Wireless Controller Pairing via Physical Tap Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multiplayer gaming environments with multiple controllers, existing technologies face challenges in accurately tracking and pairing controllers to determine which controller is held by which player, especially in complex games requiring independent tracking of multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for pairing devices to a user or users through a base computing device, where controllers are paired by initiating communication, detecting physical contact, and transmitting pairing initiation signals to the base computing device, which sets the controllers as paired based on accelerometer data, local communication signatures, or other detection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are tracked in multiplayer gaming environments, then the interactive gaming experience is enhanced, but the complexity of accurately tracking and pairing controllers to determine which controller is held by which player increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual controller pairing methods with accelerometer-based detection. The accelerometers in each controller detect physical contact (tapping) and generate automatic pairing signals, eliminating the need for complex manual pairing procedures. This allows multiple controllers to be paired efficiently while reducing the complexity of the tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllers perform self-pairing through physical contact detection. When controllers are tapped together, the accelerometers automatically detect the contact and initiate pairing without requiring external intervention or complex pairing protocols from the gaming system, simplifying the overall tracking complexity.
2Ease of operation
If physical contact detection is used for pairing controllers, then the pairing process becomes simpler and more intuitive, but the precision required for detecting the contact signal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback through LED indicators on the controllers to confirm pairing status. This feedback mechanism allows users to intuitively understand when pairing is complete without requiring precise manual adjustment, maintaining ease of operation while compensating for detection precision requirements through user-friendly indicators.
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 accurate and efficient pairing of multiple controllers to players, enhancing the interactive gaming experience by ensuring correct tracking and input recognition in multi-player games, allowing for richer interactive experiences and improved multiplayer functionality.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a pairing initiation signal from the controllers, where the pairing initiation signal is generated in response to detecting physical contact between the controllers
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for pairing devices to a group are disclosed. The methods include initiating a plurality of wireless device for communication with a base computing system. Then, receiving signals indicative of setting of each of the plurality of wireless devices in pairing mode. The method then detects a physical tap between two or more of the plurality of wireless devices. The physical tap setting a pairing of the wireless devices to a group for communication with the base computing system. The devices in the group being managed in a database to associate capabilities of the wireless devices to components of a multimedia feed being used by the group.