Button & Switch System

Overview

A versatile button and switch interaction system supporting various activation methods, timing mechanisms, and complex trigger sequences. Implements pressure plates, toggle switches, timed buttons, multi-stage activation sequences, and networked synchronization for multiplayer puzzle solving.

System Architecture

graph TB
    A[Switch Manager] --> B[Input Controller]
    A --> C[State Controller]
    A --> D[Timer Controller]
    A --> E[Sequence Controller]
    A --> F[Network Controller]
    
    B --> G[Pressure Detection]
    B --> H[Touch Activation]
    B --> I[Proximity Triggers]
    B --> J[Voice Commands]
    
    C --> K[Toggle States]
    C --> L[Momentary States]
    C --> M[Multi-Position]
    C --> N[Conditional States]
    
    D --> O[Activation Timers]
    D --> P[Cooldown Timers]
    D --> Q[Sequence Timers]
    
    E --> R[Multi-Switch Logic]
    E --> S[Pattern Recognition]
    E --> T[Combination Locks]
    
    F --> U[State Replication]
    F --> V[Authority Management]
    F --> W[Sync Validation]
    
    style A fill:#4a90e2
    style E fill:#7ed321
    style D fill:#f5a623
    style C fill:#bd10e0
    style B fill:#50e3c2

Component Breakdown

Switch Manager Component

• Purpose: Central orchestration of switch behaviors and state management
• Key Features: Multi-type switch support, event coordination, network synchronization
• Performance: Efficient state tracking with minimal memory overhead

Input Controller Component

• Purpose: Handles various activation methods and input validation
• Key Features: Multi-modal input support, gesture recognition, voice commands
• Performance: Smart input filtering with debouncing and noise reduction

Sequence Controller Component

• Purpose: Manages complex multi-switch sequences and pattern matching
• Key Features: Temporal sequences, spatial patterns, conditional logic chains
• Performance: Optimized pattern matching with early termination

Blueprint Patterns

Switch Activation Flow

sequenceDiagram
    participant P as Player/Object
    participant SC as Switch Controller
    participant IC as Input Controller
    participant ST as State Controller
    participant TC as Timer Controller
    participant ED as Event Dispatcher
    
    P->>SC: Activation Attempt
    SC->>IC: Validate Input Method
    
    alt Input Valid
        IC->>SC: Input Confirmed
        SC->>ST: Check Current State
        
        alt State Change Allowed
            ST->>TC: Start Activation Timer
            TC->>ST: Timer Complete
            ST->>SC: State Changed
            SC->>ED: Broadcast State Change
        else State Change Blocked
            ST->>SC: Change Denied
            SC->>ED: Broadcast Activation Failed
        end
    else Input Invalid
        IC->>SC: Input Rejected
        SC->>ED: Broadcast Invalid Input
    end

Multi-Switch Sequence Pattern

• Pattern Recognition: Detect specific activation sequences across multiple switches
• Timing Windows: Time-sensitive sequences with configurable tolerance
• Reset Conditions: Automatic sequence reset on failure or timeout

State Machine Pattern

• Switch States: Off, On, Transitioning, Disabled, Locked, Broken
• Transition Rules: Valid state changes with conditions and requirements
• Persistent States: Maintain switch states across game sessions

Performance Optimization

Input Processing

• Debouncing: Prevent rapid state changes from noisy inputs
• Input Pooling: Batch process multiple switch inputs efficiently
• Priority System: Critical switches get immediate processing

State Management

• Delta Updates: Only process switches that have changed state
• Spatial Optimization: Only check switches within player proximity
• Batch Notifications: Group state change events for efficiency

Sequence Processing

• Early Termination: Stop processing invalid sequences immediately
• Pattern Caching: Cache frequently used sequence patterns
• Smart Validation: Validate sequence steps incrementally

Integration Points

Puzzle System Integration

graph LR
    A[Switch System] --> B[Puzzle Controller]
    B --> C[Logic Gates]
    B --> D[Sequence Validator]
    B --> E[Progress Tracker]
    
    A --> F[Environmental Systems]
    F --> G[Lighting Control]
    F --> H[Door Mechanisms]
    F --> I[Platform Movement]
    
    A --> J[Security Systems]
    J --> K[Access Control]
    J --> L[Alarm Systems]
    J --> M[Lock Mechanisms]
    
    style A fill:#4a90e2
    style B fill:#7ed321
    style F fill:#bd10e0
    style J fill:#f5a623

