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pioneerspacesim / pioneer

A game of lonely space adventure
https://pioneerspacesim.net
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Engine Power Level indicator #1941

Closed Baobobafet closed 7 years ago

Baobobafet commented 11 years ago

Just a quick mock-up of an idea:

A smaller indicator could probably be made - finding an easily visible place for it could present a problem.

If on the other hand, the indicator can become part of some virtually already existing graphical detail... Of course the gauge could be used as a visual pilot feedback cue without adding anything new.

But this has got me thinking if any obstacles exist to enabling analog support options for the thrusters. This would allow for the use of proper hardware throttles - but most importantly broaden the range of engine output settings possible. Even if analog throttle support is not practical at the moment, the ability to adjust thrust settings incrementally through some key + - key settings would add a whole new dimension to controlling ships in Pioneer.

Anyways, simply an idea.

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Baobobafet commented 11 years ago

Here's another iteration:
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fluffyfreak commented 11 years ago

Nice idea and concept designs.

shadmar commented 11 years ago

That looks nice.

Baobobafet commented 11 years ago

:) was working on a better version of the last one - than thought to wait for some feedback

Baobobafet commented 11 years ago

Here is much better rendition (source files included are at 300% normal size) and have been made into transparent masks with separate elements.


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Source files: http://www.mediafire.com/?zz4as7g1gjlzd1j

Brianetta commented 11 years ago

The only problem I have with it is that it's wrapped around the scanner, and might intuitively be taken for a compass or other directional indicator of some sort.

Baobobafet commented 11 years ago

My attempt to add more 3D visuals to cockpit. (very difficult to add detail without it looking like more clutter) I was hoping it would give a more speedometer/tachometer intuitive feel. - Don't forget it won't be dancing all over the place, since the only time the indicator will move is when/if you are adjusting any engine power settings. Also the image mask is entirely transparent and so can be reduced so as to be marginally visible to a pilot. (this might be set in user options or be part of a HUD transparency adjustment available to the pilot)

Edit: Although thinking about it, I can't see any reason why such a gauge couldn't serve double duty as some type of directional indicator via some sub-mode. Different indicator arrows (or colors) could differentiate these modes - allowing them to target and detect various minerals or other specific items.

Another possibility is that the indicator starts out as a primitive default terrestrial compass, available only when a ship is on surfaces of planets. Used to target N,S,E,W or specific waypoints. (also as backup nav system to HUD compass)

Engine adjust mode could kick in ONLY when a pilot wants to change his engine thrust levels. (The gauge could remain visible until another mode was selected.)

bszlrd commented 7 years ago

Closing this because image links are broken, and the use or look of the power indicator cannot be derived from the discussion. And we already have compass in master. And I suspect we are alrady thinking about something related under the imgui HUD project.