Wearable tracking article

Abstract

A computer-implemented method is provided for acquiring a set of x unique tracking constellations in a predefined 3D space, each constellation for a corresponding wearable tracking device used to track a wearer in a 3D environment. Each unique tracking constellation includes a predefined number n tracking objects. A set of y discrete available locations is defined for locating the tracking objects within the predefined 3D space. A minimum number m of tracking objects is defined, wherein the minimum number is less than or equal to the predefined number n of tracking objects. For each unique tracking constellation, a unique discrete available location from the set of y discrete available locations is assigned to each tracking object of the tracking constellation to acquire the unique tracking constellation. The assigned location for any minimum number m of tracking objects in each unique tracking constellation is unique within the set of x unique tracking constellations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for obtaining a set of unique tracking constellations for wearable tracking items. Background Technology

[0002] Motion capture is the process of recording the movement of an object or person. This technology has applications in many fields. It is commonly used in filmmaking and video game development to create animations from digital character models in 2D or 3D computer animation based on recorded movements of live actors.

[0003] During motion capture, performers wear markers near each joint. The position and angle between these markers are used to identify the wearer's joint movements. The markers are tracked at a high-frequency rate, ideally twice the required rate of motion.

[0004] The markers can be acoustic, inertial, LED, magnetic, or reflective, or any combination of these. A camera is placed to capture the movement of all the markers within the markers.

[0005] Once the movement of the joints is tracked, the animation data is mapped to the 3D model, enabling the 3D model to perform the same movements as the performer. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure relates to tracking users in an environment, wherein the user's location in the environment is used to control interactions within an interactive environment (e.g., a game). Multiple users are tracked within the interactive environment, each user being mapped to a different element in the virtual environment.

[0007] For the purposes described herein, known motion capture technologies are not suitable. These known technologies require the user to wear a full-body tracking device, which necessitates expensive wearable tracking equipment and is time-consuming to put on. Once worn, a calibration method is needed to align the tracking device with the user.

[0008] According to a first aspect disclosed herein, a computer-implemented method is provided for acquiring a set of x unique tracking constellations in a predefined three-dimensional (3D) space, wherein each unique tracking constellation comprises a predefined number n tracking objects, wherein each unique tracking constellation is used for a corresponding wearable tracking device for tracking a wearer in a 3D environment, the method comprising: defining a set of y discrete available positions for locating the tracking objects in the predefined 3D space; defining a minimum number m of tracking objects, wherein the minimum number is less than or equal to the predefined number n of tracking objects; and, for each unique tracking constellation, assigning a unique discrete available position from the set of y discrete available positions to each tracking object of the tracking constellation to acquire the unique tracking constellation; wherein the assigned position for any minimum number m of tracking objects in each unique tracking constellation is unique within the set of x unique tracking constellations.

[0009] The wearable tracking items derived from the proposed design method do not suffer from the drawbacks of the known motion capture technologies.

[0010] Specifically, the wearable tracking items described herein do not require calibration before use because the constellation is fixed. The constellation can be attached to easily applied wearable items, such as hats, visors, or other head-mounted devices. Therefore, the user experience is improved by reducing the time required to initiate an interactive experience.

[0011] A center point can be defined, around which a set of y discrete available locations are uniformly distributed. y can be equal to 48.

[0012] One or more layers can be defined, each of which includes an equal number of available locations. Two layers can be defined.

[0013] Each available location in one of the one or more layers may have a corresponding available location in each of the other one or more layers, wherein the corresponding available location in each layer is at the same angular spacing as the axis around the center point.

[0014] Compared to the available location in the second of the two layers, the available location in the first of the two layers can be located at a radial distance closer to the center point.

[0015] The available position in the first of the two layers can be located at a vertical distance above the center point, which is less than the vertical distance above the center point where the available position in the second of the two layers is located.

[0016] In some embodiments, x=5 and / or m=3.

[0017] A plane can be defined for each discrete available location.

[0018] The method may further include: mapping each tracking object of each unique tracking constellation to a corresponding plane; and determining the next unique tracking constellation based at least in part on the planes to which the tracking objects of the set of unique tracking constellations have not yet been mapped.

[0019] According to a second aspect disclosed herein, a method for manufacturing a wearable tracking device is provided for tracking a wearer in a three-dimensional (3D) environment, the method comprising: obtaining a set of x unique tracking constellations as claimed in any of the preceding claims; selecting one unique tracking constellation from the set of x unique tracking constellations; providing a support structure for fixing the tracked object of the selected unique tracking constellation at an assigned discrete available location; fixing the tracked object to the support structure; and fixing the support structure to a wearable article.

