[MOD] Targeting UI Extension now with External Camera - (Nov 27, 2013)

[Observe]

Targeting UI Extension with External Camera

Version: 1.1 - Date: Nov 24, 2013

Now with external camera view!

Here is a YouTube video demonstrating how this mod works and what you can do with it.

Why this mod:

Currently (this will change soon), Rebirth has no good way of targeting enemy ships. This mod, extends the UI by adding a targeting menu with keyboard selectable commands.

In addition, one of the commands will trigger an external camera view of the selected target. The duration of the full-screen view is 5 seconds and can be repeated for extended viewing.

(click-able image)
[ external image ]

Where to get it: Coming soon

Installation:

1. Extract mod files into Rebirth extensions folder
2. Verify mod is selected (startup menu)

How to access it:

1. Open Modes
[ external image ]

2. Open Targeting
[ external image ]

3. Targeting UI Menu
[ external image ]

Notes:

- You must exit the Targeting menu if you want to access other Mission objectives.
- You must press option key 1 (keyboard) to escape full-screen mode (version 1.2)

What it does:

This mod extends the UI by adding a new menu with various targeting commands.

Available commands:

1. Next Enemy: selects the nearest enemy within 30km
2. Auto Target: selects the last object to attack you
3. Targeting Off: Turns off the active targeting display
4. Toggle Data: Toggles the target information display
5. External Camera: Triggers full-screen external view of the target

Features:

- Displays data for enemy speed, distance, hull, shields
- Displays video of enemy in the monitor
- Missile alert and tracking
- Full-screen external view of target

Future plans:

- Option to filter by different factions and relations
- Option to filter by object type (e.g. ships, crates, stations etc)
- Detailed list of all enemy in the area.
- Other things to do with "Strategic Management Command" that I can't think of at the moment.

How it works:

The mod consists of several files:

MainMenu.xml: Here I replace the normal main menu #6 (Close) with a Targeting option which opens a new menu.
osr_target_ext.xml: Mission Director (MD) code processes the new targeting commands.
OsrOrbit.xml: Cutscene camera for player ship.
OsrViewFromPlayerShip.xml: Cutscene camera for non-player target.

Notes: I determined I we don't need the original "Close" option in the main menu, because since we have keyboards, we can use the Escape key. This was necessary because we have limited menu options available to us for custom UI menu additions.

Screenshots taken using external camera (click-able images)

[ external image ]

[ external image ]

[Ruiner82]

Wow great work, this looks very promising.

[Realspace]

Thank you Observe!

[Gazz]

At this point I'm inclined to believe that the devs are simply scared of opening up the LUA parts of the interface. =P

[Observe]

Thanks guys! Please let me know how this works with your system; since at this point the mod is still "experimental" (read alpha).

One thing I've been thinking, is possibly this could be added as a ware and purchased as a ship upgrade?

[Observe]

Now I'm looking at using an "Options" key in the targeting menu to select the search criteria. For example, I can search for different types of objects in space, including:

- Next Zone (useful as navigation aid when exploring outside highways)
- Next Crate
- Next Resources (ore, hydrogen, etc)
- Next Station

I could have 6 variations, but I haven't decided which exactly would be most useful.

Suggestions?

[Observe]

Next update (this weekend) will include an external camera button.

[ external image ]

This can be helpful when you want to have a look at your immediate surroundings.

[Dungeoncrawler]

Next update (this weekend) will include an external camera button.

[ external image ]

This can be helpful when you want to have a look at your immediate surroundings.

External camera view FTW! Thank you sir.

[Crip67]

NICE....I will be giving this a go will this work on big ships as well (turrets)?

its good to see you still modding here

[Realspace]

Next update (this weekend) will include an external camera button.

[ external image ]

This can be helpful when you want to have a look at your immediate surroundings.

really?? wow!, that had to be in the game, u're doing the patches before the devs!!

[Observe]

Major update version 1.1.

This new version fixes some minor bugs and adds an external camera command for viewing the selected target full-screen.

I have created a YouTube video demonstrating how this mod works and what you can do with it.

Thanks!

Screenshot using external camera (click-able image):
[ external image ]

[jeroll3d]

TEARS in my eyes

[Tuttle]

Thank you very much!!

[Observe]

FYI: Next version will include a "Next Zone" command as a navigation aid for use when bypassing local highways. Part of the reason for that, is since the very beginning when I wanted to create a "no highways" mod, I realized I would need to add some navigation commands to make it more practical.

Actually, come to think of it, I may make a separate navigation extension mod, and perhaps even a separate camera extension mod as well. I'll see what makes most sense as I go along.

[jeroll3d]

Observe

If possible, create camera externa to player ship.

[Bobucles]

A targeting MENU? I just need ONE button:
- Target thing in center (preference for closer targets)

So I can bind it to the right thumbstick.

[BlueSabor]

"Fantastic this adds even more immersion for me!" Thank you.

[HETPE3B]

this is great!
is it even possible to make it like old one?
i mean another screen in upper left corner? since "the big screen"
will be map... as devs promise....

[Baconnaise]

You're doing God's work son.

[Mad_CatMk2]

At this point I'm inclined to believe that the devs are simply scared of opening up the LUA parts of the interface. =P

I can only imagine what a XR MARS would be...