3D Controller Tracking via Hybrid Image and Ultrasonic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current object tracking in gaming systems is limited by the inability to accurately determine the three-dimensional location of controllers due to reliance on two-dimensional image analysis, which lacks sufficient depth information, and the complexity and expense of integrating depth sensing devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combines image data from a digital video camera with one-way sound communication, using ultrasonic waves to calculate the three-dimensional location of a controller by determining its distance from the camera, allowing for precise tracking of controller positions in a three-dimensional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-dimensional image analysis is used to track controller location, then the system remains simple and cost-effective, but the measurement precision of controller position is insufficient due to lack of depth information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ultrasonic sound waves as an intermediary medium to transfer depth information from the controller to the camera system. The controller emits ultrasonic sounds that are captured by the camera's microphone, and the time delay between emission and capture provides depth measurement without requiring complex depth sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical depth sensing devices with an acoustic-based measurement system. Instead of using sophisticated depth sensors or structured light systems, the invention uses ultrasonic sound propagation and time-of-flight measurement to determine depth, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If depth sensing devices are integrated to obtain three-dimensional location data, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and expense increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both visual tracking and depth measurement using its built-in microphone. The same camera unit that captures images also captures ultrasonic sounds, eliminating the need for separate depth sensing hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves itself by using its own microphone to capture depth information. Instead of requiring external depth sensors or additional processing equipment, the camera unit independently measures depth by detecting ultrasonic sounds emitted by the controller and calculating the time delay.
3Reliability
If conventional image analysis is used, then the system remains simple to operate, but the capture accuracy is insufficient for reliable three-dimensional tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the tracking problem into two independent components: two-dimensional position tracking using image analysis and depth measurement using ultrasonic sound analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the results of image analysis (providing x-y coordinates) and sound analysis (providing depth information) to create complete three-dimensional tracking. By combining these two simple methods, the system achieves reliable 3D tracking without the complexity of sophisticated depth sensing devices.
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 accurate and cost-effective three-dimensional tracking of controllers, enhancing interactive gaming experiences by providing reliable measurements of controller positions, improving capture accuracy and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
captures one-way sound communication between a location proximate to the display, such as a microphone, and a location at the controller
Implementation Method 2
captures image data of an area in front of the display
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Game interface tracks the position of one or more game controllers in 3-dimensional space using hybrid video capture and ultrasonic tracking system. The captured video information is used to identify a horizontal and vertical position for each controller within a capture area. The ultrasonic tracking system analyzes sound communications to determine the distances between the game system and each controller and to determine the distances among the controllers. The distances are then analyzed by the game interface to calculate the depths within the capture area for each controller.