Heightened realism for computer-controlled units in real-time activity simulation

A method for simulating multiple computer-controlled units, and a player-controlled unit within a simulated region, the method comprising:

• storing a set of tactical configurations each representing a different predetermined relationship between the subject unit and the other unit;
• storing a set of strategies each representing a different course of action for the subject unit, each of the strategies being associated with one or more of the configurations;
• and
• for each of the computer-controlled units independently of each other—
• determining that a first of the configurations applies to the each unit and a designated one of the other units,
• controlling the each unit so as to execute one of the strategies associated with the one configuration,
• thereafter, determining that a second different one of the configurations applies to the subject unit and the designated unit, and
• controlling the subject unit so as to execute one of the strategies associated with the different configuration.

A simulator implemented on a programmed digital computer for controlling a subject unit in a simulated environment containing at least one other unit, the simulator comprising:

• a record containing a set of tactical configurations each representing a different predetermined relationship between the subject unit and the other unit and a set of strategies each representing a different course of action for the subject unit with respect to the other unit, each of the strategies being associated with one or more of the configurations;
• strategy selector responsive to the record for performing periodic mutually independent determinations of which one of the configurations applies at the time of each determination and for selecting one of the strategies associated with the one configuration;
• and
• a control module responsive to the strategy selector for directing the subject unit with respect to the selected strategy.

A programmed digital computer, comprising:

• input devices for accepting a sequence of commands from a user for directing a simulated player unit;
• a plurality of controllers each controlling a different one of a plurality of subject units, each controller including—
• a record containing a set of tactical configurations each representing a different predetermined relationship between the subject unit and the other unit and a set of strategies each representing a different course of action for the subject unit with respect to the other unit, each of the strategies being associated with one or more of the configurations,
• a strategy selector responsive to the record for performing periodic mutually independent determinations of which one of the configurations applies at the time of each determination and for selecting one of the strategies associated with the one configuration, and
• a control module responsive to the strategy selector for directing the subject unit with respect to the selected strategy;
• a simulator responsive to the guidance commands for simulating the units in the environment;
• a rendering module responsive to the simulator for calculating a representation of the environment;
• and
• output devices responsive to the rendering module for displaying the representation of the environment.