Patent Publication Number: US-2023142566-A1

Title: System and method for precise positioning with touchscreen gestures

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. application Ser. No. 17/018,503, filed Sep. 11, 2020, and is titled, “System and Method for Precise Positioning with Touchscreen Gestures,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As online multiplayer gameplay moves to mobile devices and handheld touchscreen devices, size constraints of such mobile device touchscreens present various challenges. For example, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games or other multiplayer strategy video games oftentimes involve vast virtual worlds or virtual maps in an isometric perspective view. For navigation, communication, and other in-game actions and communication within these virtual worlds, maps are often selectable for display within the game. However, such maps face various disadvantages on touchscreens. For instance, maps on generally smaller touchscreens are presented with a decreased size that is difficult to see. More so, fingers or thumbs can obscure portions of the map when being manipulated through touch gestures. This can lead to decreased accuracy when performing operations that require precision placement within a map, such as placing communication pings or other such reference markers onto the map and/or within the virtual world of the game. 
     To address these challenges, various games and apps on mobile devices and handheld touchscreen devices provide features such as panning and/or pinch to zoom tools and interfaces. However, while such solutions can increase accuracy, they are generally too slow for live game play. For instance, MOBA games can present a variety of objects, and game pieces are often animated and movable in real-time, thus requiring increased processing resources. Furthermore, panning and pinch to zoom tools and interfaces also limit how much of the map can be viewed at one time, which is disadvantageous in strategy games where seeing a big-picture view of the game&#39;s virtual world via maps can be beneficial in developing a game strategy. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to precise positioning with touchscreen gestures. More specifically, embodiments relate to systems and methods for viewing portions of a dynamic image (such as a map in a multiplayer video game) that is obscured by touchscreen gestures. In essence, the described embodiments facilitate the ability to view in real time what is beneath a player&#39;s thumb or finger in contact with a touchscreen in order to accurately place communication pings onto a map. 
     In some example embodiments, precise location selection on a touchscreen during a multiplayer game is accomplished via a precision placement tool that displays in real-time an enlarged depiction of a portion of the map obscured by a touch gesture, while a majority of the remainder of the map is still simultaneously displayed for the player. For instance, a method herein can include the steps of displaying the dynamic image or map on a touchscreen and receiving a touch gesture thereon. The touch gesture can begin at a tool selection icon and end at a release location within the map. For example, the touch gesture can begin by a player&#39;s finger touching the tool selection icon and dragging of that finger across the map to the release location. The method can then include, in response to the touch gesture, displaying a precision placement tool that depicts a portion of the map obscured by the received touch gesture. The depiction can be an enlarged depiction of the obscured portion and is displayed outside of the obscured portion. Finally, the method can include displaying a change to the map at the release location when the touch gesture ends. Specifically, by way of non-limiting example, operations such as communication pings, or items that signal communications between players, can be performed or placed onto the map at the release location. 
     In some embodiments, the precision placement tool can display the obscured portion of the map at a fixed location relative to the map. For instance, the obscured portion under a finger making a touch gesture can be presented at a fixed location of a user interface. In some other embodiments, the precision placement tool can display the obscured portion of the map at a fixed distance away from the obscured portion. More specifically, the precision placement tool can be virtually or visually tethered to the obscured portion throughout the touch gesture (e.g., as the finger drags across the map to the release location), such that the obscured portion is presented at a fixed distance relative to the finger making the touch gesture. In some further embodiments, the precision placement tool can include visual context indicators communicating additional information to the player during the touch gesture. For example, the additional information can include what type of signal will be released at the release location and, when passing over some fixed objects, can include what type of fixed object the signal will be associated with if released at a current location. In some embodiments, the precision placement tool is selectable from a menu or array of different precision placement tools for communicating different communication pings. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG.  1 A  depicts an exemplary operating environment in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a system for precise positioning with touch gestures in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 A  is an exemplary dynamic image to be displayed on a touchscreen in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 B  is the exemplary dynamic image of  FIG.  2 A  with a map selected by touch gestures in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 A  is the exemplary dynamic image of  FIG.  2 B  with a precision placement tool displaying a portion of the map in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 B  is the exemplary dynamic image of  FIG.  3 A  upon release of the precision placement tool, leaving behind a communication ping in its place in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is the exemplary dynamic image of  FIG.  3 A  displaying associated visual context indicators extending from the precision placement tool while a reticle of the precision placement tool intersects with a graphic object of the map in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is an alternative embodiment of an exemplary dynamic image with the precision placement tool fixed at a predetermined location on the map in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is a flow diagram depicting a method for precise positioning with touchscreen gestures in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  7    is a block diagram of an exemplary computing environment suitable for use in implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter of the present disclosure is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” can be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described. 
