New utility request: Micro-resource (material) scanner

[Bloodsign]

It would be really useful to have a "Micro-resource scanner" which can be configured via an interface tab to alert the CMDR when certain materials are in the vicinity. This would work for manufactured materials.

For example, you are blasting pirates in a HazRes, and if the scanner is set to detect G5 mats, you'd get an audio message like "G5 material detected in ship vicinity." A text notification in the status pane could have details about what exact material was just scanned.

I'd like to see a tab (probably in the left panel somewhere) that gets added when the Micro-resource scanner is installed. I'd like to see detection filters like:

-all G5 mats, all G4 mats, etc.
-specific materials detection. This filter list should be based on the CMDR's known materials.

This scanner could come standard on... a new type of SRV maybe also?

 

[Drelthar]

I have this module, I access it through the left panel, and two custom made holes in my face, just above and to each side of my nose- linked to a squidgy super processor via optic nerve cable.

 

[Bigmaec]

With material traders it makes sense to simply scoop up everything to be honest.
Some reverse block which alerts one of certain mats would be QoL, though.

 

[metatheurgist]

If you filter out a mat from your collection list it disappears from the scanner. The only thing missing is a way to edit that list without having to have it sitting in your contacts (something so obvious that whoever designed the feature totally missed it).

 

[DiabolusUrsus]

I like the thought, some improvements to functionality/accessibility.

This thing scans materials. Just call it a "material scanner."

Change the audio cue to "target material detected." This avoids the need for multiple different recordings, or setting priority in case of multiple detections.

Increase visibility of target materials on the HUD (flags specific drops in the cloud of stuff that pops out of destroyed ships).

Includes an option to interface with collector limpets; while activated limpets only collect targeted materials.

 

[Bloodsign]

I like the thought, some improvements to functionality/accessibility.

This thing scans materials. Just call it a "material scanner."

Change the audio cue to "target material detected." This avoids the need for multiple different recordings, or setting priority in case of multiple detections.

Increase visibility of target materials on the HUD (flags specific drops in the cloud of stuff that pops out of destroyed ships).

Includes an option to interface with collector limpets; while activated limpets only collect targeted materials.

Good thoughts! The limpet interfacing should maybe be "prioritize" and not "collect only." The reason being, collecting mats is basically free; there's no reason to leave any on the table .

 

[DiabolusUrsus]

Good thoughts! The limpet interfacing should maybe be "prioritize" and not "collect only." The reason being, collecting mats is basically free; there's no reason to leave any on the table .

Fair, but I was thinking more along the lines of blocking out unwanted items like illegal salvage. If the player is using limpets to collect all materials, they can just include all materials in their list. If they want to collect mining commodities or cargo/salvage, they should turn off the link or disable the scanner.

Wouldn't hurt to have "priority" and "strict" links, though.