Accelerometer Orientation Control for Seamless Rotatable Object Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controller systems for video game consoles lack intuitive control methods for rotatable objects on a display screen, particularly when the controller orientation exceeds 180 degrees, leading to discontinuity in axis switching during rotation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a three-axis accelerometer in the controller to determine orientation and using linear interpolation between x and y-axis outputs to smoothly transition between axis orientations, allowing for precise control of rotatable objects like a steering wheel across a 180-degree range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single accelerometer axis is used to control rotation, then the control is simple, but discontinuity occurs when switching between axes during rotation beyond 180 degrees

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidrotation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from using a single accelerometer axis to utilizing both x and y axes simultaneously. By examining outputs from multiple accelerometer axes and applying linear interpolation, the system achieves seamless rotation control beyond 180 degrees without discontinuity, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If linear interpolation is used between accelerometer axes, then rotation smoothness is improved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation smoothnessVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter processing method by applying linear interpolation between accelerometer axis outputs. This mathematical transformation smoothly transitions between axes during rotation, maintaining rotation smoothness while managing computational requirements through a straightforward interpolation algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If accelerometer outputs from both axes are used, then control accuracy is improved, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the controller system multi-functional by utilizing both x and y accelerometer axes simultaneously for orientation determination. This approach improves measurement precision across all rotation angles while the processing complexity is managed through systematic examination and interpolation of both axis outputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables intuitive and accurate control of rotatable objects on a display screen by using accelerometer outputs to determine controller orientation, reducing discontinuity and enhancing gaming experiences with seamless rotation capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a three-axis accelerometer in the controller to determine orientation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS8409004B2System and method for using accelerometer outputs to control an object rotating on a display
Publication Date: 2013.04.02 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • US8409004B2 patent drawing
  • US8409004B2 patent drawing
  • US8409004B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An example system and method controls a rotatable object on a display using a handheld control device comprising an accelerometer. The example system and method involve determining an orientation of the handheld control device using an interpolation of an output for a first axis of the accelerometer and an output for a second axis of the accelerometer. The rotation of the rotatable object is controlled based on the determined orientation.