodiments, the system may prompt the player that the recovery distance is about to exceed a specified threshold, for example, when the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character reaches a specified distance threshold after the player performs a first specified operation on the recovery distance lock control to enable the recovery distance lock function, the system may provide a relevant prompt to the player at the graphical user interface to intuitively and quickly make the player aware that the distance is too large, so that the player may move the virtual character through a manual operation to ensure that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold. As an example, the method may further comprise the steps of:

and f), responding to a first specified operation for the recovery distance locking control, and controlling to display a prompt of exceeding the state recovery distance in the graphical user interface when the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold.

Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 7, after a player clicks (first specified operation) resume distance lock control 701, if the relative distance between first virtual character 702 and second virtual character 703 reaches 10 meters (specified distance threshold), the system may control the terminal device to display exclamation mark prompt 704 in the graphical user interface; a popup prompt 705 may also be displayed in the graphical user interface; the player may also be prompted in the form of a flashing screen that the state recovery distance is exceeded, etc.

It should be noted that, the prompt that the state recovery distance exceeds may be in various forms, the number of the prompts may be one or a plurality of the prompts, and the display positions of the prompts may be any positions in the graphical user interface, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The prompt indicating that the state recovery distance is exceeded may be displayed only on the control terminal corresponding to the first virtual character 702, may be displayed only on the control terminal corresponding to the second virtual character 703, or may be displayed on both terminals.

By enabling the system to respond to the first appointed operation of the player aiming at the recovery distance locking control, when the relative distance reaches the appointed distance threshold value, the system is controlled to display a prompt that the state recovery distance exceeds in the graphical user interface, the player can know that the distance is too large, and the virtual character can be moved through manual operation, so that the relative distance is ensured to be within the appointed distance threshold value.

In some embodiments, the situation that the locking function is turned on may prompt the player, for example, after the player performs the first specified operation on the resume distance locking control to enable the distance locking function, the system may change the display form of the resume distance locking control, so as to change the form obviously, and intuitively make the player know whether the resume distance locking function is being enabled currently, so that the player does not need to consider the problem of the relative distance. As an example, the method may further comprise the steps of:

And g), controlling to change the display form of the recovery distance locking control in response to the first specified operation of the recovery distance locking control.

Illustratively, as shown in FIG. 8, after the player clicks (first specified operation) the resume distance lock control 801, the system may control its display form to change from the form of an open lock corresponding to the resume distance lock control 801 to the form of a closed lock corresponding to the resume distance lock control 802 to indicate to the player that the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character is locked within the specified distance threshold.

It should be noted that the display form of the resume distance lock control 801 includes, but is not limited to, color, shape, size, brightness, movement status, etc., and the system may change one or more of the above to achieve a prompt to the player.

The system responds to the first appointed operation of the player aiming at the restoring distance locking control, controls to change the display shape of the restoring distance locking control, can change in a more obvious form, intuitively enables the player to know that the distance locking function is currently used, enables the player not to be distracted from controlling the distance, can concentrate on other operations, and improves the game experience of the player.

In some embodiments, the player may also be prompted to lock the distance threshold value from time to time after the lock function is turned on, for example, when the player initiates the distance lock function by performing a first specified operation on the resume distance lock control, the system may display a prompt on the specified distance threshold value in the graphical user interface to intuitively make the player know what the current value of the specified distance threshold value is, so that the player performs control of the distance to perform game strategy deployment. As an example, the method may further comprise the steps of:

and h) in response to the first specified operation for recovering the distance locking control, controlling a prompt for displaying a specified distance threshold for the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character in the graphical user interface.

For example, as shown in fig. 9, after the player clicks (first specified operation) the resume distance lock control 901, the system may control the terminal device to display a prompt 904 for a specified distance threshold between the first virtual character 902 and the second virtual character 903 in the graphical user interface.

Note that, the display position of the prompt 904 for specifying the distance threshold may be any position in the graphical user interface, and the prompt 904 for specifying the distance threshold may be displayed only on the control terminal corresponding to the first virtual character 902, may be displayed only on the control terminal corresponding to the second virtual character 903, or may be displayed on both terminals.

By controlling the display of the prompt of the specified distance threshold for the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character in the graphical user interface in response to the first specified operation of the player for restoring the distance lock control, the player can know what the specified distance threshold is currently set, the player can perform game deployment and game operation in combination with the value, and the game experience of the player is improved.