[0020] The wearable item may be a head-mounted item. When the wearable tracking device is worn, the support structure may be located on top of the head-mounted item.

[0021] The support structure can be configured such that it does not obscure at least a portion of each of the tracking objects. The portion can be 50% or more of the cross-section of the tracking object. For example, the portion can be [missing information - likely a percentage of the cross-section of the tracking object]. .

[0022] At least a portion of each of the tracked objects may not be occluded by one or more predefined viewpoints defined in the 3D environment.

[0023] The unique tracking constellation may be orientation-specific, wherein the support structure is configured to orient the unique tracking constellation relative to the wearable item in the specific orientation.

[0024] The components of the wearable tracking device can be connected to each other using detachable fasteners. The support structure can be secured to the wearable item using detachable connections. The tracked object can be secured to the support structure using detachable connections. These detachable connections can be threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, or friction-fit connections.

[0025] According to a third aspect disclosed herein, a computing device is provided, the computing device comprising: a memory including one or more memory cells; and a processing means including one or more processing units, wherein the memory stores code configured to run on the processing means, the code being configured to, when run on the processing means, execute the method of obtaining a set of x unique tracking constellations. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To aid in understanding embodiments of this disclosure and to show how such embodiments can be implemented, descriptions will now be provided by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a diagram of a room designed to provide an interactive user experience; Figure 2 An example wearable tracking item is shown; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for generating a unique set of tracking constellations; Figure 4A and Figure 4B The distribution of available locations for the tracked object around the center point is illustrated schematically; Figure 5 A set of exemplary unique tracking constellations is provided; Figure 6 An example of a uniquely tracked constellation using a set of planes is illustrated; Figure 7 An exemplary support structure is shown; Figure 8 An exemplary set of support structures for a set of unique tracking constellations is shown; Figure 9 A modular head-mounted device for wearable tracking items is shown; Figure 10 The constellation structure of wearable tracking items is shown; Figure 11 A system for implementing interactive games using wearable items is illustrated schematically; Figure 12 and Figure 14 An exemplary method is provided for implementing game actions by tracking the player during a game session; Figure 13 and Figure 15 An exemplary game board is provided for players to track the game. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 An interactive room 100, or tracking environment, is illustrated in which wearable tracking items are used to track one or more users. In this disclosure, the interactive room 100 provides an interactive game. Users participate in the interactive game by moving within the interactive room 100. It is apparent that the wearable tracking items provided herein are not limited to use in an interactive game environment, but can be used in any suitable environment in which the location of a user to be tracked is desired.

[0028] Interactive room 100 includes four walls (front wall 104-F, left wall 104-L, right wall 104-R, and rear wall 104-B) and floor 107, on which various parts of the game are projected. In other implementations, one, part, or all of the walls and / or floor of room 100 (e.g., one, two, three, or four walls and / or floors) can be used to display the game. Using an image projector 102 located at or near the ceiling of room 100, corresponding images are projected onto walls 104-F, 104-L, 104-R, 104-B, and floor 107. By placing the projector 102 in this position, the user of interactive room 100 can move freely within the room without obstructing or colliding with the projector 102. When the projector 102 is placed in this position, cameras 106A-D (described later) are also able to capture the user's movement without being obstructed by the projector. The images provided to the interactive walls 104-L, 104-R, 104-F, 104-B and floor 107 of room 100 can correspond to the same interactive environment. For example, in a game environment using a game board, the game board can cover part or all of the four display walls 104 and floor 107 of room 100. More colloquially, interactive game elements can be presented on the walls and floor and move freely between these surfaces in a seamless manner (where the image is an adjacent portion of a single, larger game image spanning the walls and floor of room 100).

[0029] Four cameras 106A-D are installed at each of the top corners of the interactive room 100. The cameras 106A-D are used to capture images of the user within the interactive room 100 for use by the tracking system of the game engine, which will be described later.

[0030] In interactive room 100, a user wears a wearable tracking item 200, an example of which is shown below. Figure 2As shown. The wearable tracking item 200 is a head-mounted item that includes a sun visor 202, a support structure 204, and five tracking objects 206a-e. The tracking objects 206a-e together form a tracking constellation.

