Wireless Controller Pairing via Physical Tap
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multiplayer gaming environments with multiple controllers, existing technologies face challenges in accurately tracking and pairing controllers for each player, especially in complex games requiring independent tracking of multiple devices, such as boxing or sword fighting games.
Innovation Solution
The method involves pairing wireless controllers using physical contact, accelerometers, and pairing initiation signals, where controllers transmit data upon physical contact, allowing the base computing device to differentiate and associate each controller with a player, and utilizing various communication methods like Bluetooth, infrared, or capacitive elements for reliable pairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wireless controllers are used in multiplayer gaming, then the interactive gaming experience is enhanced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring controller identity and pairing status increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses LED indicators on controllers that display different colors or patterns to indicate pairing status and controller identity. The base computing device also displays visual indicators to show which controller is paired with which player, making it easy to distinguish between multiple controllers in a multiplayer environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback through LED indicators on both the controllers and the base computing device to confirm successful pairing. The controllers display indicators showing they are paired with specific players, and the base computing device displays confirmation that the pairing has been detected and registered correctly.
2Ease of operation
If physical contact pairing method is used, then the pairing process is simplified and made more intuitive, but the reliability of pairing detection may be affected by contact variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical contact detection with a hybrid system that combines physical contact sensing with wireless communication protocols. When controllers are physically contacted, they exchange pairing information wirelessly, ensuring reliable detection regardless of the exact nature of the physical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary wireless pairing initiation signal that is transmitted when physical contact is detected. This intermediary signal serves as a reliable mediator that converts variable physical contact into a consistent digital pairing command, ensuring reliable pairing detection.
3Productivity
If controllers transmit pairing initiation signals upon physical contact, then the pairing speed is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to frequent wireless transmissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic wireless transmissions only when needed - specifically when physical contact is detected. Instead of continuous transmission, the controllers enter a low-power state and only activate wireless communication when the pairing event occurs, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining fast pairing speed when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The controllers are pre-configured with pairing capabilities and can immediately transmit pairing signals when contacted. The pairing information is prepared in advance, so when physical contact occurs, the transmission can happen instantly without delay, achieving fast pairing with minimal energy expenditure.
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
This solution enables accurate and efficient pairing of multiple controllers with players, enhancing the interactive gaming experience by ensuring correct tracking and input recognition, even in complex multiplayer scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the pairing detection algorithm detects a pairing initiation signal transmitted in response to physical contact between a first controller and a second controller
Implementation Method 2
controllers transmit data upon physical contact, allowing the base computing device to differentiate and associate each controller with a player, and utilizing various communication methods like Bluetooth, infrared, or capacitive elements for reliable pairing
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for pairing devices to a group are disclosed. The methods include initiating a plurality of wireless device for communication with a base computing system. Then, receiving signals indicative of setting of each of the plurality of wireless devices in pairing mode. The method then detects a physical tap between two or more of the plurality of wireless devices. The physical tap setting a pairing of the wireless devices to a group for communication with the base computing system. The devices in the group being managed in a database to associate capabilities of the wireless devices to components of a multimedia feed being used by the group.