KR20110031925A - Dynamic selection of sensitivity of tilt functionality - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming system having a processing device and a remote input device operatively connected to the processing device is disclosed. The remote input device may include a motion sensor. The resolution of the motion sensor can be set dynamically from the game software so that both coarse and fine gestures have the maximum effect. As game software enables to assess and control resolution requirements and input devices can adjust and respond accordingly, relatively fine gestures as well as relatively fine gestures can be captured and depicted with better accuracy and precision. have.

Description

Dynamic selection of sensitivity of tilt functionality {DYNAMIC SELECTION OF SENSITIVITY OF TILT FUNCTIONALITY}

Gaming systems are known in which a player's gestures are mimicked in the player's animated depiction. As used herein, the term “gesture” may refer to the player's movement, or the corresponding movement of the player's animated depiction. Examples of such gestures may include movement of all or part of the body, which may include movement of body parts such as hands, arms, heads, faces, and the like.

In such a system, gestures are typically detected by the motion sensor of the remote gaming input device handled by the player and transmitted from the remote device to the gaming system processor. Examples of such motion sensors include gyros, magnetometers and accelerometers. The palette of supported gestures is typically limited by the preset resolution of the motion sensor. That is, sensitivity to gestures is typically limited to the resolution set in the motion sensor.

To achieve the fullest range of specific gesture inputs for a gaming input device, players typically need to manually change the sensitivity of the motion sensor. However, if the player selects a fine sensor (ie, a sensor with a relatively high sensitivity) and makes a gross gesture, the sensor may tend to clip. Conversely, when a player selects a gross sensor (ie, a sensor with relatively low sensitivity) and makes a fine gesture, the depiction of the fine motion tends to be blurry with noise. In either scenario, data may be lost.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a gaming system in which the resolution can be set dynamically from game software so that both fine gestures and coarse gestures can have maximum effect. By allowing game software to assess and control resolution requirements and allow input devices to adjust and respond accordingly, relatively fine gestures as well as coarse gestures before comparison can be captured and depicted with better accuracy and precision. have.

As described herein, a computer system such as, for example, a gaming system may include a processing device and a remote input device. The remote input device may be operatively connected to provide input to the processing device. The remote input device may be wirelessly connected to the processing device.

The remote input device may include one or more motion sensors, each having one or more sensitivity ranges. For example, the remote input device may include one or more motion sensors each having a plurality of selectable sensitivity ranges. Alternatively or additionally, the remote input device may include a plurality of motion sensors each having at least one sensitivity range.

The processing apparatus may include a context determination module, a sensitivity determination module, and a communication module. The context determination module may be configured to identify a current context within an application, such as, for example, a game playing application running on a computing device. For example, the context determination module may be configured to confirm the current script situation within the game playing application, or to verify the user profile.

The sensitivity determination module may be configured to receive information from the context determination module and to determine a desired sensitivity range for the remote input device. The sensitivity determination module may be configured to determine a desired sensitivity range based at least in part on the user profile.

The communication module may be configured to transmit information indicative of the desired sensitivity range to the remote input device. For example, the processing device may signal to the remote input device to select one of the sensors from the plurality of sensors and / or to select one of the sensitivity ranges from the plurality of sensitivity ranges.

The remote input device may be configured to receive the transmitted information indicative of the desired sensitivity range. The remote input device may be configured to respond to received information by operating in a desired sensitivity range. For example, the remote input device may be configured to respond to the received information by activating a particular physical sensor having a sensitivity range corresponding to the desired sensitivity range.

1 shows an image of a rough gesture.
2A-C show images of fine gestures at various times in the tilt mode.
3 is a functional block diagram of an example computing system.
4 is a flowchart of an example method for use in the computing system shown in FIG. 3.
5 is a block diagram of an example computing environment in which example embodiments and aspects of the present invention may be implemented.
6 is an exemplary network configuration in which aspects of the present invention may be implemented.

Overview: Example Scenario

In the following, an example scenario in which the systems and methods described herein may be used is presented in the context of a gaming system. However, it is to be understood that the gaming system is described for illustrative purposes only, and that the systems and methods described herein are not limited to implementation in a gaming system.

Typically a gaming system may include a game console. The processing device on which the game's operating software application may run may be housed within the game console. In addition, the gaming system may include a remote input device, the characteristics of which may be based on the actual game the player is playing. The remote input device may transmit information corresponding to the gesture of the player using the remote input device to the game console. The game console may cause the depiction of the player's gestures, or effects thereof, to be displayed on a television, computer monitor, or video display such as a dedicated video display to which the game console is operatively connected.

