Game Controller Timing Detection via Peak Acceleration Inheritance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In music games using game controllers with acceleration and gyro sensors, the low measurement accuracy and resolution of these sensors lead to a significant timing difference between the player's perceived input and the actual input reflected in the game, causing discomfort and reducing the ability to correctly discriminate between successive operation inputs, especially in percussion games where precise timing is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A computer device with a processor programmed to present reference timings and operation types, determine input timings based on inertial sensor measurements, and discriminate operation inputs by inheriting previous discrimination results when certain conditions are met, reducing the process load and improving timing accuracy by focusing on peak acceleration changes and momentum thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If acceleration sensors and gyro sensors with low measurement accuracy and resolution are used in game controllers, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the timing difference between player's perceived input and actual input reflected in the game increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the peak acceleration point before the controller actually stops, and using this peak timing as the operation input timing. This anticipates the stop timing by identifying the momentum reversal point, thereby compensating for the inherent delay in determining when the controller has fully stopped with low-resolution sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for timing determination from the actual stop timing to the peak acceleration timing. By shifting from measuring the endpoint (when acceleration returns to zero) to measuring the inflection point (when acceleration peaks and reverses), the system achieves better timing accuracy despite sensor limitations.
2Ease of operation
If the timing determination is based on when the game controller actually stops, then the measurement process is simple, but the timing difference from player's perceived input increases and discrimination resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vibration and momentum characteristics of the controller during the swinging motion. By detecting the peak acceleration which occurs during the vibrational phase of the swing, the system identifies a unique temporal signature that improves discrimination between different input types while maintaining simple detection logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal 'color' or characteristic of the timing signal by identifying the peak acceleration moment rather than the stop moment. This creates a distinct temporal marker that is easier to discriminate and provides better resolution for distinguishing between different operation types.
3Measurement precision
If many calculations are performed to suppress timing difference, then the timing accuracy improves, but the process load increases and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential feature needed for timing determination - the peak acceleration point - from the complete motion profile. By focusing on this single critical moment rather than analyzing the entire deceleration curve, the system achieves accurate timing determination with minimal computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by detecting only the peak acceleration moment rather than performing complete motion analysis. This partial measurement approach provides sufficient timing accuracy for game applications without requiring exhaustive calculation of the entire motion trajectory.
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
This approach allows for more accurate determination of operation input timings that align with the player's sensation, enhancing gameplay satisfaction by reducing the timing difference and improving the resolution of type discrimination in music games.
Implementation Method 1
a timing at which a player is supposed to perform a motion of swinging and stopping a controller containing an inertial sensor; determining an input timing by detecting that a measurement value of the inertial sensor has satisfied a given input determination condition
Data Source
AI summary
A computer device determines operation inputs one by one when a reference operation requesting successive inputs is presented. The computer device recognizes an inheritance condition is satisfied when a change in acceleration measured by an inertial sensor of a game controller appears at successive vertical movement of the controller. When recognizing that the inheritance condition is satisfied, the computer device can reduce a process load by limiting operation input determination to determination based on a change in acceleration. In addition, when recognizing that the inheritance condition is satisfied, the computer device can further reduce a process load by simplifying the process of type discrimination of the operation input through inheritance of the previous discrimination result.