Optical Pointer Vector Calculation for Game Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical pointing systems used in information processing systems, such as game controllers, only allow users to designate positions on a display screen, limiting the type of operations that can be performed and resulting in simple and unentertaining game experiences.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable storage medium with a program that uses an operation device with imaging means to calculate two-dimensional vectors from the positions of imaging targets, allowing for more complex operations like moving virtual objects or scrolling content by rotating the device, enabling users to perform multiple game operations with a single device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an optical pointing system is used to designate positions on a display screen, then position designation accuracy is improved, but operational versatility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition designation accuracyVSAvoidoperational versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical pointing device is enhanced to perform multiple functions beyond simple position designation. By incorporating imaging means to capture images of the display screen and analyzing positional relationships between multiple light emitting elements, the device can now perform position designation, object selection, and various game operations, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining position accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from detecting only the position of a single light emitting element to analyzing the positional relationships of multiple light emitting elements. By calculating vectors based on the relative positions of multiple elements in the captured image, the system adds a dimensional aspect to the operation, enabling more complex interactions while maintaining precise position designation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If an operation device with imaging means is used to take images of light emitting elements, then position designation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition designation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation device performs self-calibration and automatic coordinate system transformation. The imaging means captures images of multiple light emitting elements, and the system automatically calculates their positional relationships and transforms coordinates without requiring external calibration equipment or complex manual setup, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high position designation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with an optical imaging and computational approach. Instead of using mechanical encoders or physical position sensors, the device uses an imaging element to capture light emitting element positions and computationally determines the pointing direction and position, simplifying the mechanical structure while enhancing position designation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If vector calculation is performed using positions of imaging targets in taken images, then operational complexity is reduced, but control precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational complexityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously capturing images of the display screen and light emitting elements, recalculating vectors based on the current positions, and adjusting the designated position in real-time. This closed-loop approach ensures that even with simplified vector calculations, the control precision is maintained by compensating for any deviations through continuous feedback and recalculation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 users to perform novel and complex operations, such as moving virtual objects or scrolling content, enhancing the interactivity and entertainment value of games by allowing precise control and multi-functional interactions with virtual spaces.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging device using an optic/electric conversion element is built in an indicator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptic/electric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8708822B2Information processing system and program
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • US8708822B2 patent drawing
  • US8708822B2 patent drawing
  • US8708822B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A game system comprises image obtaining means, direction calculation means, moving means, and display control means. The image obtaining means obtains an image taken by an imaging device. The direction calculation means calculates a direction originally determined from the image of an imaging target included in the image taken by the imaging device. The moving means moves an operation target in a predetermined direction in accordance with the calculated direction. The display control means generates an image in accordance with the movement of the operation target performed by the moving means and displays the generated image on a screen of a display device.