Volumetric Gaming System Using Light Emitters for 3D Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D video gaming systems are complex and expensive, failing to provide an economical and simple solution for immersive gaming experiences.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that project volumetric images onto a physical scene using a projector, light emitters, a pointer device, and a camera to create a 3D immersion experience by identifying the 3D position of a target within the scene and modifying its features in response to user interactions, without requiring extensive computational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional 3D video systems are used to provide immersive gaming experience, then the immersion feeling is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture the physical scene and creates a digital copy of the environment. This captured image serves as the basis for generating the volumetric effect, replacing complex traditional 3D rendering systems with a simpler capture-and-process approach that significantly reduces computational requirements while maintaining immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical 3D rendering systems with an optical-based solution using projectors and cameras. By substituting computational 3D generation with optical projection of captured scenes, the system achieves volumetric effects with much lower computational complexity and cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional 3D video systems are used to provide immersive gaming experience, then the immersion feeling is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a volumetric dimension to the traditional 2D projected image by layering multiple captured images at different depths. This creates a multi-layered volumetric scene that provides genuine 3D immersion effects while using simple projection technology, maintaining high immersion quality without requiring expensive traditional 3D systems.
3Measurement precision
If volumetric imaging is implemented using complex 3D systems, then the 3D position identification accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light emitters as intermediaries placed throughout the physical scene. These emitters create visible reference points that the camera can easily track to determine 3D positions. This intermediary approach simplifies the positioning system by providing natural visual markers rather than requiring complex sensor arrays or computational geometry systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light emitters that can change color or emit distinct visual patterns to mark different positions and objects in the scene. These color-coded visual markers make it easier for the camera system to identify and differentiate between various 3D positions, improving measurement precision through visual differentiation rather than complex coordinate calculations.
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
Provides an economical and immersive 3D gaming experience by using a combination of projected images, light emitters, and targeting systems to create a perception of depth and interaction, allowing gamers to engage with a virtual scene in a more engaging and cost-effective manner.
Implementation Method 1
An image is projected onto the physical scene
Implementation Method 2
An image of a portion of the physical scene being targeted by a pointer device is captured
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of light emitters positionable on the physical scene
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a gaming system projecting volumetric images onto a physical scene that includes a background and props positioned in front of the background. A gaming engine causes a projector to project an image onto the physical scene. A pointer device receives triggering commands from an operator. A camera captures an image of a portion of the physical scene being targeted by the pointer device. The captured portion includes lighting points emitted by the physical scene, the captured lighting points forming a specific pattern. A targeting system uses the specific pattern as a reference to identify a three-dimensional position of a target located within the captured portion and causes the gaming engine to modify a visible feature of the target when a when a triggering command is received at the pointer device. A method of projecting volumetric images onto the physical scene is also disclosed.