Game Object Position Prediction for Network Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In networked game processes, synchronization of game results between information processing apparatuses is challenging due to communication delays, leading to discrepancies in timing and outcome between apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system where one apparatus predicts the position of an object based on received information and communication delay, allowing the other apparatus to execute the game process accordingly, thereby reducing the impact of delays and facilitating synchronization of game results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If communication delay is considered during game process execution, then communication reliability is improved, but game result synchronization between apparatuses deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidgame result synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the second information processing apparatus predict the position of the first object in advance, before the actual game process result is obtained. The prediction is calculated based on current position and communication delay time, allowing the apparatus to prepare the game result determination ahead of time, thus resolving the synchronization issue caused by communication delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a prediction mechanism as an intermediary between the received object information and the game process execution. This prediction function calculates the future position of objects, serving as a mediator that bridges the time gap caused by communication delays, enabling synchronized game results without directly addressing the delay itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If game process is executed with communication delay, then communication bandwidth is reduced, but timing synchronization between apparatuses deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication bandwidth usageVSAvoidtiming synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The second information processing apparatus performs prediction calculations in advance based on the received object information and known communication delay parameters. This preliminary calculation of future positions allows the apparatus to execute the game process with timing that accounts for delays, maintaining synchronization without requiring additional communication bandwidth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Each information processing apparatus independently performs prediction calculations using its own processing capabilities, without requiring assistance from the other apparatus. The second apparatus uses its receiver and predictor to calculate predicted positions autonomously, reducing the need for additional communication exchanges and bandwidth consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If result information is sent after game process execution, then data processing accuracy is improved, but synchronization between apparatuses deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing accuracyVSAvoidresult synchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the predicted position before the game process result is finalized. The second apparatus uses the predicted position (calculated in advance based on communication delay) to determine the game result, ensuring that the result is ready同步 with the first apparatus when the result information is transmitted, thus maintaining both accuracy and synchronization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3406307B1Information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing program, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3406307B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3406307B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3406307B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An example of a first information processing apparatus controls a first object in a virtual space according to an input by a user of the first information processing apparatus, and sends object information about the first object to a second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus receives the object information from the first information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus calculates a predicted position that is taken later than a current position of the first object in the first information processing apparatus, based on the received object information, and a delay time in communication between the first information processing apparatus and the second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus executes a game process based on the predicted position. The second information processing apparatus sends result information indicating a result of the game process to the first information processing apparatus.