Consider an example scenario where a player is playing a golf game. Thus, the remote input device can represent a golf club. The player's gesture may be characterized by the player swinging the golf club. The effect of the player's gesture may be characterized by the golf club swinging.

In an example scenario, there may be three types of golf swing: drive, chipping and putting. In general, it should be understood that players will tend to swing harder (ie, faster and over larger angles) when driving than when chipping. Likewise, players will tend to swing harder when chipping than when putting. Thus, in order to present an accurate and precise depiction of both the drive and the putting, greater motion sensitivity may be desirable during the putting gesture than during the drive gesture.

The system may recognize gestures used in such game play scenarios and may dynamically adjust hardware sensitivity in response to such recognition. For example, the game software can be configured to determine when to switch resolution and to which resolution to switch. Since video games are typically scripted interactions, game software typically knows the context of the current situation. For example, in a golf scenario, the game software may recognize that if the ball is on the tee, the player is more likely to drive than putting. Likewise, if the ball is on the green, the player is more likely to putt than drive. Alternatively, context may be identified based on club selection. For example, if the player chooses a driver, he is likely to be trying to drive. If he chooses a putter, he is likely to be putting.

The game software can recognize the context and determine the desired sensitivity from the context. As play moves from the drive context to the chipping context and into the putting context, the processing device may signal to select a sensor that is increasingly sensitive to the remote input device. Thus, drive gestures, chipping gestures and putting gestures can be accurately and accurately depicted with their effects.

1 illustrates an example image of a coarse gesture. As shown, an image of the person holding the microphone is displayed. Rough gestures correspond to the singer waving his arm slightly faster at an angle of about 60 degrees. In order to produce a clear image of such a gesture, a relatively low motion sensitivity would be desirable.

2A-C show exemplary images of fine gestures at various times in the tilt mode. As shown, the singer is now tilting the microphone relatively slowly over a relatively small angle (eg, at a rate of 10 degrees every 7 seconds). In order to produce a clear image of such a gesture, a relatively high motion sensitivity would be desirable.

Detailed description of example systems and methods follows.

Tilt  Dynamic selection of sensitivity of functionality

3 is a functional block diagram of an example computing system 10. As shown, the system 10 can include a computing or processing device 20, and a remote input device 30. The processing device 20 may for example be housed in a game console. The remote input device 30 may be operatively connected to provide input to the processing device 20. The remote input device 30 may be wired to the processing device 20 or wirelessly connected to the processing device 20.

Remote input device 30 may include, for example, a human-interface device such as a ball, bat, drumstick, fishing rod or microphone including any type of game controller, such as a joystick, headset, helmet, head-up display, or the like. Can be. The remote input device 30 may include gesture recognition hardware. Gesture recognition hardware may include one or more sensors, which may be, for example, motion sensors, thermal sensors or pressure sensors, or any combination of such sensors. The remote input device 30 may be, for example, a robotic device of the type that can be used in manufacturing.

The remote input device 30 may be operable over a plurality of sensitivity ranges. The remote input device 30 may include one or more physical motion sensors 32A-C. Examples of such motion sensors include gyro, accelerometer and magnetometer. Typically, a single motion sensor or a single type of motion sensor will not provide absolute positioning of a moving object. Thus, a plurality of different sensors can be used. For example, an accelerometer may be used to measure movement, while additional sensors (eg, gyros) may be used to determine position.

Each of the one or more physical motion sensors 32A-C may be operable over a plurality of selectable sensitivity ranges. The remote input device 30 may include a plurality of motion sensors 32A-C, each of which is operable in at least one sensitivity range. It should be understood that the systems and methods described herein are not limited to the use of motion sensors. For example, heat or pressure sensors can be used.

The processing device 20 may include a context determination module 22, a sensitivity determination module 24, and a communication module 26. The context determination module 22 may be configured to identify the current context of the application 28 executing on the processing device 20. For example, application 28 may be a game playing application. The context determination module 26 may be configured to identify the current scripted situation in the game playing application 28.

Context determination module 22 may be configured to verify user profile 27. The processing device 20 may include a memory 25 in which a user profile 27 is stored. Exemplary user profiles may include one or more predetermined personalizations of a particular user. Examples of such personalizations include presets of default settings for gain, sensitivity or personalization. It can be accessed via a password or biometric sensor, for example. Multiple profiles can be stored at one time.

Sensitivity determination module 24 may be configured to receive information from context determination module 22 and determine a desired sensitivity range for remote input device 30. The desired sensitivity range may be determined based at least in part on the current context within the application 28 executing on the processing device 20. For example, the desired sensitivity range may be determined based at least in part on the current scripting situation within the game playing application. Sensitivity determination module 24 may be configured to determine a desired sensitivity range based at least in part on user profile 27.

