Camera-Based Game Controller Tracking via LED Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer entertainment systems lack the ability to effectively detect and track the movements of a game controller body, limiting the range of user inputs and interactions in games and simulations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a camera to capture the projection of a geometric shape, such as a pattern of LEDs, on a controller, analyzing movements and deformities to determine the controller's position and orientation, allowing for the detection of predefined gestures and movements as input commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional buttons and joysticks are used for controller input, then the controller structure remains simple and reliable, but the range of detectable movements and user interaction capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A camera serves as an intermediary device that captures images of the controller and its LEDs, enabling the system to detect controller movements and orientations without adding complex sensors directly to the controller. The camera acts as a mediator between the physical controller and the digital input system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input mechanisms (buttons, joysticks) with an optical detection system. Instead of using mechanical sensors to detect controller movement, the system uses a camera to capture images of LEDs on the controller and determines position and orientation through image analysis.
2Measurement precision
If a camera-based tracking system with LEDs is implemented, then the ability to detect controller movements and gestures is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the controller through LED markers that can be captured by the camera. Instead of directly measuring complex physical movements with multiple sensors, the patent uses simple LED markers that replicate the controller's position and orientation information in a form that can be easily captured and analyzed by the camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses LEDs that emit light in different colors or patterns to encode information about the controller's state. By detecting the presence, absence, or color of LED emissions, the system can determine controller position, orientation, and even button press states without requiring complex sensors.
3Ease of operation
If only traditional input devices are used, then the controller design remains simple and easy to manufacture, but user immersion and interaction stimulation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static controller design into a dynamic one where the entire controller body becomes an input device. By detecting the controller's position, orientation, and movements in three-dimensional space, the system enables dynamic gestures and actions that go beyond traditional static button presses, enhancing user interaction and immersion.
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 more intuitive and engaging user interactions by allowing the entire controller body to be used as an input device, enhancing gameplay experiences by recognizing various movements and gestures as commands.
Implementation Method 1
light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to capture and analyze the controller's position, orientation, and gestures
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A method for use in providing input to an application, comprising the steps of receiving on an image plane of a camera a projection of a geometric shape established on a controller, wherein the geometric shape established on the controller comprises a light source, analyzing movements in the projection of the geometric shape, determining position information for the controller based on the analysis of the movements in the projection of the geometric shape, wherein the position information includes x, y and z coordinates that are all determined from the analysis of the movements in the projection of the geometric shape, receiving acoustic signals, determining a location of a sound source in dependence upon the received acoustic signals, and generating an input to an application in dependence upon the determined position information for the controller and the determined location of the sound source.