[0031] Tracking objects 206a-e are used to track the movement of the wearer of the wearable tracking item 200 in the interactive room 100. Images of the wearer, or at least the constellation of the wearable tracking item 200, are captured by cameras 106A-D in the room 100 and processed to locate the tracking objects 206a-e in the captured images. The position of the tracking objects 206a-e in the room is determined in each frame and then mapped to a corresponding position in the interactive (game) environment. Alternatively, the relative changes in the position of the tracking objects between image frames can be used to determine the wearer's movement within the room 100, and these movements are mapped to the movement of user-controlled game objects in the interactive (game) environment.

[0032] The preferred configuration of the wearable tracking item 200 is a head-mounted item having a constellation supported on top of the item 200. This arrangement makes the constellation easier to see during use by the cameras 106A-D and less likely to be obstructed by the movement of the wearer or other users in the room 100.

[0033] To track more than one wearer or user in room 100, each user wears wearable item 200 with a unique tracking constellation. Figure 2 In the example, a constellation is considered unique if the positions of any three tracked objects 206a-e are unique compared to any three tracked objects 206a-e of any other constellation. In this way, users can be identified and distinguished in each image frame as long as at least three of the tracked items 206a-e of a user's constellation are seen by cameras 106A-D.

[0034] A computer-implemented design method is used to obtain a unique tracking constellation. The computer program 302, running on a computing device, takes the following as input: ● Number of constellations ; ● Number of people to track in each zodiac sign ; ● Minimum number of objects to track ;as well as ● A group A discrete location of the object that can be tracked.

[0035] These inputs are defined by the operator. In an example of an interactive game experience, the operator could be a game designer.

[0036] Using the defined input, computer program 302 obtains a set of... Each uniquely tracked constellation has 304 unique tracking constellations. There are 10 tracking objects, and any 10 of those tracking objects The geometric arrangement of the tracked objects relative to any other constellation in these constellations. Each tracked object is unique.

[0037] exist Figure 2 In the example, and .

[0038] Based on the requirements of the object tracking module (described later), the minimum number of tracked objects is set to 3. In summary, the object tracking module determines the position of tracked objects 206 in room 100 based on captured image frames. The object tracking module requires a minimum of 3 points to identify and maintain a constellation in a coordinate / XYZ volume space. In systems known in the art, a minimum number (3) of tracked objects may be required.

[0039] The number of constellations to be generated may depend on the intended use of the wearable tracking item 100. For example, in an interactive game, the required number of constellations depends on the number of players in the game. In the example provided in this article, the number of constellations is... This corresponds to the 6 players in the game in Interactive Room 100.

[0040] This set of discrete available locations defines the relative geometric positions in which the tracked object can be placed within the constellation. By defining discrete locations, the problem that the computer program needs to solve is limited to a finite number of solutions, thus simplifying the problem to one that can be solved using a limited amount of computer resources and within a finite time period.

[0041] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An exemplary distribution of discrete locations is shown. A center point 406 is defined. Center point 406 corresponds to the connection point between the support structure 204 and the sunshade 202 (see [link]). Figure 2 (and defined the center point of the constellation). Center point 406 can also be called the connection point or mounting point.

[0042] In this example, the discrete available locations are uniformly distributed around the center point 406. The center point 406 can be considered as being divided into equal segments by radius, such as... Figure 4A As shown, each radius has an equal horizontal separation angle. The radius intersects the outer edge of the center point 406 at intersection point 402. The radius defines the position of the available location relative to the center point 406.

[0043] Multiple layers were also defined. Figure 4B The diagram shows two layers. A layer can be defined by its radial distance from center point 406 and / or its vertical height above a point on center point 406 (e.g., the bottom or intersection 402) and / or its vertical separation angle. To define. In Figure 4B In this example, the radial distance and height of the two layers are different. These layers are defined along a plane opposite each radius.

[0044] Each layer defines corresponding discrete available locations 404a and 404b. Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the example, there are 32 discrete available locations. That is, for each radius (in... Figure 4A As shown in Figure 16), there are two discrete available locations positioned along its radial direction, one in each of these layers, such as... Figure 4B As shown.