In some embodiments, a state recovery prompt, such as a link between virtual characters, may be displayed when the state recovery is performed, and a distance locked may be prompted by the link when the distance locking function is turned on, so as to provide more comprehensive and timely information for the player. Of course, the system may also prompt the player of the type of the current status restoration event and change the display form according to the relative distance, for example, after the player starts the distance locking function by performing the first specified operation on the restoring distance locking control, the system may display a prompt about the restoring event in the graphical user interface, intuitively make the player know of the type of the current status restoration event, and change the display type of the prompt when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold, so as to intuitively prompt the player that the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold. As an example, the method may further comprise the steps of:

And i) responding to a recovery event of the first virtual character for carrying out state recovery on the second virtual character, and controlling a prompt for displaying the recovery event aiming at the first virtual character and the second virtual character in the graphical user interface.

Step j) in response to a first specified operation for the resume distance lock control, controlling a display modality of a prompt for a resume event to be changed in the graphical user interface when the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold.

Illustratively, as shown in fig. 10, the first virtual character 1001 releases the treatment skills to the second virtual character 1002, and restores the life value of the second virtual character 1002 (restoration event). In response to the occurrence of a recovery event, the system controls the terminal device to display a prompt 1003 in the graphical user interface for the first virtual character 1001 and the second virtual character 1002 to display a recovery event. After the player clicks (first specified operation) the resume distance lock control 1004, if the relative distance between the first virtual character 1001 and the second virtual character 1002 reaches 10 meters (specified distance threshold), the system can control the display morphology of the prompt 1003 of the resume event to change.

In practical applications, some hints of recovery events in games are shown in fig. 5, where a connection 504 pointing from a first virtual character 501 to a second virtual character 502 may be displayed in a game scene to hint that the second virtual character 502 is accepting the state recovery event of the first virtual character 501, and when the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold, the display form of the connection 504 may be changed. In other games, a first virtual character 501 may be used as a center of a circle in a game scene, and an aperture may be formed around the first virtual character to prompt a player that a second virtual character 502 is in the aperture and may be restored by receiving the state given by the first virtual character 501, and when the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold, the display form of the aperture may be changed.

It should be noted that, the display form of the prompt of the recovery event includes, but is not limited to, color, shape, size, brightness, motion state, etc., and the system may change one or more of the foregoing to implement the prompt for the player, where the display position may be any position in the graphical user interface. The prompt of the recovery event may be displayed only on the control terminal corresponding to the first virtual character, may be displayed only on the control terminal corresponding to the second virtual character, or may be displayed on both terminals.

By enabling the system to respond to the recovery event of the first virtual character for carrying out state recovery on the second virtual character, controlling the prompt of the recovery event to be displayed for the first virtual character and the second virtual character in the graphical user interface, and responding to the first appointed operation of the player for recovering the distance locking control, when the relative distance reaches the appointed distance threshold value, controlling the display form of the prompt of the recovery event to be changed in the graphical user interface, the player can intuitively know what state recovery event is currently carried out, and can receive the prompt when the relative distance reaches the appointed distance threshold value, and the virtual character can be manually controlled to move.

In some embodiments, the first specified operation may have a plurality of operation forms, so that the operation is more flexible, for example, the first specified operation may include a plurality of types, so as to implement triggering on the recovery distance locking control in a plurality of flexible manners. Illustratively, the first specifying operation includes any one or more of:

aiming at the click operation, the sliding operation and the operation with the touch duration longer than the preset duration of the recovery distance locking control.

As an example, a player may enable a distance lock function by clicking on a resume distance lock control, where a click operation may include a single click operation, a double click operation, and so on. When the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character reaches a specified distance threshold, the system can control the first virtual character to move towards the second virtual character; or controlling the second virtual character to move towards the first virtual character; or controlling the first virtual character and the second virtual character to simultaneously move toward each other such that the relative distance is within a specified distance threshold.

As another example, the player may enable the distance lock function by sliding the resume distance lock control, where the sliding operation may include a sliding operation in which the touch point slides from within the resume distance lock control to an area outside of the resume distance lock control, and may also include a sliding operation in which the touch point slides from the move control to the resume distance lock control. When the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character reaches a specified distance threshold, the system can control the first virtual character to move towards the second virtual character; or controlling the second virtual character to move towards the first virtual character; or controlling the first virtual character and the second virtual character to simultaneously move toward each other such that the relative distance is within a specified distance threshold.

As another example, the player may activate the distance lock function by touching the distance lock control for a longer period of time than a preset period of time, such as 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, etc. When the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character reaches a specified distance threshold, the system can control the first virtual character to move towards the second virtual character; or controlling the second virtual character to move towards the first virtual character; or controlling the first virtual character and the second virtual character to simultaneously move toward each other such that the relative distance is within a specified distance threshold.

Through covering multiple types by the first appointed operation, the player can trigger the recovery distance locking control through multiple operation types, the game habit of different players can be adapted, the player can select the proper operation type according to the personal habit, and the game experience of the player is improved.

