Gesture Control via Depth Sensing for Gaming Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic gaming systems face challenges in providing an intuitive and error-free interface for players, particularly new users, due to complex game mechanics and the need for precise input methods to avoid misinterpreted inputs, which can affect financial outcomes and player enjoyment.

Innovation Solution

The integration of depth image sensing technology allows players to make inputs through human gesturing, using depth image sensing devices to detect and interpret arm and finger movements, enabling intuitive game control and reducing the need for traditional input devices like buttons or touchscreens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional input devices like buttons or touchscreens are used, then the system provides precise input control, but the interface complexity increases and ease of operation decreases for new players

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of interfaceVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (buttons, touchscreens) with a gesture recognition system that uses depth image sensing to detect and interpret human arm and finger movements. This substitution eliminates the need for physical input interfaces while maintaining precise control through sophisticated motion capture and pattern recognition algorithms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces depth image sensing technology as an intermediary between the player and the gaming system. This intermediary captures three-dimensional spatial information and translates it into game inputs, providing a natural bridge between human gesture and digital control without requiring direct interaction with complex interface elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If gesture-based inputs are implemented, then the ease of operation improves and traditional input devices are reduced, but the reliability decreases due to potential misinterpreted inputs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintuitive controlVSAvoidinput accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a baseline of normal gesture patterns before game play begins. This baseline serves as a reference for interpreting subsequent gestures, allowing the system to distinguish between intentional player inputs and accidental movements. The baseline establishment includes capturing the player's starting position and typical movement ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms to confirm gesture recognition and interpretation to the player. When a gesture is detected, the system provides visual or auditory confirmation that the input was correctly interpreted, allowing the player to verify accuracy before the action is executed. This feedback loop enhances reliability by enabling real-time validation of gesture inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If depth image sensing technology is used to detect arm and finger movements, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture-based controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The depth image sensing device serves multiple functions within the system: it captures depth information for gesture recognition, tracks player position, monitors game environment, and provides spatial mapping. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and devices, thereby managing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive gesture-based control.

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

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 solution enhances player experience by simplifying game interaction, reducing errors, and increasing enjoyment through gesture-based inputs, while maintaining precise control and financial accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a depth image sensing device to detect a gesture of the player

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDepth image sensing: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentUS9269215B2Electronic gaming system with human gesturing inputs
Publication Date: 2016.02.23 AGS LLC
  • US9269215B2 patent drawing
  • US9269215B2 patent drawing
  • US9269215B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The disclosure relates to an electronic gaming system which allows a player to make one or more inputs via human gesturing, and associated methods.