[0045] Figure 4A and Figure 4B The radius and number of layers provided are for illustrative purposes only. In a preferred embodiment, the total number of discrete available locations is... It has two layers. Therefore, 24 radii are defined, each with a value of 15. o Horizontal separation angle The first layer is at a 20° angle to the horizontal plane. o Vertical separation angle Provided, the second floor is also 20 degrees from the first floor. o Vertical separation angle supply.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the available position 404b of the first layer is located at a distance of 25 mm from the intersection point 402, and the available position 404a of the second layer is located at a distance of 75 mm from the intersection point 402. Therefore, the distance between the available positions 404a and 404b, positioned along the same radius (i.e., the same horizontal separation angle), is 50 mm. This separation has been found to be sufficient for the system to correctly identify the tracked item 206 located at positions 404a and 404b.

[0047] Available location 404, and therefore the tracked object, is considered to be located within a three-dimensional (3D) space defined for the tracking constellation. Since the angles and lengths described above are defined, this 3D space is considered predefined. The size of the 3D space is determined based on physiological considerations of the wearer. Such considerations include the weight of the support structure required to support the constellation. Larger 3D shapes require larger support structures, and thus increase the total weight of the wearable item 200.

[0048] Separation angle , The distances between discrete available locations 404a and 404b and the center point 406 are defined based on user requirements and the requirements of the tracking system. There is a trade-off between wearer comfort and the ease with which the tracked object 206 can be identified and distinguished.

[0049] The dimensions described above were chosen to balance the overall volume of the object, ensuring it is neither too large nor bulky for the wearer, while also ensuring that each location 404 within the pattern (whether vertical or horizontal) is sufficiently distinct for recording as unique. Furthermore, standard motion capture (mocap) markers (e.g., MoCap® markers) are used as the tracking object 206. It should be understood that the dimensions and values ​​are provided as examples only, and other values ​​are possible.

[0050] For example, if the separation angle defined above , If the size of the marker at one location decreases, it will overlap with the marker at another location, making it difficult for the object tracking module to easily identify the tracked object in the captured image. Therefore, the size of the tracked object 206 is also a factor in determining the position of the discrete available position 404. Conversely, if the horizontal separation angle... If the number of potential locations increases, the number of possible unique tracking constellations will decrease.

[0051] Figure 5 The resulting set of unique tracking constellations 304 is shown, where each constellation is represented by a different color or hash. Each of these constellations is centered at point 406.

[0052] As can be seen, some constellations can have tracked objects located in the same geometric position. For example, both the green and yellow constellations have tracked objects at available position 404c. There is no limit to the number of tracked objects in this unique constellation 304, provided that any combination of the minimum number of tracked objects in the two constellations is unique (i.e., different from any other minimum number of tracked objects in any other constellation), and this unique constellation can be located at any particular discrete available position.

[0053] For each available position 404 occupied by a tracking object belonging to a unique constellation, computer program 302 can also generate, for example, Figure 6 Plane 602 is shown. Plane 602 passes through both intersection 402 and available position 404. This visualization of occupied available positions makes it easier to identify unoccupied spaces in a constellation, where unoccupied space in 3D space refers to the space where there is no tracking object for any unique tracking constellation in a set of unique tracking constellations.

[0054] To generate this representation, for each available location 404, computer program 302 defines a plane 602 that passes through the available location 404 and the intersection point 402. The tracking objects 206 of the unique tracking constellation 304 are then mapped onto the plane to identify occupied planes, thereby identifying the space.

[0055] This method can be used to identify space if additional unique constellations are needed after exporting a set of unique tracking constellations. For example, if the game is modified to include a seventh player, new unique tracking constellations are required. This can be achieved using... Figure 6 The plane shown is used to obtain the seventh constellation.

[0056] If you are adding a new constellation to the system, obtain a representation of the available space at the start of the process. This representation is used to check for gaps and any overlaps.

[0057] If the other tracked objects 206 of the new constellation are very different from the overlapping constellation, then one of the tracked objects 206 of the new constellation may overlap with a tracked object 206 of the already defined constellation. This ensures that even if only three tracked objects 206 are visible (one of which is located at the overlap position 404), the object tracking system can accurately distinguish between the two constellations. This can be used... Figure 6 The indication is to conduct an inspection.

[0058] In some instances, when a unique set of constellations 304 is first defined, the tracking object 206 can be mapped to plane 602. For example, a first constellation can be defined and the tracking object mapped to the plane. Then, the representation of the first constellation is used to define a second constellation, which is subsequently mapped to the plane. This process can be repeated until all constellations in the set 304 have been defined.