     The online multiplayer video gaming industry has gained immense popularity across all demographics around the globe. As online multiplayer video games move to mobile platforms for play on touchscreen devices, such as tablets and smart phones, some modifications are required for both how the game is displayed and how users interface with it (e.g., control the game). For instance, size constraints of touchscreens present various challenges, such as game elements appearing too small. However, limited screen size and processing capabilities of such mobile devices have presented challenges in providing a full-featured multiplayer video game via a mobile platform. 
     Current solutions to these constraints primarily include panning and/or pinch to zoom operations and interfaces. Pinch to zoom operations can increase accuracy of defining target locations during gameplay, for example, because they allow a close-up view of a particular location. Likewise, panning operations conveniently allow navigating maps while still in such a zoomed-in view. However, these solutions are often too slow for live game play, particularly due to the large processing resources required for the various animations and movable-in-real-time game pieces involved in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, for example. Panning and pinch to zoom operations also limit how much of the map can be viewed at one time, complicating a player&#39;s ability to see a big-picture view of the game&#39;s virtual world while developing a game strategy. 
     As such, various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system and computer-implemented method for selecting or in other words defining a precise location of a dynamic image, such as a live action map on a MOBA game. This precise location selection is accomplished via a precision placement tool that displays in real-time an enlarged depiction of a portion of the map obscured by a touch gesture. Specifically, by implementation of this precision placement tool, portions of the map obscured by the player&#39;s fingers or thumbs (or other input tool, such as a stylus) while performing the touch gesture on a mobile device touchscreen can be viewed in real-time, while a remainder of the map is still simultaneously displayed for the player. The portion of the map obscured by the player&#39;s fingers or thumbs can also be depicted as zoomed in or enlarged to assist the player in accurately placing items such as communication pings onto the map. A communication ping, as is generally known in the art, is facilitated by a player selecting a message and a defining a location on a map, and communicating the selected message and defined location to his or her teammates (e.g., via a network), such that the teammates can receive the message and the location. The precision placement tool can display the obscured portion of the map at a fixed location relative to the map (e.g., an upper left-hand corner of the map) or at a location that is a constant distance away from the obscured portion and virtually or visually tethered to the obscured portion. 
     In some embodiments, the precision placement tool includes visual context indicators, such as an icon indicating a type of communication ping (e.g., a “send help now” message) to be placed upon activation of the precision placement tool on the map (i.e., release of a touch gesture controlling the precision placement tool) and/or an icon indicating the type of object in the virtual game that the communication ping will be attached to or associated with (e.g., a fixed tower within the game) if the touch gesture is released in its current location. Additionally or alternatively, the visual context indicators can include changing colors displayed around or on the precision placement tool. In some embodiments, the precision placement tool is selectable from a menu or array of different precision placement tools for communicating different communication pings (e.g., “send help now,” “attack this location”, etc.). 
     Turning now to  FIG.  1 A , a schematic depiction is provided illustrating one exemplary operating environment  100  of which an embodiment of the present disclosure can be employed. It should be understood that this and other arrangements described herein are set forth only as examples. Other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, orders, groupings of functions, etc.) can be used in addition to or instead of those shown, and some elements may be omitted altogether. Further, many of the elements described herein are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, and in any suitable combination and location. Various functions described herein as being performed by one or more entities may be carried out by hardware, firmware, and/or software. For instance, various functions may be carried out by a processor executing instructions stored in memory. 
