Remote Control Marker Detection for Accurate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video game systems using optical pointing devices struggle with accurately determining the direction of a controller in three-dimensional game spaces, leading to decreased controllability as players cannot easily recognize the pointed position, often resulting in the controller being moved out of range and becoming uncontrollable.
Innovation Solution
A remote control with an image sensor detects markers and calculates a pointed position based on the difference between a reference point and a middle point derived from detected markers, generating an image signal for an image based on this position, allowing for improved direction recognition and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical pointing devices are used to control objects in three-dimensional game space, then the controller can detect marker positions and calculate pointed positions, but the player cannot easily recognize the pointed position on screen, leading to decreased controllability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by displaying the pointed position indicator in a distinct color (yellow) that differs from the background game environment. This visual differentiation allows players to easily recognize the pointed position on screen without confusion, directly resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and ease of recognition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controller is moved to adjust the pointed position in three-dimensional space, then the player can change the object's position, but the controller may be moved out of range of the markers, making it uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously displaying the pointed position indicator on screen as the player moves the controller. This real-time visual feedback allows players to understand the relationship between controller movement and pointed position changes, enabling them to maintain controller within marker range while achieving desired positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between movement range and controllability reliability.
3Measurement precision
If markers are placed around the video screen for detection, then the controller can calculate pointed positions, but the image capturing means may fail to sense markers when the controller is moved, causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-placing multiple markers around the video screen at strategic positions before the game begins. This preparation ensures that as the player moves the controller throughout the three-dimensional space, at least some markers remain within the image capturing means' sensing range, maintaining continuous control capability while preserving detection precision.
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
Enhances controllability by enabling players to accurately determine the pointed position, reducing instances where the controller is moved out of range and becomes uncontrollable, thereby improving gameplay experience.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor disposed on a front end portion thereof. First and second markers produced by a light source are detected at the image sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
Example systems and methods described herein relate to a remote control including an image sensor disposed on a front end portion thereof. First and second markers produced by a light source are detected at the image sensor. A first middle point is calculated based on the detected first and second markers and a second middle point is calculated based on the first middle point and a difference in direction between a reference direction and a direction from the first detected marker to the second detected marker. A position pointed to by the remote control is calculated based on a difference between a reference point and the second middle point. An image signal is generated for an image based at least in part on the pointed-to position.