[0059] The ease of determining a feasible constellation can be altered by changing the input. For example, increasing the 3D space in which the constellation is designed increases the radial distance of the tracking object 404a in the outer layer, making it easier to find a unique tracking constellation. However, this would result in a heavier wearable tracking device. In another example, the minimum number of tracking objects required for constellation uniqueness can be increased to improve the ease of finding a unique constellation. However, this makes designing the support structure to ensure that the minimum number of tracking objects is visible at all times more difficult.

[0060] A unique set of tracked constellations can be considered optimal because these constellations still exhibit the greatest or widest diversity in layout, even when partially occluded. That is, any minimum number of tracked objects can be easily distinguished from any other minimum number of tracked objects to easily identify a specific constellation. Here, ease is relative and based on the computational density required to determine the constellation from a specific minimum set of tracked objects.

[0061] Once you acquire a unique set of tracking constellations, you can create 200 wearable tracking items for each of those constellations.

[0062] In order to manufacture one of the wearable tracking items 200, the tracking object 206a-e is attached to a support structure at a location determined by computer program 302, and the support structure is attached to sun visor 202.

[0063] The support structure 204 is designed to hold the tracked objects 206a-e in the correct position as defined by the constellation. The following factors were considered when designing the shape of the support structure 204: ● Weight - The support structure is designed to minimize the weight of the wearable item 200 on the wearer. This weight can be altered by changing the material and / or shape of the support structure 204. In this example, the shape of the support structure refers to the layout of the arms (structural elements between the center point and the tracked object) and connecting elements (structural elements between the arms), as well as the cross-sections of the arms and connecting elements. The cross-section includes both cross-sectional area (e.g., shape and size or perimeter) and wall thickness (e.g., whether the element is hollow or solid).

[0064] ● Stability - Even if the wearer moves, the support structure 204 must keep the tracking elements 206a-e in the correct position. This stability can be provided by including connecting elements between the arms or by increasing the cross-section of the arms.

[0065] ● Visibility – When viewed from different angles, the support structure 204 should not obscure any of the tracking elements 206a-e. For object tracking to be sufficiently accurate, it may be necessary for a minimum amount or portion of the tracking elements to remain visible. For example, if at least 50% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the tracking element 206 is visible in an image frame, the tracked object 206 can be accurately identified in that frame. In this case, the support structure 204 is designed to avoid obscuring more than 50% of any single tracked object 206a-e. The visible portion of the tracking element 206 can be determined from a predefined observation position (e.g., from the position of cameras 106A-D in the interactive room 100). That is, the visible portion is determined from an observation point above, rather than below, the support structure 206, and may take into account the wearer's expected angular movement during use (e.g., head tilt). If a minimum number of tracking elements is always visible, it may be acceptable for the support structure 204 to obscure some of the tracking elements 206a-e in use. The amount or portion of the tracked object 206 required for accurate identification depends on the object tracking software used, i.e., the object tracking module described later. In some embodiments, preferably, at least two-thirds of the tracked object 206 is exposed and visible to the camera 106A-D. Tracking errors can be eliminated while the lower part of the tracked object 206 remains visible, using different object tracking software.

[0066] It should be understood that these considerations are provided as examples only, and other considerations may be taken into account when designing the shape of the support structure 204.

[0067] Figure 7 An exemplary support structure for a unique tracking constellation is provided, shown from four different observation points. It can be seen that all five tracking objects are visible from each observation point. Figure 7 In the view shown in the lower right corner, tracking object 206f is partially occluded by tracking object 206g. However, more than 50% of the partially occluded tracking object 206f is still visible, so tracking object 206f can still be used to track the user.

[0068] Figure 8 Six different exemplary support structures are provided that can be used for the six unique tracking constellations 304.

[0069] These unique constellations can be direction-specific. That is, the constellation defines the forward direction. During tracking, this can be used to determine which direction the user is facing.

[0070] The support structure 204 or the attachment element for attaching the support structure 204 to the sun visor 202 can be designed to ensure that the constellation is correctly oriented relative to the sun visor.

[0071] The support structure 204 can be designed using a computer program (e.g., a computer-aided design (CAD) program). The program models the positions of the tracking elements 206a-e and the center point 406, as well as the expected forces applied to these points. The program can determine the geometry that provides sufficient support given the applied forces. Based on the considerations described above, this initial geometry is modified to provide the support structure 204 for the wearable tracking item 200.

[0072] The wearable tracking item 200 is modular. Figure 9 An exploded view of a sun hat 202 of a wearable tracking item 200 is shown. The sun hat 202 includes a headband 902, a brim 904, and a front flap 906. These components are secured together by removable fasteners 908.