System Integrations

• Lighting System: Switch-controlled ambient and task lighting
• Audio System: Switch activation sounds and environmental audio changes
• Mechanical Systems: Control moving platforms, elevators, and machinery
• Security Systems: Integrate with alarms, locks, and surveillance

Gameplay Mechanics

• Quest Integration: Story-critical switches with narrative significance
• Crafting Integration: Switches that control manufacturing equipment
• Combat Integration: Environmental hazards and tactical advantages
• Exploration Rewards: Hidden switches revealing secret areas

Configuration System

Switch Types Data Asset

• Push Buttons: Momentary activation with spring-back mechanism
• Toggle Switches: Binary on/off states with position memory
• Pressure Plates: Weight-activated switches with threshold settings
• Proximity Switches: Motion-activated with configurable detection ranges
• Combination Switches: Multi-input switches requiring specific sequences

Activation Methods Data Asset

• Physical Contact: Direct touch or pressure activation
• Proximity Detection: Motion or presence-based triggering
• Voice Commands: Speech recognition with customizable keywords
• Gesture Recognition: Hand gesture or body movement activation
• Tool Requirements: Switches requiring specific items or abilities

Timing Parameters Data Asset

• Activation Duration: How long switch remains active after triggering
• Cooldown Period: Minimum time between activations
• Sequence Timeout: Maximum time allowed for multi-switch sequences
• Debounce Time: Minimum time between state changes

Advanced Features

Smart Switch Networks

• Mesh Communication: Switches communicate state changes to network
• Dependency Chains: Switches that enable or disable other switches
• Load Balancing: Distribute processing across multiple switch controllers
• Redundant Systems: Backup switches for critical systems

Contextual Behavior

• Environmental Adaptation: Switch behavior changes based on environment
• Player State Awareness: Different responses based on player condition
• Time-Based Behavior: Switch availability based on time of day or game progress
• Dynamic Difficulty: Switch complexity adapts to player skill level

Multi-Modal Interaction

• Accessibility Support: Multiple activation methods for different abilities
• Cultural Adaptation: Region-appropriate interaction metaphors
• VR Optimization: Natural gesture-based interactions for VR platforms
• Mobile Integration: Touch and tilt controls for mobile platforms

Switch Categories

Input Type System

graph TD
    A[Switch Types] --> B[Mechanical Switches]
    A --> C[Electronic Switches]
    A --> D[Magical Switches]
    A --> E[Environmental Switches]
    
    B --> F[Push Buttons]
    B --> G[Toggle Switches]
    B --> H[Pressure Plates]
    
    C --> I[Proximity Sensors]
    C --> J[Touch Screens]
    C --> K[Biometric Readers]
    
    D --> L[Crystal Activators]
    D --> M[Rune Switches]
    D --> N[Spell Triggers]
    
    E --> O[Wind Vanes]
    E --> P[Water Level Triggers]
    E --> Q[Temperature Switches]
    
    style A fill:#4a90e2
    style B fill:#7ed321
    style C fill:#bd10e0
    style D fill:#f5a623
    style E fill:#50e3c2

Behavior Types

• Momentary: Active only while being pressed or triggered
• Latching: Remain in activated state until explicitly reset
• Timed: Automatically return to default state after set duration
• Conditional: Activation depends on specific game conditions

Visual Feedback

• State Indicators: Clear visual representation of switch state
• Activation Feedback: Immediate visual response to user interaction
• Progress Indicators: Show progress through multi-step sequences
• Error Feedback: Visual indication of invalid activation attempts

Implementation Notes

Blueprint Architecture

• Component-Based Design: Modular switch components for maximum flexibility
• Event-Driven System: Responsive switch system with efficient event handling
• Data-Driven Configuration: External switch definitions for easy level design

Network Architecture

• Client-Server Model: Server-authoritative switch states with client prediction
• Bandwidth Optimization: Efficient state synchronization across network
• Conflict Resolution: Handle simultaneous activation attempts gracefully

Performance Patterns

• Spatial Partitioning: Only process switches in active game areas
• State Caching: Cache frequently accessed switch states
• Batch Processing: Group switch operations for optimal performance

User Experience

• Clear Affordances: Switches clearly communicate their interaction method
• Consistent Behavior: Similar switches behave predictably across the game
• Accessible Design: Support for players with various physical abilities
• Satisfying Feedback: Rewarding audio and visual responses to activation

This button and switch system provides a robust foundation for interactive environmental elements while supporting complex puzzle mechanics and ensuring smooth multiplayer functionality across all platforms.