Interactive Theater Seating With Infrared Input Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video game systems lack interactive features that allow users to actively participate and engage with each other in real-time, particularly in a group or team setting, beyond basic messaging or audio chat.
Innovation Solution
An interactive theater system with multi-sensory seats and input devices that provide personalized real-time feedback, allowing users to control gameplay outcomes and interact with immersive content, utilizing infrared cameras and motion sensors for precise input tracking and synchronized audio-visual effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional video game systems are used, then basic gaming functionality is provided, but user interaction and engagement beyond messaging or audio chat is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interaction modalities (gesture recognition, voice commands, haptic feedback, visual displays) into a unified gaming system. The gaming system integrates camera-based gesture tracking, audio processing for voice commands, haptic actuators in controllers, and visual feedback displays, allowing users to interact through multiple channels simultaneously rather than relying solely on traditional controllers and chat functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming system is designed to perform multiple functions beyond basic gameplay control. The system includes gesture recognition for navigation and interaction, voice command processing for hands-free control, haptic feedback for tactile engagement, and visual displays for enhanced feedback. This multi-functional design allows a single system to replace multiple separate interaction methods.
2Ease of operation
If spectators observe traditional sporting events, then a sense of group interaction is maintained, but active participation and personalized experience are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where user actions are immediately reflected in the game environment and visible to other users. Gesture recognition provides visual feedback through camera tracking, haptic controllers provide tactile feedback for actions, and the system displays real-time information about other users' actions and reactions. This creates a dynamic feedback environment that enhances engagement while managing complexity through standardized feedback channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial and sensory dimensions to traditional 2D gaming. By incorporating gesture recognition in 3D space, haptic feedback adding tactile dimension, and visual displays providing enhanced spatial awareness, the system transforms flat screen interaction into a multi-dimensional experience. This allows spectators to feel physically engaged rather than merely observing.
3Measurement precision
If infrared cameras and motion sensors are added for precise input tracking, then real-time position determination is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses infrared cameras and motion sensors as intermediary devices that capture physical movements and translate them into digital signals for the gaming system. The infrared cameras act as mediators between user gestures and the game's position tracking, while motion sensors in controllers serve as intermediaries between physical controller manipulation and in-game actions. This intermediary layer provides precise tracking without requiring direct complex integration between all system components.
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 a fully interactive and immersive gaming experience with personalized and group interactions, enhancing user engagement and comradery through real-time feedback and dynamic special effects, including 3D projection and multi-sensory seat responses.
Implementation Method 1
The infrared camera is used to image an infrared light arrangement positioned above-the multi-sensory seats
Implementation Method 2
The player provides input using an input device having an infrared camera and motion sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The interactive theater system is executed on an interactive gaming computer (IG PC) configured to execute an interactive multi-player video game. The IG PC outputs a video stream to a display system, such as a projector and screen, which allows the players to view the multi-player video game. Each player sits in a multi-sensory seat for providing multi-sensory feedback to each player during execution of the interactive multi-player video game. The player provides input using an input device having an infrared camera and motion sensors. The infrared camera is used to image an infrared light arrangement positioned above-the multi-sensory seats. Infrared camera data and motion sensor data is used by the IG PC to accurately determine the real time position of each input device. Players in a first interactive theater system can compete with players in a second interactive theater system in real time.