[0073] The support structure 204 (not shown) is secured to the front fender 906 using a removable mechanism. The removable mechanism may be a removable fastener 908, or any other removable securing device may be used.

[0074] The detachable mechanism for securing the support structure 204 to the sun visor 202 can be, for example, a threaded connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, or a friction-fit connection. Other known detachable connections, such as those known in the art, can be used.

[0075] The modular structure of wearable item 200 allows for the replacement of components in case of damage or breakage. The modular structure also limits the differences between different wearable tracking items 200, making only the support structure 204 different, and thus improving manufacturing convenience. This also means that the sun hat 202 is interchangeable; that is, if needed, a sun hat 202 used with one constellation can be used with another constellation in a subsequent game.

[0076] Another advantage of the modular wearable item 200 is that it is easier to transport. Each component can be shipped individually, allowing for more efficient packaging, and the wearable item 200 can be assembled on-site.

[0077] Zodiac signs are also modular, such as Figure 10 As shown, the support structure 204 has a hole 1004 at the location where the tracking object 206 is to be attached, and one end of the connector 1002 is placed in this hole. The other end of the connector 1002 is placed in the hole of the tracking object 206. The connector 1002 detachably secures the tracking object 206 to the support structure 204.

[0078] Connector 1002 can be a threaded connector, a snap-fit ​​connector, or a friction-fit connector. In a preferred embodiment, connector 1002 is a threaded connector.

[0079] In some embodiments, the tracking object 206 can be directly and detachably attached to the support structure 204. For example, the support structure 204 can be manufactured with a threaded portion at the end of each arm, onto which the tracking object 206 is screwed.

[0080] Like the sun hat 202, the constellation's modular structure offers flexibility and improves manufacturing. The tracking object 206 can be attached to any support structure 204 and can be interchanged between constellations if needed.

[0081] In use, each unique tracking constellation can be assigned to a user. As the user moves within the interactive room 100, image frames captured by cameras 106A-D are processed to determine the user's movement and which tracked objects captured in the image frames belong to which user.

[0082] Figure 11 An exemplary system for tracking game players in an interactive room 100 is shown. The tracking system includes: a camera 106 located in the room 100 for capturing images of the player during gameplay; an object tracking module 1102 for analyzing the captured images to identify the player and track their movement within the room 100; a game engine 1104 for determining gameplay events based on the player's position; and a display system 1106 for presenting gameplay events and other game elements to the player. The display system 1106 includes a projector 102.

[0083] Game Engine 1104 defines the game rules and the game environment used to implement the game. The tracking system can be used with any suitable game rules. Two gameplay mechanics that users can use to play the game are described below. In the first example, the player needs to interact with game elements; that is, the player positions themselves at the location of the game elements to activate actions associated with those elements. In the second example, the player's movement causes the game elements to move. It should be understood that the game can use these two mechanisms or other gameplay mechanics.

[0084] Figure 12 An exemplary method is provided for processing captured images to play a game that requires player interaction with game elements. Figure 13 An example of a two-player game using this mechanism is provided. In the game, each player wears a different constellation, and each different constellation is assigned its own color.

[0085] A game board 1306 is projected onto the floor 107 of room 100 using a projector 102. Four interactive game objects 1302a, 1302b, 1304a, and 1304b are displayed on the game board. Each player is assigned a color. The interactive game objects are set using one of two colors. Each player must position themselves at the location of an interactive game object of their assigned color to collect that object and thus earn game points. When a player collects a game object of their assigned color, a new game object of that color is generated and placed at a different location on the game board 1306.

[0086] During the game, the player moves within the interactive room 100 (step S1202). Cameras 106A-D capture images of the player in the room and transmit these images to the object tracking module 1102 (step S1204).

[0087] The object tracking module 1102 processes the captured images to identify the tracked objects 206 of the player's wearable tracking item 200 in the image frames and determine their positions in the room 100 (step S1206). By determining the position of the tracked objects 206 or their relative positions to each other, the object tracking module 1102 determines the constellation associated with each tracked object 206 captured in the image. Since each player is assigned a different and unique tracking constellation, the object tracking module effectively identifies the player based on the tracked objects 206 by recognizing the different constellations (step S1208).

[0088] Based on the determined position of each tracked object in tracked object 206, object tracking module 1102 also determines the position and orientation of each player in room 100 (step S1210). This position can be presented relative to game board 1306. For example, each player's position can be relative to... The coordinates are given, with the origin located at the bottom left corner of game board 1306.

