Mobile Device Point-and-Shoot Gaming via Geocast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multiplayer video games that incorporate physical movement are limited by the need for wired or wireless controllers, restricting gameplay to indoor areas and relying on network connectivity, which can be disrupted, preventing play in remote locations without internet access.
Innovation Solution
Configuring mobile devices as point-and-shoot weapons using sensors and a scalable wireless geographic broadcast protocol for inter-device communication, allowing players to engage in outdoor multiplayer games without network infrastructure, using gestures or voice commands to aim and shoot, and determining target hits through geometric calculations and Monte Carlo simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wired or wireless controllers are used for physical activity gaming, then player movement and interaction are enabled, but gameplay is restricted to indoor areas within limited range from the gaming console
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical controllers with mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) that use built-in sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, GPS) to detect player movement. This substitution eliminates the need for wired connections and extends gameplay to outdoor environments, resolving the contradiction between physical movement capability and environment flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the gaming controller and the display interface, while also providing location tracking via GPS. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate independently from fixed console infrastructure, enabling play in diverse environments from indoor rooms to outdoor fields
2Illumination intensity
If wireless controllers with ultra short-range signals are used, then player can see the video monitor, but game play is limited to a small portion of a room
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wireless controller system with a mobile device that displays the game directly on its own screen. The mobile device's display replaces the external video monitor, and its proximity sensors replace the need for ultra-short-range signaling between controller and monitor, thereby expanding the playable area throughout the entire room rather than limiting it to a small zone near the console
3Reliability
If gaming consoles are positioned on stable flat surfaces with 110 volt connections, then reliable power supply is ensured, but portability is reduced to little to no portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed console power system with mobile devices that run on rechargeable batteries. This substitution eliminates the need for 110-volt electrical connections and stable flat surfaces, enabling the gaming system to be transported and used in any location, thereby resolving the contradiction between power reliability and portability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed console configuration to a dynamic, mobile configuration using battery-powered devices. The mobile device can be moved freely between locations and used in various orientations, providing adaptability to different environments while maintaining reliable operation through battery power management
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiplayer games rely on constant network connectivity, then players can compete from different physical locations, but gameplay is deteriorated or lost when network access is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication methods into a single gaming system: direct peer-to-peer wireless communication between mobile devices, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional cellular network access. This merging of communication channels ensures that if one method fails (such as cellular service being unavailable), other methods can maintain the multiplayer connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between location flexibility and gameplay continuity
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 outdoor multiplayer gaming with enhanced physical activity, improved player safety by reducing screen focus, and maintains gameplay in areas with limited or no network service, using mobile devices as versatile and portable gaming platforms.
Implementation Method 1
data acquired via sensors (e.g., position sensors, GPS-based position sensors, point-angle sensors, accelerometers, etc.) on mobile devices
Implementation Method 2
data acquired via sensors (e.g., position sensors, GPS-based position sensors, point-angle sensors, accelerometers, etc.) on mobile devices
Implementation Method 3
a scalable wireless geographic broadcast (“geocast”) protocol may be utilized for inter-device communications
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device is configured as a point and shoot type weapon for gaming, training, or the like. Utilizing the mobile device based weapon, such as a smart phone for example, a user thereof can simply aim the mobile device at a target and shoot. Shooting may be accomplished by tapping the mobile device, activating a button or soft key on the mobile device, making a gesture (e.g., moving a finger as if a trigger is being pulled), providing an audible command (e.g., “shoot”), or the like.