Wireless Video Game Controller Using Image and Sound Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video game interaction methods, such as handheld controllers and mouse devices, lack advanced interactivity, limiting the immersive experience and engagement of users in complex gaming environments.

Innovation Solution

The integration of video and audio capture technologies in gaming systems, utilizing image and sound processing to track the movement, orientation, and intensity of user interactions with deformable objects and voice commands, allowing for enhanced user input and feedback in three-dimensional spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional handheld controllers are used, then the device complexity is low, but the user interactivity and immersion are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interactivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical controllers with voice-based and gesture-based interaction systems. Voice commands substitute for button presses, and camera-tracked hand gestures replace physical controller movements, fundamentally changing the interaction paradigm from mechanical to acoustic and optical domains

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces cameras and microphones as intermediary devices between the user and the game system. These intermediaries capture voice commands and hand gestures, converting them into digital signals that the game console can process, thereby enabling new interaction methods without requiring complex controllers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If video and audio capture technologies are integrated, then the measurement precision of user actions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the camera serve multiple functions: tracking hand gestures for control, capturing user expressions for emotional recognition, and monitoring player position in space. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and devices, managing complexity while enhancing measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing camera and microphone hardware already present in modern devices (smartphones, tablets, PCs) to perform tracking and recognition functions. By leveraging already-available components, the patent avoids adding dedicated complex hardware while achieving high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1937380B1Wireless video game controller and method for operating a wireless video game controller
Publication Date: 2012.02.22 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP1937380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1937380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1937380B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for determining an intensity value of an interaction with a computer program is described. The method and device includes capturing an image of a capture zone, identifying an input object in the image, identifying an initial value of a parameter of the input object, capturing a second image of the capture zone, and identifying a second value of the parameter of the input object. The parameter identifies one or more of a shape, color, or brightness of the input object and is affected by human manipulation of the input object. The extent of change in the parameter is calculated, which is the difference between the second value and the first value. An activity input is provided to the computer program, the activity input including an intensity value representing the extent of change of the parameter. A method for detecting an intensity value from sound generating input objects, and a computer video game are also described. A game controller having LEDs, sound capture and generation, or an accelerometer is also described.