Smartphone Game Control via Motion Sensor World Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones, despite their advanced processing and communication features, are not well-suited for playing video games that require complex control mechanisms or immersive interactions, as they lack the tactile feedback and motion sensing capabilities of dedicated game controllers.
Innovation Solution
A game device and method that utilizes a touchscreen and motion/orientation sensors on portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, to control game characters and modify virtual worlds by rotating or translating them based on device motion, allowing for immersive gameplay experiences even on single or multiple devices in communication with each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smartphones are used for video game play, then portability and accessibility are improved, but control precision and interaction quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input modalities (touchscreen, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) into a unified control system that works together to provide both touch-based direct control and motion-based contextual control, resolving the contradiction between smartphone portability and control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The smartphone serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a display device, motion sensor platform, compass, and controller, allowing a single device to replace multiple dedicated gaming devices while maintaining control precision through diverse sensor inputs
2Adaptability or versatility
If motion sensors are added to enhance control capabilities, then interaction quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone's existing sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) are repurposed for gaming control functions, allowing the device to serve both its original communication purposes and enhanced gaming interaction without adding dedicated gaming hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the smartphone's own built-in sensors to provide motion-based control and environmental awareness, eliminating the need for external motion sensing accessories and reducing overall system complexity
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 immersive and interactive video game experiences on smartphones by leveraging touchscreen inputs and motion sensors to simulate complex control mechanisms, enhancing player engagement and interaction with virtual environments, even in multi-player scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a touchscreen configured to provide user inputs based on contact with the touchscreen
Implementation Method 2
at least one motion or orientation related sensor configured to provide information related to movement or orientation of the frame
Implementation Method 3
at least one motion or orientation related sensor configured to provide information related to movement or orientation of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device may be configured for play of a video game, with user controlled game characters operated based on inputs received on first user inputs of the device and a virtual game world modified based on information from motion-related sensors of the device. The modification of the virtual game world may be rotation and/or translation of the virtual game world in a gravitational reference frame. The portable electronic device may also allow for user configuration of the virtual game world.