Game Input Device Using Imaging and Acceleration Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game apparatuses lack the ability to allow players to perform intuitive and complex operations, such as specifying positions on a screen and instructing object movements, while also reflecting intended hand motions accurately, leading to poor operability and limited gameplay experience.
Innovation Solution
A game program and apparatus that utilize an input device with imaging and acceleration sensors to calculate the position and speed of the device, enabling players to specify positions and control objects in a virtual space based on the device's state, including posture, allowing for intuitive and complex game interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional input devices (gun-type controller with CCD camera or inclination sensor) are used to specify position on screen, then position specification function is achieved, but operational complexity and gameplay variety are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is designed to perform multiple functions: position specification through imaging sensor, motion detection through acceleration sensor, and posture detection through inclination sensor. This multi-functional design allows a single device to provide diverse game operations including shooting, moving, and various interactive controls, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and gameplay variety
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If acceleration sensor is used to detect hand motion type, then motion detection is achieved, but position specification capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (imaging sensor, acceleration sensor, inclination sensor) into a single integrated input device. This merging allows the system to simultaneously detect both position information from the imaging sensor and motion/posture information from the acceleration and inclination sensors, resolving the contradiction between motion detection and position specification capabilities
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If inclination sensor using mercury conductance effect is used, then posture detection is achieved, but device complexity and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mercury-based inclination sensor with a solid-state acceleration sensor that uses piezoelectric or capacitive principles. This substitution eliminates the complexity and safety issues of mercury while achieving the same posture detection function through electronic means, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity
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 players to perform novel and intuitive operations, enhancing gameplay complexity and operability by accurately reflecting intended hand motions and allowing for precise control of objects in the game environment.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration sensor for detecting an acceleration in three axial directions
Implementation Method 2
an imaging sensor for obtaining image data in accordance with light
Data Source
AI summary
Game data variable in accordance with the state of an input device and usable for game processing is sequentially obtained. Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition for the game processing has been fulfilled based on the game data. Information on an indicated position on a game image, which is calculated from the game data when the predetermined condition has been fulfilled, is obtained. A moving speed of the input device which is calculated from the game data is also obtained. When the obtained moving speed is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed, an object which appears in a virtual game space and is related to the indicated position is processed.