     The operating environment  100  of  FIG.  1 A  includes a server device  110  that provides a service to one or more client devices, such as gaming clients  115 , 120 , for instructing game play and/or settings in a virtual gaming environment over a network  130 , such as the Internet. The gaming clients  115 , 120  may be implemented on one or more processors as later described herein. In some embodiments, the gaming clients  115 , 120  are mobile electronic devices having touchscreens thereon, such as smart phones, tablets, or laptop computers. The server device  110  and the gaming clients  115 , 120  may communicate in a wired or wireless manner over the network  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the server device  110  is coupled, directly or indirectly, to a database  140  for facilitating the storage and querying of records corresponding to a plurality of game play instructions, actions, objects (e.g., virtual game pieces/characters, weapons, buildings, etc.), maps, and/or settings. The database  140  includes, among other things, a relational database or similar storage structure accessible by the server device  110 . In accordance with embodiments described herein, the database  140  stores a plurality of records that each corresponds to game play instructions, actions, objects, maps, and/or settings. 
     The server device  110  includes a gaming server accessible by any of the gaming clients  115 , 120  and/or a data server for supporting an application of any of the gaming clients  115 , 120 , over the network  130 . The gaming server can support any type of application, including those that facilitate live game play. The server device  110  can further determine relationships (e.g., teams) between the gaming clients  115 , 120 . In various embodiments, the server device  110  communicates actions commanded via one or more of the gaming clients  115 , 120 , to another one or more of the gaming clients  115 , 120  for presentation thereon via user interfaces or the like, as later described herein. 
     Network  130  may be wired, wireless, or both. Network  130  may include multiple networks, or a network of networks, but is shown in simple form so as not to obscure aspects of the present disclosure. By way of example, network  130  can include one or more wide area networks (WANs), one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more public networks, such as the Internet, one or more private networks, and/or one or more telecommunications networks. Where network  130  includes a wireless telecommunications network, components such as a base station, a communications tower, or even access points (as well as other components) may provide wireless connectivity. Networking environments are commonplace in enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet. Accordingly, network  130  is not described in significant detail. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the server device  110  or the gaming clients  115 ,  120  can each be a computing device that is capable of accessing the Internet, such as the World Wide Web, and/or a telecommunications network. Either one of the server device  110  or the gaming clients  115 ,  120  might take on a variety of forms, such as a personal computer (PC), a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a video player, a handheld communications device, a smartphone, a smart watch, a workstation, any combination of these delineated devices, or any other suitable device. 
     It should be understood that any number of the aforementioned devices may be employed in operating environment  100  within the scope of the present disclosure. Each may comprise a single device or multiple devices cooperating in a distributed environment. Additionally, other components not shown may also be included within the distributed environment. It should further be understood that operating environment  100  shown in  FIG.  1 A  is an example of one suitable computing system architecture. Each of the servers, gaming clients, networks, and databases shown in  FIG.  1 A  may be implemented via a computing device, such as computing device  700 , later described with reference for  FIG.  7   , for example. The components may communicate with each other via network  130 . 
     Next,  FIG.  1 B  depicts a block diagram of operational modules of an exemplary one of the gaming clients, specifically gaming client  115 , in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that the depicted implementation is merely exemplary, and not intended to be limiting in any way, as each component can be arranged in various configurations, spread across a number of computing devices, combined with other components or one another, arranged to communicate over a network, or any combination of the foregoing including others not mentioned. For example, each of the operational modules may comprise a combination of hardware components and/or computer instructions stored on computer-readable media and executable on a processor thereof, as later described in regards to computing device  700  below. 
     As depicted in  FIG.  1 B , the operational modules of the gaming client  115  may comprise a game executing component  210 , a communication component  220 , and a graphical user interface (GUI) component  230 . The game executing component  210  can be configured for executing a game associated therewith, such as MOBA games described herein. In some embodiments, executing the game may include displaying a dynamic image, such as the dynamic image  10  later described herein and depicted in  FIGS.  2 A- 5   . The communication component  220  can be configured for network communications between the gaming client  115 , the gaming client  120 , and/or the server device  110  via network  130 . 