The communication module 26 may be configured to transmit information indicative of the desired sensitivity range to the remote input device 30 for use in selecting a sensitivity range for the remote input device 30. The processing device 20 may signal the remote input device 30 to operate in the desired sensitivity range. The signal may be transmitted via a wired or wireless connection between the processing device 20 and the remote input device 30. Thus, the processing device 20 may send a control signal to the sensor to set the sensitivity of the sensor in the remote input device 30.

Such a signal may include a field informing the remote input device 30 of the desired sensitivity range. For example, the signal may include a number of bits (eg, 2) corresponding to the desired scale setting. The number of bits (and thus the range of sensitivity) may be a parameter value that can be adjusted via the processing device.

The remote input device 30 may receive a signal from the processing device 20, and thus may receive information indicating the desired sensitivity range from the processing device 20. The remote input device 30 can respond to receiving information transmitted from the processing device 20 by operating in the desired sensitivity range.

For example, the remote input device 30 may respond to receiving the transmitted information by causing the selected one of the physical motion sensors to operate in the selected one of the plurality of sensitivity ranges. In the case where the remote input device 30 includes a plurality of physical motion sensors, the remote input device 30 may cause a selected motion sensor of the physical motion sensors operable in a desired sensitivity range to operate. When the remote input device 30 includes a physical motion sensor operable over a plurality of selectable sensitivity ranges, the remote input device 30 sets a desired sensitivity range among the plurality of sensitivity ranges in which the physical motion sensor can operate. By selecting, the motion sensor can be made to operate in desired sensitivity range.

4 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method 60 for use in the computing system shown in FIG. 3. In block 62, a desired sensitivity range for the remote input device can be determined at the processing device. As shown at block 64, the determination at block 62 may be based at least in part on a current context within an application running on the system. As shown at block 66, the determination at block 62 may be based at least in part on the user profile.

In block 68, the processing device may signal the remote input device to operate in the desired sensitivity range. As in block 70, the processing device may signal the remote input device to cause the motion sensor in the remote input device to operate in the selected sensitivity range. Alternatively or additionally, as in block 72, the processing device may signal to the remote input device to cause the selected one of the plurality of motion sensors to operate in the desired sensitivity range.

Example Computing Environment

5 illustrates an example computing environment in which example embodiments and aspects may be implemented. The computing system environment 100 is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality. In addition, the computing environment 100 should not be construed as having any dependencies or requirements related to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment 100.

Many other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations may be used. Examples of well known computing systems, environments and / or configurations that may be suitable for use include personal computers, server computers, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, Network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, embedded systems, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices, and the like.

Computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer may be used. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Distributed computing environments may also be used in which tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network or other data transmission medium. In a distributed computing environment, program modules and other data may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example system includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a computer 110. Components of computer 110 may include, but are not limited to, system bus 121 that couples processing system 120, system memory 130, and various system components including system memory to processing device 120. It doesn't work. Processing unit 120 may be representative of a plurality of logical processing units as supported on a multithreaded processor. The system bus 121 may be any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or a memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of various bus architectures. For example, and not by way of limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) buses, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) buses, Enhanced ISA (EISA) buses, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local buses, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI). Buses (also known as mezzanine buses). The system bus 121 may also be implemented as a point-to-point connection, a switching fabric, or the like, among communication devices.

Computer 110 typically includes a variety of computer readable media. Any usable medium accessible by computer 110 may be a computer readable medium, and such computer readable media includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, computer readable media may include, but are not limited to, computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CDROM, digital versatile disk or other optical disk storage device, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or computer. It includes but is not limited to any other medium that can be accessed by 110 and used to store desired information. Typically, communication media embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data with modulated data signals, such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as wired networks or direct wire connections, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media.

System memory 130 includes computer storage media in the form of nonvolatile and / or volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM) 131 and random access memory (RAM) 132. Basic Input / Output System (BIOS) 133, which typically includes basic routines to help transfer information between components within computer 110, such as during startup, is typically stored in ROM 131. RAM 132 typically includes data and / or program modules that are immediately accessible to and / or presently being manipulated by processing device 120. As a non-limiting example, FIG. 5 illustrates an operating system 134, an application program 135, other program modules 136, and program data 137.

