Image-linked Sound Output Synchronization for Gesture Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image processing devices that use player movements as input interfaces, there is a disconnect between visual recognition and auditory feedback, leading to a lack of player engagement due to unnatural movements and asynchronous visual and auditory cues.
Innovation Solution
An image-linked sound output method that calculates the travel time of an object manipulated by a player to reach a contact surface, adjusting sound output to synchronize with the visual feedback, ensuring the player receives simultaneous auditory and visual confirmation of their actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sound output timing is adjusted to synchronize with visual feedback, then player engagement is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional timing calculation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the travel time required for the object to reach the contact surface in advance, before the actual contact occurs. This preliminary timing calculation allows the sound output to be precisely synchronized with the visual feedback moment, creating natural player engagement without requiring complex real-time synchronization mechanisms during the actual interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a timing calculation mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the visual feedback system and the sound output system. This intermediary component computes the appropriate sound output timing based on the calculated travel time, thereby synchronizing auditory and visual feedback without directly coupling the two systems, which simplifies the overall device architecture.
2Ease of operation
If sound output timing is adjusted to synchronize with visual feedback, then player satisfaction is improved, but processing time increases due to travel time calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The travel time calculation is performed in advance as a preliminary action, allowing the sound output timing to be predetermined. This approach minimizes processing time during the actual interaction by avoiding real-time calculations, thereby maintaining high player satisfaction without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the already-captured image data and existing velocity vector information to calculate travel time, rather than requiring additional sensors or external data sources. This self-service approach utilizes available resources efficiently, reducing processing time while maintaining accurate timing synchronization for player satisfaction.
3Measurement precision
If velocity vector calculation is performed using captured images, then sound synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing units
Solution Approach 1:
The velocity vector calculation unit performs multiple functions: it calculates the velocity of the object, determines the travel time to the contact surface, and provides timing information for sound output synchronization. By making this single processing unit multi-functional, the patent achieves high sound synchronization accuracy without requiring multiple separate processing components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The velocity vector calculation acts as an intermediary process that transforms raw image data into meaningful timing information. This intermediary calculation layer enables precise sound synchronization by bridging the gap between visual input and auditory output, achieving measurement precision without directly increasing the complexity of the core processing units.
Data Source
AI summary
A player can be notified both visually and aurally that his/her action is recognized. A velocity vector-calculating unit calculates a velocity vector of the movement of an object manipulated by a player moving toward an assumable contact surface W by using an image of the movement of the player captured by a camera. A travel time calculating unit calculates the travel time required for the object to reach the contact surface W by using the velocity vector and a distance between the object and the contact surface W. A lag time acquisition unit acquires a lag time that sound output from a speaker takes to reach the player. A sound control unit allows the player to hear the sound substantially at the same time the object contacts the contact surface by outputting a predetermined sound after the time passes which is obtained by subtracting the lag time from the travel time.