Virtual keyboard

[P32R1C4]

Virtual keyboard
Hello,
We are more and more using VR to enjoy Elite Dangerous.
Unfortunately, in some cases, it is necessary to use the keyboard as for example in the navigation in the maps.
Would it be possible to integrate a virtual keyboard so you can enjoy ED without having to remove the headset to use the keyboard.
Thank you Team

'
Clavier virtuel
Bonjour,
Nous sommes de plus en plus à utiliser la VR pour profiter d'Elite Dangerous.
Malheureusement, dans certains cas, il est nécessaire d’utiliser le clavier comme par exemple dans la navigation dans les cartes.
Serait-il possible d’intégrer un clavier virtuel afin de pouvoir profiter dED sans avoir à enlever le casque pour utiliser le clavier.
Merci la Team '

 

[P32R1C4]

As for the communication panel when we want to send messages

'De même que pour le panneau de communication quand on veut envoyer des messages '

 

[Xalos]

I use OVRdrop (https://store.steampowered.com/app/586210/) to display my desktop to watch movies (long range exploration) and use web resources (usual suspects), I use the in built windows virtual keyboard to input data. Basically you can move the OVR window anywhere in the cockpit. Only problem is program focus, you need to be aware of which window is active on the desktop at that time.

 

[P32R1C4]

Hello Xalos,
Thank you for the tip, but it's still hacking. I do the same thing with oculus, but I would rather have a live keyboard in the game
But thanks for those who did not know the thing until we had better

'
Bonjour Xalos,
Merci pour l’astuce, mais ça reste du bidouillage. Je fais la même chose avec oculus, mais je préférerais avoir un clavier en direct dans le jeux
Mais merci pour ceux qui ne connaissaient pas le truc en attendant d’avoir mieux '

 

[lenna]

@OP: This has been asked for before - See these search results.

Not a bad idea but there are already existing suggestions along these lines.

 

[[PS4] Filthymick420]

Maybe it would be a better idea for VR headset developers to come up with a keyboard that somehow makes itself visible to the VR through some kind of tracking like the headsets have. this might be a really stupid idea because I don't have any idea how these technologies work but it seems like 'if I can think of something it's possible to create' has become closer to reality in the world these days

 

[lenna]

Maybe it would be a better idea for VR headset developers to come up with a keyboard that somehow makes itself visible to the VR through some kind of tracking like the headsets have. this might be a really stupid idea because I don't have any idea how these technologies work but it seems like 'if I can think of something it's possible to create' has become closer to reality in the world these days

Not really IMO - what you are suggesting is not significantly different from the suggestions to use third party apps for such things, it is also a flawed approach IMO. A better solution would be an integrated option like what is being asked for - the virtual keyboard can then be tailored to use cases.

FTR with the VIVE/VIVE Pro (and possibly some other SteamVR compliant VR solutions) there is a Room View mode that allows you to view the room around you via the headset's built in camera(s). The room view mode is arguably good enough to be able to see yourself type on a physical keyboard.

That being said, the idea to have an optional virtual keyboard integrated into the comms/galaxy map interfaces as well as the ship cosmetic design screens (ship name/registration entry) is not a new idea nor without merit.

 

[Ronzer]

This is one of the many simple things FDev could do, that they just dont, because maybe in some weird way they sell more paintjobs? There must be some rational like that. If its actually tough, with the current engine etc, then as I've said before, they definitely need a new one.

 

[lenna]

This is one of the many simple things FDev could do, that they just dont, because maybe in some weird way they sell more paintjobs? There must be some rational like that. If its actually tough, with the current engine etc, then as I've said before, they definitely need a new one.

Having worked with various rendering engines over the years I seriously doubt that an on-screen virtual keyboard is outside the realms of the engine's capabilities - arcade games have been using virtual keyboards for registering high-scores for decades. Implementation wise it should be little different to designing any other menu.

 

[ebbrell]

I so wish, ed used leep motion and allowed us to use the virtual keyboard in game.

There is a keyboard in the pit, can you imagine how cool it would be to actually use it with you fingers

 

[lenna]

I so wish, ed used leep motion and allowed us to use the virtual keyboard in game.

There is a keyboard in the pit, can you imagine how cool it would be to actually use it with you fingers

I doubt that would happen and most of the VR specific controllers are pants IME/IMO, especially in the context of ED.

Where the virtual keyboard is concerned, if FD did ever implement it I would guess it would be a basic menu based affair (c/f on-screen keyboard for the PS/3 which you navigate around using the game pad controls.

 

[Ronzer]

Having worked with various rendering engines over the years I seriously doubt that an on-screen virtual keyboard is outside the realms of the engine's capabilities - arcade games have been using virtual keyboards for registering high-scores for decades. Implementation wise it should be little different to designing any other menu.

That's what perplexes me the most, in regards to this and a few other things. For example, the text for the remaining jumps is now big, and readable, but on the final jump it's tiny text. Easy fixes or items that just seem to drag on, if they're done at all. So, my guess is it leads to paintjobs. Frustration/impulse buys maybe?

 

[lenna]

That's what perplexes me the most, in regards to this and a few other things. For example, the text for the remaining jumps is now big, and readable, but on the final jump it's tiny text. Easy fixes or items that just seem to drag on, if they're done at all. So, my guess is it leads to paintjobs. Frustration/impulse buys maybe?

The rule of thumb in software engineering is management typically defers the quick and easy fixes with little apparent impact in favour of other things. The little things are often not considered worth the overhead of doing them and thus generally only get done if they are doing something else more important in that area (if even then).

The on-screen virtual keyboard suggestion should be a relatively straight forward thing to implement and could benefit not just VR users but non-VR HOTAS/Gamepad users too. We might see it get implemented as a QoL change but I would not hold my breath personally.