Computer 110 may also include other removable / removable volatile / nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only, FIG. 5 shows a hard disk drive 140 that reads from or writes to a non-removable nonvolatile magnetic medium, a magnetic disk drive 151 that reads from or writes to a removable nonvolatile magnetic disk 152, and a CDROM or An optical disk drive 155 is shown that reads from or writes to a removable nonvolatile optical disk 156, such as other optical media. Other removable / non-removable volatile / nonvolatile computer storage media that can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, DVDs, digital video tapes, solid state RAM, solid state ROM, and the like. . Hard disk drive 141 is typically connected to system bus 121 through a non-removable memory interface, such as interface 140, magnetic disk drive 151 and optical disk drive 155 typically interface 150. Is connected to the system bus 121 by a removable memory interface such as "

The drives and associated computer storage media discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 5 provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computer 110. In FIG. 5, for example, hard disk drive 141 is shown to store operating system 144, application program 145, other program module 146, and program data 147. It should be noted that these components may be the same as or different from operating system 134, application program 135, other program module 136, and program data 137. Operating system 144, application program 145, other program module 146, and program data 147 have been given different numbers here at least to indicate that they are different copies. A user may enter commands and information into the computer 20 through input devices such as a keyboard 162 and pointing device 161, commonly referred to as a mouse, trackball or touchpad. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. Input devices other than those disclosed herein are connected to the processing unit 120 primarily through a user input interface 160 connected to the system bus, but also via a parallel port, game port or other interface and bus structures such as USB. Can be. Monitor 191 and other types of display devices are also connected to system bus 121 via an interface such as video interface 190. In addition to the monitor, the computer may also include other peripheral output devices such as a speaker 197 and a printer 196 that may be connected via an output peripheral interface 195.

Computer 110 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer 180. Remote computer (s) 180 may be a personal computer, server, router, network PC, peer device or other common network node, although only memory storage 181 is shown in FIG. 5, but typically computer 110 It includes many or all of the components described above with respect to. The logical connection shown in FIG. 5 includes a local area network (LAN) 171 and a wide area network (WAN) 173, but may also include other networks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 110 is connected to the LAN 171 via a network interface or adapter 170. When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 110 typically includes a modem 172, or other means for establishing communications over the WAN 173, such as the Internet. The modem 172, which may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus 121 via the user input interface 160 or other suitable mechanism. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 110, or portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory / storage device. As a non-limiting example, FIG. 5 illustrates remote application program 185 as resident in memory device 181. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means for establishing a communication link between the computers may be used.

Example Distributed Computing Framework  Or architecture

Various distributed computing frameworks have been and are being developed in terms of convergence of personal computing and the Internet. As individual and business users are provided with seamlessly interoperable and web-enabled interfaces for applications and computing devices, computing activities are increasingly becoming web browser or network oriented.

For example, MICROSOFT®'s .NET platform includes servers, building-block services such as web-based data storage, and downloadable device software. Generally speaking, the .NET platform is made possible by (1) the ability to have a full range of computing devices working together and to automatically update and synchronize user information across all of them, and (2) using more XML than HTML. Increase the ability of users to interact with Web sites, (3) personalized access and delivery of products and services from the central point of entry for management of various applications such as e-mail or software such as Office .NET Online services specially designed for (4) synchronization of information between users and devices, as well as centralized data storage that will increase the ease and efficiency of access to information, (5) email, fax and The ability to integrate various communication media such as telephones, (6) for developers, creating reusable modules Writing, increased productivity and capability of reducing the number of programming errors, and (7) many other cross-platform integration features provide.

Although embodiments herein are described in the context of software residing on a computing device, one or more aspects of the present invention provide that services are performed by, supported by, or supported by both the language and services of .NET and other distributed computing frameworks. It may be implemented through middleware software, operating systems or APIs between the coprocessor and the requesting entity, so that it can be accessed through.

Network environment

6 illustrates an example network environment in which the present invention may be employed. Of course, actual network and database environments may be deployed in a variety of configurations, but the example environments shown herein provide a framework for understanding the type of environment in which embodiments may operate.

Example networks may include one or more client computers 200a, server computers 200b, data source computers 200c, and / or databases 270, 272a, and 272b. Client computer 200a and data source computer 200c may be in electronic communication with server computer 200b via communication network 280 (eg, an intranet, the Internet, and the like). Client computer 200a and data source computer 200c may be connected to a communication network via communication interface 282. The communication interface 282 can be any type of communication interface, such as an Ethernet connection, a modem connection, a wireless connection, or the like.

The server computer 200b may provide management of the database 270 through database server system software such as SQL Server of MICROSOFT®. As such, server 200b may function as a repository of data from various data sources and provide that data to various data consumers.

