U.S. Pat. No. 11,565,175

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to computer ecosystems including aspects of consumer electronics (CE) device networks such as but not limited to computer simulation networks such as computer game networks. A system herein may include server and client components, connected over a network such that data may be exchanged between the client and server components. The client components may include one or more computing devices including game consoles such as Sony PlayStation® or a game console made by Microsoft or Nintendo or other manufacturer virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) headsets, portable televisions (e.g. smart TVs, Internet-enabled TVs), portable computers such as laptops and tablet computers, and other mobile devices including smart phones and additional examples discussed below. These client devices may operate with a variety of operating environments. For example, some of the client computers may employ, as examples, Linux operating systems, operating systems from Microsoft, or a Unix operating system, or operating systems produced by Apple Computer or Google. These operating environments may be used to execute one or more browsing programs, such as a browser made by Microsoft or Google or Mozilla or other browser program that can access websites hosted by the Internet servers discussed below. Also, an operating environment according to present principles may be used to execute one or more computer game programs.

Servers and/or gateways may include one or more processors executing instructions that configure the servers to receive and transmit data over a network such as the Internet. Or, a client and server can be connected over a local intranet or a virtual private network. A server or controller may be instantiated by a game console such as a Sony PlayStation®, a personal computer, etc.

Information may be exchanged over a network between the clients and servers. To this end and for security, servers and/or clients can include firewalls, load balancers, temporary storages, and proxies, and other network infrastructure for reliability and security. One or more servers may form an apparatus that implement methods of providing a secure community such as an online social website to network members.

As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented steps for processing information in the system. Instructions can be implemented in software, firmware or hardware and include any type of programmed step undertaken by components of the system.

A processor may be any conventional general-purpose single- or multi-chip processor that can execute logic by means of various lines such as address lines, data lines, and control lines and registers and shift registers.

Software modules described by way of the flow charts and user interfaces herein can include various sub-routines, procedures, etc. Without limiting the disclosure, logic stated to be executed by a particular module can be redistributed to other software modules and/or combined together in a single module and/or made available in a shareable library.

Present principles described herein can be implemented as hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof; hence, illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are set forth in terms of their functionality.

The functions and methods described below, when implemented in software, can be written in an appropriate language such as but not limited to Java, C #or C++, and can be stored on or transmitted through a computer-readable storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage such as digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices including removable thumb drives, etc. A connection may establish a computer-readable medium. Such connections can include, as examples, hard-wired cables including fiber optics and coaxial wires and digital subscriber line (DSL) and twisted pair wires. Such connections may include wireless communication connections including infrared and radio.

Components included in one embodiment can be used in other embodiments in any appropriate combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.

“A system having at least one of A, B, and C” (likewise “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” and “a system having at least one of A, B, C”) includes systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.

Now specifically referring toFIG.1, an example system10is shown, which may include one or more of the example devices mentioned above and described further below in accordance with present principles. The first of the example devices included in the system10is a consumer electronics (CE) device such as an audio video device (AVD)12such as but not limited to an Internet-enabled TV with a TV tuner (equivalently, set top box controlling a TV). However, the AVD12alternatively may be an appliance or household item, e.g. computerized Internet enabled refrigerator, washer, or dryer. The AVD12alternatively may also be a computerized Internet enabled (“smart”) telephone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a wearable computerized device such as e.g. computerized Internet-enabled watch, a computerized Internet-enabled bracelet, other computerized Internet-enabled devices, a computerized Internet-enabled music player, computerized Internet-enabled head phones, a computerized Internet-enabled implantable device such as an implantable skin device, etc. Regardless, it is to be understood that the AVD12is configured to undertake present principles (e.g. communicate with other CE devices to undertake present principles, execute the logic described herein, and perform any other functions and/or operations described herein).

Accordingly, to undertake such principles the AVD12can be established by some or all of the components shown inFIG.1. For example, the AVD12can include one or more displays14that may be implemented by a high definition or ultra-high definition “4K” or higher flat screen and that may be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via touches on the display. The AVD12may include one or more speakers16for outputting audio in accordance with present principles, and at least one additional input device18such as e.g. an audio receiver/microphone for e.g. entering audible commands to the AVD12to control the AVD12. The example AVD12may also include one or more network interfaces20for communication over at least one network22such as the Internet, an WAN, an LAN, etc. under control of one or more processors24. A graphics processor24A may also be included. Thus, the interface20may be, without limitation, a Wi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of a wireless computer network interface, such as but not limited to a mesh network transceiver. It is to be understood that the processor24controls the AVD12to undertake present principles, including the other elements of the AVD12described herein such as e.g. controlling the display14to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom. Furthermore, note the network interface20may be, e.g., a wired or wireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver, or Wi-Fi transceiver as mentioned above, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the AVD12may also include one or more input ports26such as, e.g., a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port or a USB port to physically connect (e.g. using a wired connection) to another CE device and/or a headphone port to connect headphones to the AVD12for presentation of audio from the AVD12to a user through the headphones. For example, the input port26may be connected via wire or wirelessly to a cable or satellite source26aof audio video content. Thus, the source26amay be, e.g., a separate or integrated set top box, or a satellite receiver. Or, the source26amay be a game console or disk player containing content such as computer game software and databases. The source26awhen implemented as a game console may include some or all of the components described below in relation to the CE device44.