[0089] The player's position is passed to the game engine 1104, which compares these positions with the positions of interactive game objects 1302a, 1302b, 1304a, and 1304b on the game board 1306 to determine whether the player is located at the position of the game object of the corresponding color (step S1212). These positions can be as described above. The coordinates are given.

[0090] If the position of the player is not determined to be at the location of the interactive game objects 1302a, 1302b, 1304a, 1304b corresponding to the player (i.e., the color assigned to the player), no action is initiated (step S1214).

[0091] If game engine 1104 determines that the player is in the same position as the corresponding colored interactive game objects 1302a, 1302b, 1304a, and 1304b, then game engine 1104 accesses the game rules, which are stored in a game rule database located at game engine 1104 or accessible by it. The game rules define the actions to be initiated based on gameplay. Figure 13 In the example, the game rules define that when a player interacts with a corresponding interactive game element, the game element is removed from the game board 1306, the score of the player associated with that player increases, and a new game element of the corresponding color is generated and set on the game board 1306. The game engine 1104 determines the action to be performed based on the stored game rules (step S1216).

[0092] Once the action is determined, the game engine triggers the action and updates the image to be presented in room 100 (step S1218). This image is to be projected onto floor 107 by projector 102, i.e., a game board with updated interactive game objects. The updated game board 1306 is then passed to display system 1106 and presented (step S1220).

[0093] Figure 15 An exemplary two-player game is illustrated, in which the player's movement controls user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b during gameplay. A game board 1506 is displayed on the front wall 104-F of an interactive room 100. Each player controls a corresponding one of the user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b. When a player moves back and forth within the room 100, their associated user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b move downwards and upwards on the game board 1506 accordingly.

[0094] During the game, the player bounces ball 1504 between user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b. The player attempts to prevent ball 1504 from crossing the user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b.

[0095] Figure 14 Provided for implementation Figure 15 An exemplary method of game mechanics.

[0096] To achieve the above reference Figure 12 Steps S1202 to S1210 are described above. That is, camera 106 captures images of a player moving within room 100. These images are then passed to object tracking module 1102, which processes them to identify the tracked object and thus determine the player's position and orientation. The player's position can be determined as described above. The coordinates are given.

[0097] At step S1402, the object tracking module 1102 determines the relative movement of each player since the last captured image frame. This relative movement of the players is mapped by the game engine 1104 to their respective user-controlled game elements 1502a, 1502b at step S1404, allowing the game engine 1104 to determine the new positions of the user-controlled game elements 1502a, 1502b.

[0098] To map between player- and user-controlled game elements 1502a, 1502b, scaling may be necessary. For example, floor 107 may not be perfectly mapped to the size of game board 1506 as shown on front walls 104-F. The position in the coordinates can be scaled based on the size difference between the floor 107 and the game board 1506, so that any movement of the player is proportional to the movement of the game elements 1502a and 1502b controlled by the user.

[0099] Then, the game engine 1104 determines whether the new positions of the user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b correspond to the current position of the ball 1504 (also known as the gameplay element).

[0100] If neither of the user-controlled game elements 1502a nor 1502b corresponds to the position of the ball 1504, the game engine updates the image (step S1408) to represent the movement of the user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b and the ball 1504, and passes the updated image to the display system 1106, which then presents the updated image (step S1410).

[0101] However, if one of the user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b corresponds to the position of the ball 1504, that is, if the ball 1504 "hits" one of the user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b, then the game engine 1104 accesses the game rules and determines the corresponding action (step S1412). Figure 15 In the game, the corresponding action will be to reflect or "bounce" the ball 1504 off the inner surface of the user-controlled game element 1502b at a calculated angle.

[0102] The game engine 1104 triggers the determined action and updates the image to reflect the movement of the ball 1504 and the user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b (step S1414). The updated image is then passed to the display system 1106 and presented (step S1416).

[0103] It should be understood that, Figure 12 and Figure 14 The steps provided are for illustrative purposes only and may be modified as appropriate. For example, implementing any of the exemplary games in the exemplary games does not require the player's orientation, and therefore can be removed from the method. As another example, the positions of constellations can be determined before mapping them to the player. Other variations of the method will be clearly demonstrated.

[0104] exist Figure 14 In the example, the player's relative movement may be uncertain (step S1402). It is sufficient to simply find the player's position and map that position to the user-controlled game elements 1502a and 1502b.

