Facial Recognition Player Counting for Game Consoles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video game consoles and devices require manual configuration by players to set the number of participants, limiting simultaneous multiplayer capabilities and not accounting for spectators or additional individuals present in the room.

Innovation Solution

Implementing facial recognition technology to automatically determine the number of players present in the room using camera-captured image data, allowing the device to adjust game settings and gameplay modifications accordingly without player intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration is required for number of players, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of player configurationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the number of players through facial recognition technology. The camera captures images of players' faces, and the processing system automatically counts them without requiring manual input from users, thereby improving ease of operation while the automated nature keeps the added complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual configuration system with an automated optical recognition system. Instead of players manually selecting the number of participants through interfaces, the system uses camera-based facial recognition to automatically detect and count players, substituting mechanical user interaction with automated optical-mechanical processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automatic player detection is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of player detectionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures images for facial recognition, detects the number of players, and provides visual feedback. By making the camera multi-functional rather than adding dedicated detection hardware for each function, the system achieves high automation while managing device complexity through functional consolidation

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that bridges the camera and the game configuration. This intermediary layer handles the automated detection and counting logic, allowing the main device to remain relatively simple while achieving high automation through the added intermediary processing layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual configuration is used, then device complexity is minimized, but loss of time increases due to repeated setup requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame setup efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically detecting and configuring the number of players before the game actually starts. The facial recognition and counting occur in advance, allowing the game to begin directly without time-consuming manual setup, thereby eliminating the loss of time associated with repeated manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9028325B2Number of players determined using facial recognition
Publication Date: 2015.05.12 ADEIA MEDIA HOLDINGS INC
  • US9028325B2 patent drawing
  • US9028325B2 patent drawing
  • US9028325B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a system and method for determining a number of players present using facial recognition. There is provided a method comprising capturing an image of the players present, and determining the number of players present based on the image. In this manner, players may more easily configure game settings, whereas spectators may be presented a more engaging experience.