Gravity Direction Calculation Using Acceleration Change Amount

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input devices with acceleration sensors face challenges in accurately calculating the direction of gravity due to difficulties in recognizing static states and false recognition issues when setting predetermined ranges for gravitational acceleration.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable storage medium storing an information processing program that calculates the direction of gravity by using a change amount of acceleration data from an input device's acceleration sensor, incorporating a gravity direction calculation method that corrects previous calculations based on the change amount and credibility settings to enhance accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a predetermined range for gravitational acceleration is set to determine static state, then the input device can identify static states for gravity direction calculation, but false recognition occurs when the range is too broad or difficulty in recognition occurs when the range is too narrow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegravity direction recognition accuracyVSAvoidstatic state determination reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter used for static state determination from acceleration magnitude alone to a combination of acceleration magnitude and its rate of change. By monitoring both the acceleration value and how quickly it changes, the system can more reliably distinguish between static conditions and dynamic conditions without requiring a fixed acceleration threshold range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of the rate of change of acceleration before determining whether the device is in a static state. This preliminary action allows the system to anticipate and correctly identify static conditions before false recognition or missed detection occurs, improving both the accuracy and reliability of gravity direction calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If acceleration data is used directly to calculate gravity direction, then the calculation process is simple, but the accuracy is reduced due to false recognition of static states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation process complexityVSAvoidgravity direction calculation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the acceleration data processing into multiple stages: first calculating the rate of change of acceleration, then determining static state based on both acceleration magnitude and rate of change, and finally calculating gravity direction only when static state is confirmed. This segmentation improves accuracy while keeping each individual step relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enables accurate calculation of the input device's gravity direction by correcting previous calculations using the change amount of acceleration, improving recognition in static states and reducing false recognition, thereby enhancing the reliability of gravity direction determination.

Implementation Method 1

an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

calculates a direction of gravity of the input device by using the acceleration indicated by the acceleration data, based on the change amount of the acceleration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration sensor detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP2251067B1Storage medium storing information processing program, and information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2251067B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2251067B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2251067B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing program is provided, which is executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus that executes predetermined processing based on acceleration data outputted from an input device including an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration. The information processing program causes the computer to function as data obtaining means, change amount calculation means, and gravity direction calculation means. The data obtaining means repeatedly obtains the acceleration data. The change amount calculation means calculates, by using a history of acceleration indicated by the acceleration data, a change amount of acceleration generated in the input device. The gravity direction calculation means calculates a direction of gravity of the input device by using the acceleration indicated by the acceleration data, based on the change amount of the acceleration.