     The GUI component  230  can be configured for displaying the dynamic image and various manipulatable features therein, such as menus, virtual joysticks, fixed and/or movable objects, or the like. In some embodiments, the GUI component  230  can further comprise a gesture-detecting component  240  configured for detecting a touch gesture on a touchscreen of the gaming client  115 , as later described herein. For example, the gesture-detecting component  240  can display a map in response to a beginning of detecting a touch gesture. The gesture-detecting component  240  can also respond to detecting the beginning of a gesture by displaying a depiction of an obscured portion of the map that is obscured by a player&#39;s finger or another object, as later described herein. Upon release of a touch gesture (i.e., at an end of the touch gesture), the gesture-detecting component  240  or another sub-element of the GUI component  230  can present and/or display a communication ping at the release location, as later described herein. 
     Specifically, the GUI component  230  can also comprise a communication ping component  250  configured for displaying on the dynamic image the communication ping (e.g., an icon, symbol, and/or text message), and can receive a location associated therewith from the gesture-detecting component  240 . The communication ping component  250  can further be configured for sending information associated with the communication ping to other ones of the gaming clients, such as the gaming client  120  via the network  130 . The communication ping component  250  can then send the generated communication ping to the server device  110  through the network  130  via the communication component  220  of the gaming client  115 . 
     In some embodiments, the server device  110  can receive the communication ping, identify other gaming clients associated with teammates of a player sending the communication ping, and relay the communication ping to those other gaming clients. For example, the server  110  and/or the database  140  associated therewith can store a plurality of player identification data which correspond to one or more of the gaming clients  115 , 120  and/or otherwise are communicated to the server device  110  along with the communication ping. In this example, gaming clients receiving the communication ping are referred to as the receiver gaming clients (e.g., gaming client  120 ). The receiver gaming clients can be configured to receive the communication ping to be displayed in a dynamic image associated with the game via GUI components thereof. Specifically, the receiver gaming clients can each receive the communication ping through their corresponding communication components (e.g., substantially identical to the communication component  220 ), interpret the communication ping with their communication ping components (e.g., substantially identical to the communication ping component  250 ) to identify a map location and message of the communication ping, and then use the GUI component thereof (e.g., substantially identical to the GUI component  230 ) to display the communication pint at an appropriate location on the dynamic images of the receiver gaming clients. Although identified in this example as receiver gaming clients, note that components and capabilities of each of the gaming clients  115 , 120  may be identical to each other without departing from the scope of the technology herein. For example, the receiver gaming clients can add a communication ping which then is communicated to one or more other gaming clients. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  2 A- 4   , an example depiction of a dynamic image  10  and a precision placement tool  12  for use therewith is presented on a display screen, such as a touchscreen of a mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device can include the computing device  700  as described below and depicted in  FIG.  7   . Likewise, the touchscreen can comprise any of the I/O components  720  described below and depicted in  FIG.  7   . For example, the touchscreen can particularly comprise embodiments of I/O components  720  with gesture recognition on screen and touch recognition associated with a display of the computing device  700 . 