In some embodiments, the second designated operation may have a number of operation forms, making the operation more flexible, e.g., the second designated operation may include a number of types to enable triggering of the resume distance lock control in a number of flexible ways. Illustratively, the second designated operation includes any one or more of:

As one example, in a state where the system locks the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character, when the player clicks the resume distance lock control again, the system will unlock the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character, i.e., cancel keeping the relative distance within a specified distance threshold. Wherein the clicking operation may include a single click operation, a double click operation, and the like.

As another example, in a state where the system locks the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character, when the player slides the resume distance lock control again, the system will unlock the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character, i.e., cancel keeping the relative distance within the specified distance threshold. Wherein the sliding operation may include a sliding operation in which the touch point slides from within the restoring distance locking control to an area outside the restoring distance locking control,

as another example, in a state where the system locks the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character, the player may close the distance lock function by touching the distance lock control for an operation longer than a preset time period, that is, pressing the distance lock control for a long time, the system will unlock the relative distance between the first virtual character and the second virtual character, that is, cancel to keep the relative distance within a specified distance threshold. The preset time may be any duration, for example, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, etc.

Through covering multiple types by the second designated operation, the player can trigger the recovery distance locking control through multiple operation types, the game habit of different players can be adapted, the player can select the proper operation type according to personal habit, and the game experience of the player is improved.

In some embodiments, the recovery event of the state recovery may have a plurality of situations, so that the method is more flexible and widely applied, for example, the recovery event of the state recovery may include a plurality of types, so that the function of the recovery distance locking control is applied to the recovery event of the plurality of state recovery. Illustratively, the recovery event for state recovery includes any one or more of the following:

As one example, a first avatar releases treatment skills to a second avatar, restores vital values of the second avatar, and a blood volume value restoration event occurs. The system responds to the occurrence of the blood volume value recovery event, and the control terminal device displays a recovery distance locking control for the blood volume value recovery event in a graphical user interface.

As another example, a first avatar releases an add energy value skill to a second avatar, restores the energy value of the second avatar, and an energy value restoration event occurs. The system responds to the occurrence of the energy value recovery event, and controls the terminal equipment to display a recovery distance locking control for the energy value recovery event in a graphical user interface.

As another example, a first avatar releases an add skill value skill to a second avatar, restores the skill value of the second avatar, and a skill value restoration event occurs. The system responds to the occurrence of the skill value recovery event, and controls the terminal equipment to display a recovery distance locking control for the skill value recovery event in a graphical user interface.

The recovery event of state recovery covers multiple types, so that the method is applicable to multiple recovery event types, multiple game types, game habits of different players can be adapted, the game experience of the players is improved, and the method is widely applied.

Fig. 11 provides a schematic structural view of a control apparatus 1100 for a virtual character in a game. The device can be applied to an electronic terminal capable of running a game program, a graphical user interface is provided through terminal equipment, and a game scene of a game comprises a first virtual role capable of carrying out state recovery on the virtual role and a second virtual role capable of carrying out state recovery. As shown in fig. 11, the control device 1100 for an in-game virtual character includes:

a first control module 1101, configured to control, in response to a recovery event that the first virtual character performs state recovery on the second virtual character, display a recovery distance lock control for the recovery event in the graphical user interface; the recovery distance locking control is used for keeping the relative distance of the first virtual character to the second virtual character in the state recovery within a specified distance threshold;

The second control module 1102 is configured to, in response to a first specified operation for restoring the distance lock control, control the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move when the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold, so that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold.

In some embodiments, the graphical user interface includes a movement control for the second virtual character, and the first control module 1101 is specifically configured to:

responding to a recovery event of the first virtual character for carrying out state recovery on the second virtual character, and controlling a recovery distance locking control for the recovery event to be displayed in the target direction of the mobile control; the target direction is the direction of the first virtual character relative to the second virtual character.

In some embodiments, the second control module 1102 is specifically configured to:

in response to a first specified operation for restoring the distance locking control, detecting in real time whether the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold;

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

and the cancellation module is used for responding to a first specified operation for the recovery distance locking control, controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move when the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold value so that the relative distance is within the specified distance threshold value, and canceling to keep the relative distance within the specified distance threshold value in response to a second specified operation for the recovery distance locking control.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

and the third control module is used for responding to the first appointed operation of the recovery distance locking control, controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move when the relative distance reaches the appointed distance threshold value, so that the relative distance is within the appointed distance threshold value, responding to the ending of the recovery event, controlling the hiding of the recovery distance locking control in the graphical user interface, and canceling the keeping of the relative distance within the appointed distance threshold value.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

and the fourth control module is used for responding to the first specified operation for the recovery distance locking control, and controlling the display of a prompt of exceeding the state recovery distance in the graphical user interface when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

and a fifth control module for controlling to change the display form of the restoring distance locking control in response to the first specified operation for the restoring distance locking control.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

and a sixth control module for controlling, in response to a first specified operation for restoring the distance lock control, a prompt in the graphical user interface to display a specified distance threshold for the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:

a seventh control module for controlling, in response to a recovery event in which the first virtual character performs state recovery for the second virtual character, a prompt for displaying the recovery event for the first virtual character and the second virtual character in the graphical user interface;

in response to a first specified operation for the resume distance lock control, when the relative distance reaches a specified distance threshold, controlling to change a display modality of a prompt for a resume event in the graphical user interface.