In the example network environment of FIG. 6, the data source may be provided by the data source computer 200c. Data source computer 200c may transmit data to server computer 200b via communication network 280, which may be a LAN, WAN, intranet, Internet, or the like. Data source computer 200c may store data locally in database 272a, which may be a database server or the like. The data provided by the data source 200c may be stored in conjunction with a large database, such as a data store maintained by the server 200b.

Client computer 200a that wishes to use data stored by server computer 200b may access database 270 via communication network 280. Client computer 200a may access data via queries, forms, and the like. It will be appreciated that any configuration of computers is equally compatible with embodiments of the present invention.

Claims (20)

A method used in a computing system comprising a processing device and a remote input device operable over a plurality of sensitivity ranges, the method comprising:
At the processing device, determining a desired sensitivity range for the remote input device; And
Signaling to the remote input device by the processing device to operate in the desired sensitivity range
How to include. The method of claim 1,
The computing system comprises a game playing system,
Determining the desired sensitivity range is based at least in part on a current context within an application running on the game playing system. The method of claim 1,
The computing system comprises a game playing system,
Determining the desired sensitivity range is based at least in part on a user profile. The method of claim 1,
The remote input device comprises a motion sensor operable over a plurality of selectable sensitivity ranges,
Signaling by the processing device to the remote input device comprises signaling to the remote input device by the processing device to cause the motion sensor to operate at a sensitivity range selected from the plurality of sensitivity ranges. The method of claim 1,
The remote input device comprises a plurality of motion sensors, each of the motion sensors operating in at least one sensitivity range,
Signaling by the processing device to the remote input device comprises signaling by the processing device to operate a sensor selected from the plurality of sensors. The method of claim 1,
The remote input device comprises at least one of a gyro, an accelerometer or a magnetometer. The method of claim 1,
And the remote input device is wirelessly connected to the processing device. As a system,
A context determination module configured to identify a current context within an application running on the computing device;
A sensitivity determining module configured to receive information from the context determination module and to determine a desired sensitivity range for a remote input device, the remote input device being operatively connected to provide input to the computing device, the remote input device Is operable over a plurality of sensitivity ranges; And
A communication module configured to deliver information indicative of the desired sensitivity range to the remote input device for use in selecting a sensitivity range for the remote input device.
System comprising. The method of claim 8,
And the remote input device is wirelessly connected to the computing device. The method of claim 8,
The application executing on the computing device is a game playing application, and the context determination module is configured to identify a current scripted situation within the game playing application. The method of claim 8,
The context determination module is configured to identify a user profile, and the sensitivity determination module is configured to determine the desired sensitivity range based at least in part on the user profile. The method of claim 8,
The remote input device includes a physical motion sensor having a plurality of sensitivity ranges, and is configured to respond to transmitted information indicative of the desired sensitivity range by operating in the desired sensitivity range. The method of claim 8,
The remote input device includes a plurality of physical motion sensors, each of the motion sensors having at least one sensitivity range, and the remote input device includes, among the physical motion sensors, a sensitivity range corresponding to the desired sensitivity range. And respond to the conveyed information indicative of the desired sensitivity range by activating at least one physical motion sensor operable. The method of claim 8,
The remote input device includes at least one of a gyro, an accelerometer or a magnetometer. A computer implemented game playing system,
A remote input device comprising a physical motion sensor operable over a plurality of sensitivity ranges; And
Processing Unit-The processing unit identifies a current script situation within a game playing application running on the processing unit and determines a desired sensitivity range for the remote input device based at least in part on the current script situation. And transmit information indicative of the desired sensitivity range to the remote input device.
Including,
The remote input device receives the transmitted information indicative of the desired sensitivity range from the processing device and responds to receiving the transmitted information by causing the physical motion sensor to operate in the desired sensitivity range. . 16. The method of claim 15,
And the processing device determines the desired sensitivity range based at least in part on a user profile. 16. The method of claim 15,
The physical motion sensor is operable over a plurality of selectable sensitivity ranges,
And the remote input device is responsive to receiving the transmitted information by causing the physical motion sensor to operate at a selected sensitivity range of the plurality of sensitivity ranges. 16. The method of claim 15,
The remote input device comprises a plurality of physical motion sensors, each of the physical motion sensors being operable in at least one individual sensitivity range,
And the remote input device is responsive to receiving the transmitted information by causing a selected one of the plurality of physical motion sensors to operate in the desired sensitivity range. 16. The method of claim 15,
The physical motion sensor includes at least one of a gyro, an accelerometer or a magnetometer. 16. The method of claim 15,
And the remote input device is wirelessly connected to the computing device.

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