[0105] Each zodiac sign can be assigned a zodiac color, character, or other identifier in a database. When a player is identified (step S1210), the database is accessed and the corresponding identifier is retrieved. In some embodiments, the object tracking module 1102 or the game engine 1104 can access a database that stores the current player identifier (e.g., the player's name), which is associated with a zodiac sign identifier. This database can be used to present leaderboards or identify a player's user points.

[0106] A database containing constellation identifiers and corresponding constellations can be pre-populated so that it remains unchanged across games. That is, each uniquely tracked constellation is assigned an identifier, and these identifiers are used in all games, regardless of the number of players or the players themselves.

[0107] This increases the flexibility of wearable tracking items, as calibration is unnecessary when initiating a game session, adding a new player, or changing wearables during a game session. It also improves the user experience by reducing game startup time and lowering the computational requirements for launching the game.

[0108] The examples described herein should be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the invention. Further embodiments and examples are contemplated. Any feature described with respect to any example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. Furthermore, any feature described with respect to any example or embodiment may also be used with one or more features of any other example or embodiment, or in any combination of any other example or embodiment. Moreover, equivalent forms and modifications not described herein may also be employed within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for acquiring a set of x unique tracking constellations in a predefined three-dimensional (3D) space, wherein each unique tracking constellation in the set of x unique tracking constellations includes a predefined number n tracking objects, wherein each unique tracking constellation is used for a corresponding wearable tracking device for tracking a wearer in a 3D environment, the method comprising: Define a set of y discrete available locations for locating and tracking objects within the predefined 3D space; Define a minimum number m of tracked objects, wherein the minimum number is less than or equal to the predefined number n of tracked objects; as well as For each unique tracking constellation, assign a unique discrete available location from the set of y discrete available locations to each tracking object of the tracking constellation to obtain the unique tracking constellation; In this context, the location assigned to any minimum number m of tracked objects in each unique tracking constellation is unique within the set of x unique tracking constellations.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: Define a center point, wherein a set of y discrete available locations are uniformly distributed around the center point.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further comprises: defining one or more layers, wherein each of the one or more layers includes an equal number of available locations.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein each available position in one of the one or more layers has a corresponding available position in each of the other one or more layers, wherein the corresponding available position in each layer is at the same angular spacing as the axis about the center point.

5. The method according to claim 2 or any of its dependent claims, wherein y = 48.

6. The method according to claim 3 or any of its dependent claims, wherein two layers are defined.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The available location in the first layer of the two layers is located at a radial distance closer to the center point than the available location in the second layer of the two layers.

8. The method according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the available position in the first layer of the two layers is located at a vertical distance above the center point, the vertical distance being less than the vertical distance above the center point where the available position in the second layer of the two layers is located.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein x = 5.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein m=3.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises: Define a plane for each discrete available location.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises: Map each tracked object of each unique tracked constellation to the corresponding plane; as well as The next unique tracking constellation is determined at least in part based on the plane to which the tracking objects of the set of unique tracking constellations have not yet been mapped.

13. A method of manufacturing a wearable tracking device for tracking a wearer in a three-dimensional (3D) environment, the method comprising: Obtain a set of x unique tracking constellations as described in any of the preceding claims; Select one of the x unique tracking constellations to track; A support structure is provided to fix the tracking object of the selected unique tracking constellation at an assigned discrete available location; The tracking object is fixed to the support structure; as well as The support structure is then attached to the wearable item.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the wearable article is a head-mounted article.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, When the wearable tracking device is worn, the support structure is located on top of the head-mounted item.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the support structure is configured such that the support structure does not obscure at least a portion of each of the tracked objects.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of each of the tracked objects is not occluded by one or more predefined viewpoints defined in the 3D environment.

18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the portion is 50% or more of the cross-section of the tracked object.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the portion is the cross-section of the tracked object. .

20. The method of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the unique tracking constellation is orientation-specific, and wherein the support structure is configured to orient the unique tracking constellation relative to the wearable item in the specific orientation.

21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the support structure is secured to the wearable article using a detachable connection.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein the tracking object is secured to the support structure using a detachable connection.

23. The method according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the detachable connection is one of a threaded connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, or a friction-fit connection.

24. A computing device, the computing device comprising: The memory includes one or more memory units; as well as A processing apparatus comprising one or more processing units, wherein the memory stores code configured to run on the processing apparatus, the code being configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 when run on the processing apparatus.

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