Game Control Device Timestamping for Network Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In online games, network latency and varying connection speeds between hosts and servers can lead to inconsistencies in button press timing, affecting game fairness and potentially altering game results.
Innovation Solution
A game control device equipped with a signal transceiving module, time pulse generation module, and processing module that generates button packets including both button codes and pressing times, allowing the server to accurately determine the absolute time of button presses, using GPS time information to correct clocking times and ensure consistent timing across all players.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If button codes are transmitted via network from host to server, then game control functionality is achieved, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to network latency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the pressing time stamp in the button packet at the source (game control device) before transmission. The processing module generates the button packet with an embedded pressing time that reflects the actual button press moment, rather than relying on server-side timing after network transmission. This preliminary action of timestamping at the source eliminates the timing error caused by network latency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network transmission is used for communication between game control devices and server, then game system connectivity is achieved, but timing consistency deteriorates due to varying network speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses GPS time information as a reference to continuously monitor and adjust the local clock time in the game control device. The processing module compares the local clock with GPS time and performs time synchronization, creating a feedback mechanism that ensures timing consistency across different devices regardless of network conditions. This feedback loop compensates for clock drift and maintains accurate timing.
3Ease of manufacture
If local clock is used for timing in game control device, then timing generation is achieved, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to clock drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing module continuously compares the local clock time with GPS time information and performs time synchronization. When a discrepancy is detected, the system adjusts the local clock to match the accurate GPS time, thereby compensating for clock drift and maintaining high timing accuracy without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A game control device includes a processing module, at least one button, a signal transceiving module, a time pulse generation module, and a communication module, which are electrically connected to the processing module. When the button is pressed, the processing module generates a corresponding button code, and uses the current clocking time as absolute pressing time, and generates a button packet including a button code and a pressing time. The processing module sends the button packet via the communication module. A game system includes a server and a plurality of hosts, which are connected through the Internet. The hosts are connected to the abovementioned game control devices respectively. Each host receives the button packet sent from each game control device, and sends the button packet to the server. The server determines the press order of the each button according to the absolute pressing time in the received button packet.