     The dynamic image  10  can include movable images or images with objects movable in realtime therein, such as video images, animated images, images comprising movable game pieces, or the like. For example, as depicted in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , the dynamic image  10  can include visual depictions of at least a portion of a dynamic virtual world  14  for a multiplayer game (e.g., a MOBA game or the like). The visual depictions can comprise fixed graphic objects, such as fixed graphic object  16 , and movable graphic objects, such as movable graphic object  18 . Visual depictions can include, among other things, animated and/or movable game pieces and/or destinations such as towers, castles, roads, pathways, walls, fences, barricades, trees, mountains, streams, weapons, targets, rewards, or the like. Game pieces, like the game piece  20  depicted in both a map  22  and the dynamic virtual world  14  in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , can represent locations of various players in the multiplayer game and/or tools or weapons useable by the various players. The visual depictions can display such fixed or movable graphic objects in a perspective view and/or a plan view. However, the system and methods herein can be used within other dynamic images that are not part of a multiplayer game or a single player game without departing from the scope of the technology described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the dynamic image  10  can comprise a continually-displayed or selectably-displayed mini-map  23 , as in  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B . The mini-map  23  or other such graphic depiction may provide a plan view of the dynamic virtual world  14  in its entirety and/or large portions of the dynamic virtual world  14 . For example, as depicted in  FIG.  2 A , a mini-map  23  or other icon can be continually displayed at a corner of the touchscreen and then, when selected by a touch gesture (e.g., via selection of the precision placement tool  12 ), the map  22  can be displayed as an enlarged version of the mini-map  23  for interaction therewith in that same corner or in another portion of the touchscreen, as depicted in  FIG.  2 B . By way of non-limiting example, the map  22  can be a dynamic map or other dynamic image including the fixed and/or movable graphic objects  16 , 18  and/or representative depictions thereof, among other things. Example embodiments described herein primarily refer to the map  22  as the dynamic image  10  to which the virtual tools (e.g., the precision placement tool  12 ) and methods described herein are applied. However, the virtual tools and methods described herein are also applicable to other dynamic images (e.g., the dynamic virtual world  14 , videos, augmented reality images, animations, or the like) without departing from the scope of the technology herein. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the map  22  and/or the mini-map  23  can be used to present a big-picture view of the entire dynamic virtual world  14 , current conditions within that virtual world, current locations of a player&#39;s teammates, and communication pings  24  (as depicted in  FIG.  3 B ) left by various players for teammate players, among other things. In some embodiments, a player can cause specific actions to be performed at particular locations within the dynamic virtual world  14  via the map  22 , such as placement of the communication pings  24  for display by computing devices of one or more other players of the multiplayer game, and viewing by the one or more other players, as depicted in  FIG.  3 B . The communication pings  24  can include communication icons, symbols, graphics, and/or text announcements indicating to at least some of the players (e.g., teammates) of the multiplayer game that the player placing the communication ping  24  needs help, desires a certain action to be taken at that location (e.g., attack, bring provisions, etc.), has learned of some valuable resources or clues at that location, or the like. In some embodiments, the communication pings  24  can appear in the dynamic virtual world  14 , the mini-map  23 , and/or the map  22 . In some further embodiments, such communication pings  24  can be applied using the precision placement tool  12 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the precision placement tool  12  can be used for placing such communication pings  24 , commanding other in-game changes, and/or providing enhanced visuals of the map  22 . The precision placement tool  12  can be selectable and movable via a touch gesture on the touchscreen. A touch gesture can include, for instance, tapping the touchscreen with one or more fingers, one or more thumbs, a stylus, or other such selection tool. Additionally or alternatively, a touch gesture can include pressing and dragging a finger, thumb, stylus, or other such selection tool across the touchscreen in a continuous fashion and/or releasing the finger, thumb, stylus, or other such selection tool from the touchscreen at a release location  26 , indicating an end of the touch gesture. Specifically, the touch gesture can begin at a tool selection icon, such as the tool selection icon  28 , continue into the map  22  as depicted in  FIG.  3 A , and end at the release location  26  within the map  22  as depicted in  FIG.  3 B . For example, the precision placement tool  12  can be selectable, via the touch gesture, from a menu  30  of precision placement tools or communication tools, such as the menu  30  of tool selection icons to the left of the map  22  in  FIGS.  2 A- 5   . However, other methods of selecting the precision placement tool  12  can be used without departing from the scope of the technology described herein. In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIG.  3 B , the precision placement tool  12  is operable to display a change to the dynamic image  10  or map  22  at the release location  26 . For example, the change to the dynamic image  10  can be placement of the communication ping  24  onto the map  22  at a location within the multi-player game associated with the release location  26  on the map  22 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , as one of ordinary skill may appreciate, a player&#39;s (i.e., a user of a computing device executing a MOBA game) touch gesture can obscure portions of the dynamic image  10  or map  22  (e.g., the player&#39;s finger or thumb can block or obscure a portion of the map  22  corresponding to a location where the touch gesture is sensed by the touchscreen). This blocked or obscured portion of the map  22  or dynamic image  10  can be referred to herein as the obscured portion  32 , and is illustrated directly below a player&#39;s finger  33  displayed in broken lines in  FIG.  3 A . Thus, once the precision placement tool  12  is selected, and throughout the touch gesture (prior to release at the release location  26 ), the precision placement tool  12  and/or any visual depictions therein can be displayed outside of the obscured portion  32 , allowing the player to see exactly what is being selected if the touch gesture ends at its current location. 