In some embodiments, the first specifying operation includes any one or more of:

In some embodiments, the second specified operation includes any one or more of:

The control device for the virtual character in the game provided by the embodiment of the application has the same technical characteristics as the control method for the virtual character in the game provided by the embodiment, so that the same technical problems can be solved, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

Corresponding to the method for controlling the virtual character in the game, the embodiment of the application also provides a computer readable storage medium, wherein the computer readable storage medium stores computer executable instructions, and the computer executable instructions cause the processor to execute the steps of the method for controlling the virtual character in the game when the computer executable instructions are called and executed by the processor.

The control device of the virtual role in the game provided by the embodiment of the application can be specific hardware on the equipment or software or firmware installed on the equipment, and the like. The device provided by the embodiment of the present application has the same implementation principle and technical effects as those of the foregoing method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, reference may be made to the corresponding content in the foregoing method embodiment where the device embodiment is not mentioned. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that, for convenience and brevity, the specific operation of the system, apparatus and unit described above may refer to the corresponding process in the above method embodiment, which is not described in detail herein.

In the embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method may be implemented in other manners. The above-described apparatus embodiments are merely illustrative, for example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division, and there may be other manners of division in actual implementation, and for example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted, or not performed. Alternatively, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed with each other may be through some communication interface, device or unit indirect coupling or communication connection, which may be in electrical, mechanical or other form.

As another example, the flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatus, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present application. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The units described as separate units may or may not be physically separate, and units shown as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one place, or may be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

In addition, each functional unit in the embodiments provided in the present application may be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit may exist alone physically, or two or more units may be integrated in one unit.

The functions, if implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as a stand-alone product, may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application may be embodied essentially or in a part contributing to the prior art or in a part of the technical solution, in the form of a software product stored in a storage medium, comprising several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method for controlling a virtual character in a game according to the embodiments of the present application. And the aforementioned storage medium includes: a U-disk, a removable hard disk, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a random access Memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, or other various media capable of storing program codes.

It should be noted that: like reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote like items, and thus once an item is defined in one figure, no further definition or explanation of it is required in the following figures, and furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used merely to distinguish one description from another and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

Finally, it should be noted that: the above examples are only specific embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, but it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present application is not limited thereto, and that the present application is described in detail with reference to the foregoing examples: any person skilled in the art may modify or easily conceive of the technical solution described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent substitution of some of the technical features, while remaining within the technical scope of the present disclosure; such modifications, changes or substitutions do not depart from the spirit of the corresponding technical solutions. Are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the application is subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control method of virtual characters in a game is characterized in that a graphical user interface is provided through terminal equipment, and a game scene of the game comprises a first virtual character capable of carrying out state recovery on the virtual characters and a second virtual character capable of carrying out state recovery; the method comprises the following steps:

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface includes a movement control for the second virtual character; the step of controlling the display of a resume distance lock control for the resume event in the graphical user interface in response to a resume event for the first virtual character to resume the state of the second virtual character, comprises:

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move to bring the relative distance within the specified distance threshold when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold in response to a first specified operation for the resume distance lock control comprises:

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold in response to a first specified operation for the resume distance lock control to bring the relative distance within the specified distance threshold further comprises:

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of controlling the first virtual character and/or the second virtual character to move when the relative distance reaches the specified distance threshold in response to a first specified operation for the resume distance lock control to bring the relative distance within the specified distance threshold further comprises:

6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

7. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

8. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

9. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first specified operation comprises any one or more of:

11. The method of claim 4, wherein the second specifying operation comprises any one or more of:

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the recovery event for state recovery comprises any one or more of:

13. A control device for virtual characters in a game is characterized in that a graphical user interface is provided through a terminal device, and a game scene of the game comprises a first virtual character capable of carrying out state recovery on the virtual characters and a second virtual character capable of carrying out state recovery; the device comprises:

14. An electronic terminal comprising a memory, a processor, the memory having stored therein a computer program executable on the processor, characterized in that the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the steps of the method of any of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

15. A computer readable storage medium storing computer executable instructions which, when invoked and executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.