Camera-Based Aim Point Detection for Non-CRT Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern non-CRT display technologies, such as LCD and Plasma, do not utilize a raster beam, making it impossible for traditional light guns and light pens to function effectively, as they relied on measuring the time of the electron beam striking a phosphor coating, and there is a market demand for playing classic 'gun-type' games that require raster timing on modern screens.
Innovation Solution
A system that overlays reference points onto the display screen to calculate the aim point using a hand-held device with a camera and microcomputer, which includes a processor, non-volatile memory, and an I/O interface, allowing for user input and aim point detection without a light source, and provides this information to an emulator through an I/O interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional light guns and light pens are used, then they can accurately detect aim points on CRT displays by measuring electron beam timing, but they cannot function on modern non-CRT displays that do not use a raster beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference points as an intermediary element displayed on the screen that the camera can detect. These reference points serve as a mediator between the display screen and the aiming device, enabling the camera-based system to calculate aim points by detecting the position of reference points relative to the camera's field of view, thus achieving compatibility with non-CRT displays while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical timing-based detection mechanism (which relied on measuring the time of electron beam striking phosphor) with a camera-based image processing system. The camera captures the display screen image, detects reference points, and calculates aim points through software processing, substituting the mechanical/optical timing system with an electronic image processing system that works on modern displays
2Adaptability or versatility
If a camera-based system with reference points is used, then compatibility with modern displays is achieved, but the system complexity increases compared to traditional light guns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the display screen serve multiple functions: it displays the game content and simultaneously displays reference points for the aiming system. The camera serves dual purposes by capturing both the game display and the reference points. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving compatibility with modern displays
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing display screen's own output to provide the reference points needed for aiming detection. Instead of requiring external calibration lights or separate reference devices, the system generates and displays reference points through the game emulator or display output, allowing the display itself to serve the dual purpose of game presentation and aiming reference
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 accurate detection of the aim point on modern display screens, allowing for the play of classic games by overlaying reference points and providing user input information, such as trigger actuation, enhancing the retro gaming experience.
Implementation Method 1
Detect the reference icons using an image captured with the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting an aim point on a display screen targeted by a user comprises a microcomputer that has at least a power source, a processor, a non-volatile memory, an I/O interface, and a display output. A hand held enclosure includes a camera having a field-of-view defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis, a user input, and a microcomputer interface to transmit camera data and user input data to the microcomputer. The aim point is a point located centrally in the field-of-view. The microcomputer is adapted to display two or more reference icons on the display screen, detect the reference icons using the camera, calculate the aim point on the display screen based on the position of the reference icons within the field-of-view of the camera, perform a function based on user input settings and the calculated value of the aim point, and repeat the process as necessary.