     The precision placement tool  12  can have boundaries  34  of any size or shape and can present within its boundaries  34  a revealing view  36  of the obscured portion  32  of the dynamic image  10  or map  22 . In one embodiment, the precision placement tool  12  can be circular and/or can be depicted as an object, such as a magnifying glass. However, other bounding shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the technology described herein. Furthermore, the revealing view  36  of the obscured portion  32  can be enlarged or magnified in comparison with the rest of the dynamic image  10  or map  22 , presenting a zoomed-in view of the obscured portion  32 . However, in some embodiments, the revealing view  36  can be depicted at an identical size as displayed on the map  22  without departing from the scope of the technology herein. For example, a magnified version of the obscured portion  32  in the revealing view  36  can be advantageous on a touch-screen of a phone, since the map  22  may be small and more difficult to make out visual details. However, for larger touch-screen devices, the revealing view  36  can simply display the obscured portion  32  within the boundaries  34  thereof without magnification without departing from the scope of the technology described herein. The precision placement tool  12  can additionally or alternatively include a reticle configuration and/or a cross-hair  38  within its boundaries  34  that overlays the revealing view  36  of the obscured portion  32 , as depicted in  FIG.  3 A . 
     In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  4   , the precision placement tool  12  and the revealing view  36  therein can be displayed on the map  22 , throughout the touch gesture, in a predetermined direction from the obscured portion  32  and at a predetermined distance from the obscured portion, regardless of where the obscured portion  32  is on the map  22 . Furthermore, the precision placement tool  12  can further comprise a connecting graphic (not shown) that extends from the obscured portion  32  on the map  22  to the boundaries  34  of the precision placement tool  12  and/or to the revealing view  36  therein. For example, the connecting graphic can resemble a handle of a magnifying glass or can resemble a tail of a speech bubble that narrows as it approaches the obscured portion  32 . Alternatively, as depicted in  FIG.  5   , the precision placement tool  12  and/or the revealing view  36  therein is displayed in a fixed, pre-determined location on the touchscreen, regardless of a location of the obscured portion  32  throughout the touch gesture. For example, the precision placement tool  12  and/or the revealing view  36  therein can be fixed at an upper left-hand corner of the map  22 , displaying an enlarged depiction of the obscured portion  32  of the map  22 . 
     In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIG.  4   , one or more visual context indicators  42 , 44  can be displayed at or proximate to the precision placement tool  12  during the touch gesture. The visual context indicators  42 , 44  can be icons extending from any side of the precision placement tool  12  or the revealing view  36  therein, and/or can include a change in appearance or a change in color of the boundaries  34  around the revealing view  36 . In some embodiments, the visual context indicators  42 , 44  can visually communicate to the player what type of action will be performed to the dynamic image  10 , map  22 , or dynamic virtual world  14  associated therewith at the release location  26 . In some embodiments, the visual context indicators  42 , 44  can comprise a signal type visual context indicator  42  and a target type visual context indicator  44 . Specifically, the signal type visual context indicator  42  can communicate a signal type to be communicated over a network to players (such as teammates in the multiplayer game) at the release location when the touch gesture ends/is released. Likewise, the target type visual context indicator  44  can communicate to players a target object on the map that the signal type will be associated with at the release location. For example, an “attack” icon, as depicted in  FIG.  4    can be a signal type, and a “tower” icon can appear when a cross-hair is centered over a tower depicted on the map  22 . That is, when a particular portion of the reticle or cross-hair  38  overlays specific ones of the fixed graphic objects  16  (e.g., one of the towers) or movable graphic objects  18  of the map  22 , one of the visual context indicators  42 , 44 , such as the target type visual context indicator  44 , can be altered or can be displayed at, around, or proximate to the precision placement tool  12 . Additionally or alternatively, the boundaries  34  can be altered in shape, color, style, or the like to indicate that the precision placement tool  12  overlays a particular target object (e.g., fixed or movable graphic objects  16 , 18 ). 
