Camera Retroreflector Motion Tracking for Wireless Gaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless video games require users to stand near the console, limit motion detection, and necessitate holding controllers with buttons or accelerometers, leading to increased complexity and cost, while also restricting natural movement and foot placement recognition.
Innovation Solution
A system using a camera for motion detection, employing retroreflectors on the user's feet or hands to track movement without the need for additional active components, allowing for intuitive and natural gameplay by sensing foot or hand positions and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wireless video games require users to hold controllers with buttons or accelerometers, then control functionality is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical controllers with buttons and accelerometers with an optical detection system using cameras and retroreflectors. The camera captures images of retroreflectors attached to the user's body parts, and the system determines position and motion from these images, eliminating the need for mechanical control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copying by capturing images of retroreflectors with a camera and processing these images to determine user position and motion. Instead of directly sensing physical controller inputs, the system creates a visual representation (image) of the user's body parts and derives control information from this copy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional video games require users to stand near the console, then motion detection is limited, but system simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from limited near-field motion detection to extended-range detection by using optical images. The camera can capture retroreflectors from a distance, adding the dimension of spatial range to the detection capability. The system processes image data to determine position and motion vectors, enabling versatile motion detection without requiring the user to be near the console.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional games use predetermined motion recognition, then game play is limited, but detection simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic motion recognition by continuously capturing images and calculating position and motion vectors in real-time. Instead of recognizing only predetermined motions, the system dynamically determines user position and motion from sequential images, enabling recognition of varied and unpredictable movements. The motion vector calculation adapts to different types of motion naturally.
4Measurement precision
If retroreflectors are used for tracking, then motion detection accuracy is improved, but object complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies retroreflectors locally to specific body parts (feet, hands) rather than requiring complex全身 tracking systems. Each retroreflector is a simple passive optical element that enhances the visibility of the attached body part in camera images, providing precise position detection for that local region without adding overall system complexity.
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 easy and intuitive video game control by sensing user movements without the need for complex controllers, simplifying gameplay and reducing costs by eliminating the requirement for additional hardware, while allowing for more natural and varied gameplay interactions.
Implementation Method 1
employing retroreflectors on the user's feet or hands to track movement
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention embody motion detection via a camera for mobile platform video gaming, in either integrated or separately attachable components. The system includes an object provided by a player or an eatery. The object includes at least one target, each of the at least one target designates a specific area of the object, such as back side, a front side, a first send or a second end. A target can be a color or a tag, and can be removably coupled or integrally formed with the object. The system also includes an application configured to detect the targets, to determine that a property of any of the targets has changed. Based on at least the determination, the application is configured to control an element in the application.