Virtual Barrier Image for Gesture Game Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gesture-based game systems face challenges when immovable obstacles are present in the playing space, preventing players from starting games due to safety concerns and the need for obstacle-free spaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the location and distance of obstacles within the playing space, generating a barrier image in the display area to limit player movement and prevent collisions, using a gesture-based game system with components like cameras, game consoles, and displays to create a virtual boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the game system requires an obstacle-free playing space to ensure safety, then player safety is improved, but the game cannot be played when immovable obstacles are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the obstacle in the form of a barrier image that is displayed on the screen. This barrier image replicates the obstacle's position and appearance, allowing the system to warn players about real-world obstacles without requiring physical removal. The virtual barrier provides safety information while maintaining game continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier image serves as an intermediary between the real obstacle and the player. Instead of directly interacting with the physical obstacle, the player receives information about it through the visual barrier representation on the display. This intermediary provides safety warnings while allowing the game to proceed.
2Reliability
If the system generates a barrier image to warn players of obstacles, then player safety is improved, but the display area is occupied by the barrier image
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier image is generated only at specific locations where obstacles are detected, rather than occupying the entire display area. The barrier appears locally at the position corresponding to the obstacle's location in the playing space, allowing the rest of the display to remain available for game content.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier image is overlaid on the existing game display in a layered fashion, utilizing the z-dimension of visual display. Rather than blocking the entire display area, the barrier exists as a transparent or semi-transparent layer that provides safety information without completely obstructing the game view.
3Reliability
If the system continuously monitors for obstacles and generates barrier images, then player safety is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its existing camera and display components to perform obstacle detection and barrier generation, rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors or warning devices. The camera already present for gesture recognition is repurposed to detect obstacles, and the existing display is used to show barrier images, making the system self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures player gestures for game control and simultaneously detects obstacles in the playing space. The display device also serves dual purposes by showing both game content and safety barrier images. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are generally described for a safety scheme for a gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system may include determining whether an obstacle exists within a playing space associated with a game being currently played on the gesture-based game system, and generating in a display area associated with the game a barrier image associated with the obstacle.