     Now referring to  FIG.  6   , each block of method, described herein, comprises a computing process that can be performed using any combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software. For instance, various functions can be carried out by a processor executing instructions stored in memory. The method can also be embodied as computer-usable instructions stored on computer storage media. The method  600  can be provided by a standalone application, a service or hosted service (standalone or in combination with another hosted service), or a plug-in to another product, to name a few. For example, as described herein, the method  600  is a virtual tool within other software such as a virtual game. In addition, the method  600  is described, by way of example, with respect to the dynamic image  10  or map  22  on the touchscreen of  FIGS.  1 - 5   . However, these methods can additionally or alternatively be executed by any one system, or any combination of systems, including, but not limited to, those described herein. 
     Now referring to  FIG.  6   , a flow diagram depicts a method  600  for precise location selection within a dynamic image, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In accordance with various embodiments, the method  600  can be employed to accurately define a very location-specific communication ping to be transmitted to other computing devices within a network. As depicted in block  602 , the method  600  can comprise a step of displaying the dynamic image  10  on the touchscreen. The dynamic image  10 , as described above, can include the map  22  or other dynamic images with the fixed and movable graphic objects  16 , 18  therein. For example, the map  22  can be opened by a tap or click onto a map icon (not shown), or the map  22  can remain open throughout game play in the multiplayer game manipulated via the touchscreen. 
     Furthermore, as depicted in block  604 , the method  600  can comprise receiving a touch gesture on the touchscreen and/or the displayed dynamic image  10  (e.g., within the map  22 ). The touch gesture can begin at the tool selection icon  28  and end at the release location  26  within the dynamic image  10 , as described above. For example, the touch gesture can be received by the touchscreen when the player touches a finger to the touchscreen at the tool selection icon  28  and drags that finger over portions of the map  22 . A location on the map  22  at which the player releases or removes the finger from the touchscreen is the release location  26  where some action occurs, as described below. 
     As depicted in block  606 , the method  600  can also comprise, in response to the touch gesture, displaying the precision placement tool  12  that depicts a portion of the dynamic image  10  (e.g., a portion of the map  22 ) obscured by the received touch gesture. The revealing view  36  is displayed outside of the obscured portion  32 , such as at a fixed location on the map or a set distance away from the obscured portion  32  throughout the touch gesture, as described above. The revealing view  36  can be an enlarged depiction of the obscured portion  32 . In some embodiments, the revealing view  36  can be enlarged to include additional details not provided and/or not viewable in the map  22  without the precision placement tool  12 . The step of block  606  can further include displaying the visual context indicators  42 , 44  as part of or in conjunction with the precision placement tool  12 . As noted above, the visual context indicators  42 , 44  can include icons, colors, symbols, text, or the like that communicate to the player what type of action will be performed to the map  22  or corresponding dynamic virtual world  14  at a point on the map  22  or within the dynamic virtual world  14  where the touch gesture ends (i.e., at the release location  26 ). 
     In some embodiments, as depicted in block  608 , the method  600  can further comprise displaying a change to the dynamic image  10  (e.g., the map  22  or corresponding dynamic virtual world  14 ) at the release location  26 . For example, this change can be a placement of a communication ping  24  onto the dynamic image  10 , map  22 , or corresponding dynamic virtual world  14 . The communication ping  24  can be viewable by a plurality of players in the multi-player game at a location associated with the release location  26  within the multi-player game or the dynamic virtual world  14  thereof. 
