Networked Controller Synchronization for Multi-User Virtual Reality
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing systems for operating screens via controllers connected to an apparatus main unit, controllers lack the ability to communicate with external networks, requiring separate apparatus main units for each controller and necessitating dedicated controllers for HMDs, which is inconvenient and limits user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A system where controllers can communicate with external networks, allowing multiple controllers to connect through a network, with an apparatus that transmits and receives operation information to generate synchronized images across displays, enabling multiple users to interact without the need for dedicated controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If controllers are connected to apparatus main units directly without network communication function, then each controller can be dedicated to a specific apparatus main unit, but multiple apparatus main units are required for multiple controllers and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with dual functionality: it can operate as a dedicated controller when directly connected to an apparatus main unit, and simultaneously function as a network communication terminal when connected to external networks. This universal design eliminates the need for separate apparatus main units for each controller, as the controller itself can establish network connections and communicate with multiple apparatus main units through the network infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated controllers are required for each apparatus main unit, then controller-apparatus connection is stable, but users must carry dedicated controllers and cannot use general terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates network communication capabilities that allow it to function both as a dedicated gaming controller and as a general-purpose network terminal. Users can leverage existing general terminals with network functions to connect to apparatus main units, eliminating the need to carry dedicated controllers. The controller's dual-mode operation ensures compatibility with both dedicated and general terminal use cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The network infrastructure serves as an intermediary between the controller and apparatus main unit. Instead of requiring a direct physical connection, the controller can communicate with the apparatus main unit through network protocols, allowing users to operate from any location with network access and using any network-capable device.
3Reliability
If multiple apparatus main units are provided for multiple controllers, then each controller has dedicated resources, but cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single apparatus main unit can serve multiple controllers simultaneously through network communication. The apparatus main unit implements network stack functionality to handle multiple incoming connections, authenticate controllers, and manage game sessions for different users. This eliminates the need for separate apparatus main units for each controller, reducing hardware requirements while maintaining dedicated service quality for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple apparatus main units into a single consolidated system that handles multiple controller connections through network infrastructure. By combining resource management, authentication, and game execution capabilities into one apparatus main unit, the system reduces hardware proliferation while ensuring each controller receives dedicated attention through software-based session management.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a transmission portion configured to transmit a two-dimensional image to a plurality of controllers through a network. The two-dimensional image is a simplification of a three-dimensional image based on information of a selected application. The transmission portion is further configured to transmit positional information for a first object to the plurality of controllers. The positional information for the first object is receivable from a first controller. The apparatus further includes a reception portion configured to receive positional information for a second object from a second controller through the network based on the positional information for the first object and the two-dimensional image. The apparatus further includes an image generating and outputting portion configured to generate a first image within a three-dimensional virtual space based on the positional information for the first object and the positional information for the second object, and to output the first image.