Game Controller Acceleration Sensor Twist Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional game devices for virtual baseball games do not accurately simulate the twist motion required for throwing a breaking ball, leading to unnatural gameplay and increased complexity due to reliance on button operations rather than physical motion.

Innovation Solution

A game device and storage medium utilizing a multi-axis acceleration sensor to detect and interpret the twist motion of a controller, determining the type of pitch based on acceleration data, allowing for more intuitive and simplified gameplay by mimicking real-world pitching motions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If button operations are used to select pitch types, then the game can be operated, but the operation becomes complicated and unnatural

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an acceleration sensor-based detection system. The acceleration sensor detects the twisting motion of the controller naturally, eliminating the need for complex button operations to select pitch types. This substitution transforms the control mechanism from discrete button presses to continuous motion detection, simplifying the operation while maintaining game functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the controller's natural twisting motion to automatically determine the pitch type without requiring the player to consciously select options through buttons. The acceleration sensor captures the inherent motion characteristics, and the system self-determines the pitch type based on the detected acceleration patterns, making the operation more intuitive and less complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional control methods are used, then the game can function, but the gameplay becomes unnatural compared to real baseball

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegameplay realismVSAvoidoperation intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic motion detection capabilities that capture the natural twisting motion of pitching. Instead of static button presses, the acceleration sensor continuously monitors the controller's motion dynamics, including the direction and magnitude of twisting. This dynamic approach mirrors real baseball pitching mechanics, where the arm naturally twists during the throwing motion, thereby enhancing gameplay realism and operational intuitiveness simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If acceleration sensor data is used to determine pitch type, then operation becomes more intuitive, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation intuitivenessVSAvoidacceleration detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of acceleration data by establishing reference values and determination thresholds before actual pitch type determination occurs. By pre-defining the criteria for different pitch types based on acceleration patterns, the system reduces the real-time measurement precision requirements during gameplay. The preliminary setup creates a framework that makes subsequent measurements more forgiving while maintaining accurate pitch type identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 players to throw breaking balls in a more natural and intuitive manner by using acceleration data to select pitch types, enhancing gameplay realism and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

acceleration data (Da) outputted from a multi-axis acceleration sensor (an acceleration sensor 701 detecting accelerations in the X-, Y- and Z-axis directions)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9211475B2Game device and storage medium storing game program for performing a game process based on data from sensor

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 NINTENDO CO LTD

AI summary

Obtaining means obtains acceleration data from an input device. Swing detection means detects a swing of the input device in a real space when an acceleration represented by the acceleration data satisfies a predetermined condition. Type determination means determines a type of swing of the input device in the real space by using an acceleration in a predetermined axial direction among all the accelerations represented by the acceleration data obtained by the obtaining means after the detection by the swing detection means. Object moving means moves a predetermined object in a virtual game space according to the type determined by the type determination means. Display control means displays the virtual game space with the object therein on a display device.