     Furthermore, some embodiments of the method  600  can comprise, in response to the reticle or cross-hair  38  of the precision placement tool  12  intersecting one of the fixed or movable graphic objects  16 , 18  during the touch gesture, displaying or visually altering the visual context indicator (e.g., the target type visual context indicator  44 ) associated with the one of the fixed or movable graphic objects  16 , 18 , as depicted in block  610 . For example, one of the visual context indicators  42 , 44  extending from the precision placement tool  12  can represent and/or communicate to a player a signal type to be communicated to the player&#39;s teammates at the release location  26 . Likewise, another one of the visual context indicators  42 , 44  extending from the precision placement tool  12  can represent and/or communicate to a player a target object on the map  22 , such as a tower or barricade. However, the target type visual context indicator  44  can only appear when the reticle or cross-hair  38  of the precision placement tool  12  intersect with particular ones of the fixed and/or movable graphic objects  16 , 18  on the map  22 . Thus, in this embodiment, if the touch gesture is released while the target type visual context indicator  44  is present, the corresponding signal type can be associated with that target object at the release location  26  within the map  22  and/or within the corresponding dynamic virtual world  14 . In various embodiments, the signal type can correspond with certain communication pings  24  or messages appearing to a player&#39;s teammates, a specific one of other teammates, and/or all other players of the multiplayer game. 
     Having described embodiments of the present disclosure, an exemplary operating environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is described below in order to provide a general context for various aspects of the present disclosure. Referring initially to  FIG.  7    in particular, an exemplary operating environment for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is shown and designated generally as computing device  700 . Computing device  700  is but one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the disclosed embodiments. Neither should the computing device  700  be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated. 
     The embodiments herein can be described in the general context of computer code or machine-useable instructions, including computer-executable instructions such as program modules, being executed by a computer or other machine, such as a personal data assistant or other handheld device. Generally, program modules including routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., refer to code that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The described embodiments can be practiced in a variety of system configurations, including hand-held devices, consumer electronics, general-purpose computers, more specialty computing devices, etc. The described embodiments can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications network. 
     With reference to  FIG.  7   , computing device  700  includes a bus  710  that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: memory  712 , one or more processors  714 , one or more presentation components  716 , input/output (I/O) ports  718 , input/output (I/O) components  720 , and an illustrative power supply  722 . In some example embodiments, the computing device  700  can be or can comprise a mobile electronic device such as a smart phone, tablet, touchscreen laptop, or the like. Bus  710  represents what can be one or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, or combination thereof). Although the various blocks of  FIG.  7    are shown with lines for the sake of clarity, in reality, delineating various components is not so clear, and metaphorically, the lines would more accurately be grey and fuzzy. For example, one can consider a presentation component such as a display device to be an I/O component. Also, processors have memory. The inventor recognizes that such is the nature of the art, and reiterates that the diagram of  FIG.  7    is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing device that can be used in connection with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Distinction is not made between such categories as “workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “hand-held device,” etc., as all are contemplated within the scope of  FIG.  7    and reference to “computing device.” 
     Computing device  700  typically includes a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computing device  700  and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing device  700 . Computer storage media does not comprise signals per se. Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Memory  712  includes computer-storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. The memory can be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-state memory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. Computing device  700  includes one or more processors that read data from various entities such as memory  712  or I/O components  720 . Presentation component(s)  616  present data indications to a user or other device. Exemplary presentation components include a display device, speaker, printing component, vibrating component, etc. 
     I/O ports  718  allow computing device  700  to be logically coupled to other devices including I/O components  720 , some of which can be built in. Illustrative components include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc. The I/O components  720  can provide a natural user interface (NUI) that processes air gestures, voice, or other physiological inputs generated by a user. In some instances, inputs can be transmitted to an appropriate network element for further processing. An NUI can implement any combination of speech recognition, stylus recognition, facial recognition, biometric recognition, gesture recognition both on screen and adjacent to the screen, air gestures, head and eye tracking, and touch recognition (as described in more detail below) associated with a display of the computing device  700 . The computing device  700  can be equipped with depth cameras, such as stereoscopic camera systems, infrared camera systems, RGB camera systems, touchscreen technology, and combinations of these, for gesture detection and recognition. Additionally, the computing device  700  can be equipped with accelerometers or gyroscopes that enable detection of motion. The output of the accelerometers or gyroscopes can be provided to the display of the computing device  700  to render immersive augmented reality or virtual reality. 
     As can be understood, embodiments of the present disclosure provide for, among other things, systems and methods for precise positioning on a touchscreen. The present disclosure has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from its scope. 
     From the foregoing, it will be seen that embodiments of the present disclosure are one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other advantages which are obvious and inherent to the system and method. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and can be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.