Controller Detection Using Tilt Angle and Live Image

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current computer entertainment systems lack the ability to effectively detect and track the three-dimensional movements of a hand-held controller, limiting the range of user inputs and interactions in video games and simulations.

Innovation Solution

A system that captures live images of the controller using a camera and combines this with tilt angle information from sensors to rotate reference images, allowing for the detection and tracking of the controller's movements and gestures, which are then mapped onto a two-dimensional image plane for input commands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only two-dimensional image capture is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of three-dimensional movements is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of controller movementsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines data from multiple sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) with image capture device data to create a comprehensive three-dimensional movement detection system. This merging of multiple data sources enables accurate 3D tracking while distributing the complexity across separate components rather than requiring a single complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a processor-based system that acts as an intermediary, receiving and integrating data from both the image capture device and the sensors. This intermediary processes the combined information to determine controller movements, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the integration logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If three-dimensional movement detection is implemented, then user input capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of user inputsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the controller multi-functional by enabling it to detect and respond to various types of movements (translation, rotation, orientation changes) in three-dimensional space. The same sensor suite and processing system handle multiple input modalities, allowing the controller to serve diverse gaming functions without requiring separate devices for each input type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic movement detection by continuously tracking controller position, orientation, and movement vectors in real-time. The system adapts to different movement types and speeds, providing versatile user input capabilities through dynamic rather than static detection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If sensors are integrated into the controller, then measurement precision improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetilt angle detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the processor continuously receives sensor data and adjusts interpretations based on known controller orientation and movement patterns. This feedback loop compensates for minor manufacturing variations in sensor placement, maintaining high measurement precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters used for movement detection by utilizing multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) that measure different physical quantities. This multi-parameter approach provides redundant measurement pathways that compensate for individual sensor manufacturing variations, reducing the impact of precision requirements on any single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2177029B1Object detection using video input combined with tilt angle information
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP2177029B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2177029B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2177029B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A method for use in obtaining input data from an object includes capturing a live image of the object with an image capture device (1402), receiving information related to a tilt angle of the object from one or more sensors other than the image capture device (1404), using the information related to a tilt angle of the object to obtain at least one rotated reference image of the object (1406), comparing the live image of the object with the rotated reference image of the object (1408), and generating an indication in response to the live image matching the rotated reference image (1410). An apparatus and a storage medium storing a computer program executable by a processor based system are also disclosed.