Controller Input Mapping via GATT Profiles for Low-Latency Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication protocols for exercise devices and software systems, such as Bluetooth low energy and FTMS, are limited in capability and do not support the varied input devices and functionalities needed for modern exercise systems, lacking in expandability, latency reduction, and robustness, especially in simulating resistance, speed, and interactive game environments.
Innovation Solution
A modified Bluetooth Generic Attribute (GATT) profile with a new Service UUID is introduced, featuring asynchronous and synchronous communication channels, enabling efficient pairing and mapping of input devices to game or fitness software, supporting a wide range of devices through predefined and default configurations, and minimizing communication latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing communication protocols (Bluetooth low energy, FTMS) are used for exercise devices, then basic connectivity is achieved, but capability limitations and lack of expandability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal input device pairing protocol that works across multiple exercise device types (cycles, treadmills, rowing machines, trainers) and software platforms. The protocol defines standardized data structures and communication patterns that enable any compliant device to interact with any compliant software, eliminating the need for device-specific protocol implementations while maintaining robust error handling and data validation mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized protocols are used for device communication, then interoperability is improved, but latency and communication efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs input device pairing and capability exchange before actual exercise sessions begin. During this preliminary phase, the software obtains and stores mapping information, supported input types, and configuration data from the input device. This pre-configured information is then reused during exercise sessions, eliminating the need for repeated communication handshakes and reducing real-time latency while maintaining broad device compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive input mapping is implemented for all exercise devices, then functionality is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent represents input device capabilities and mapping relationships using structured data parameters including bitmaps for supported input types, arrays for mapping configurations, and defined data structures for device capabilities. By standardizing these parameters and using efficient data representations, the system can handle diverse input devices (digital buttons, analog joysticks, touchscreens, sensors) without proportionally increasing complexity. The standardized parameter structure enables automated processing and reduces the computational burden of managing comprehensive input mapping.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a system and a method of pairing and mapping an input device with a game client software. The method comprises an input device transmitting one or more bitmaps identifying analog and digital input schemes for the input device. The game client software, thereafter, can respond to inputs from the input device in the form identified by the one or more bitmaps.