The AVD12may further include one or more computer memories28such as disk-based or solid-state storage that are not transitory signals, in some cases embodied in the chassis of the AVD as standalone devices or as a personal video recording device (PVR) or video disk player either internal or external to the chassis of the AVD for playing back AV programs or as removable memory media. Also in some embodiments, the AVD12can include a position or location receiver such as but not limited to a cellphone receiver, GPS receiver and/or altimeter30that is configured to e.g. receive geographic position information from at least one satellite or cellphone tower and provide the information to the processor24and/or determine an altitude at which the AVD12is disposed in conjunction with the processor24. However, it is to be understood that another suitable position receiver other than a cellphone receiver, GPS receiver and/or altimeter may be used in accordance with present principles to e.g. determine the location of the AVD12in e.g. all three dimensions.

Continuing the description of the AVD12, in some embodiments the AVD12may include one or more cameras32that may be, e.g., a thermal imaging camera, a digital camera such as a webcam, and/or a camera integrated into the AVD12and controllable by the processor24to gather pictures/images and/or video in accordance with present principles. Any of the cameras described herein may employ the high spectrum camera example or multiple examples described further below.

Also included on the AVD12may be a Bluetooth transceiver34and other Near Field Communication (NFC) element36for communication with other devices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively. An example NFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) element. Zigbee also may be used.

Further still, the AVD12may include one or more auxiliary sensors37(e.g., a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer, or a magnetic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an optical sensor, a speed and/or cadence sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g. for sensing gesture command), etc.) providing input to the processor24. The AVD12may include an over-the-air TV broadcast port38for receiving OTA TV broadcasts providing input to the processor24. In addition to the foregoing, it is noted that the AVD12may also include an infrared (IR) transmitter and/or IR receiver and/or IR transceiver42such as an IR data association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) may be provided for powering the AVD12.

Still referring toFIG.1, in addition to the AVD12, the system10may include one or more other CE device types. In one example, a first CE device44may be used to send computer game audio and video to the AVD12via commands sent directly to the AVD12and/or through the below-described server while a second CE device46may include similar components as the first CE device44. In the example shown, the second CE device46may be configured as a VR headset worn by a player47as shown, or a hand-held game controller manipulated by the player47. In the example shown, only two CE devices44,46are shown, it being understood that fewer or greater devices may be used.

In the example shown, to illustrate present principles all three devices12,44,46are assumed to be members of an entertainment network in, e.g., a home, or at least to be present in proximity to each other in a location such as a house. However, present principles are not limited to a particular location, illustrated by dashed lines48, unless explicitly claimed otherwise.

The example non-limiting first CE device44may be established by any one of the above-mentioned devices, for example, a portable wireless laptop computer or notebook computer or game controller (also referred to as “console”), and accordingly may have one or more of the components described below. The first CE device44may be a remote control (RC) for, e.g., issuing AV play and pause commands to the AVD12, or it may be a more sophisticated device such as a tablet computer, a game controller communicating via wired or wireless link with the AVD12, a personal computer, a wireless telephone, etc.

Accordingly, the first CE device44may include one or more displays50that may be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via touches on the display. The first CE device44may include one or more speakers52for outputting audio in accordance with present principles, and at least one additional input device54such as e.g. an audio receiver/microphone for e.g. entering audible commands to the first CE device44to control the device44. The example first CE device44may also include one or more network interfaces56for communication over the network22under control of one or more CE device processors58. A graphics processor58A may also be included. Thus, the interface56may be, without limitation, a Wi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of a wireless computer network interface, including mesh network interfaces. It is to be understood that the processor58controls the first CE device44to undertake present principles, including the other elements of the first CE device44described herein such as e.g. controlling the display50to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom. Furthermore, note the network interface56may be, e.g., a wired or wireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver, or Wi-Fi transceiver as mentioned above, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the first CE device44may also include one or more input ports60such as, e.g., a HDMI port or a USB port to physically connect (e.g. using a wired connection) to another CE device and/or a headphone port to connect headphones to the first CE device44for presentation of audio from the first CE device44to a user through the headphones. The first CE device44may further include one or more tangible computer readable storage medium62such as disk-based or solid-state storage. Also in some embodiments, the first CE device44can include a position or location receiver such as but not limited to a cellphone and/or GPS receiver and/or altimeter64that is configured to e.g. receive geographic position information from at least one satellite and/or cell tower, using triangulation, and provide the information to the CE device processor58and/or determine an altitude at which the first CE device44is disposed in conjunction with the CE device processor58. However, it is to be understood that another suitable position receiver other than a cellphone and/or GPS receiver and/or altimeter may be used in accordance with present principles to e.g. determine the location of the first CE device44in e.g. all three dimensions.

Continuing the description of the first CE device44, in some embodiments the first CE device44may include one or more cameras66that may be, e.g., a thermal imaging camera, a digital camera such as a webcam, and/or a camera integrated into the first CE device44and controllable by the CE device processor58to gather pictures/images and/or video in accordance with present principles. Also included on the first CE device44may be a Bluetooth transceiver68and other Near Field Communication (NFC) element70for communication with other devices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively. An example NFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) element.

Further still, the first CE device44may include one or more auxiliary sensors72(e.g., a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer, or a magnetic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an optical sensor, a speed and/or cadence sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g. for sensing gesture command), etc.) providing input to the CE device processor58. The first CE device44may include still other sensors such as e.g. one or more climate sensors74(e.g. barometers, humidity sensors, wind sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, etc.) and/or one or more biometric sensors76providing input to the CE device processor58. In addition to the foregoing, it is noted that in some embodiments the first CE device44may also include an infrared (IR) transmitter and/or IR receiver and/or IR transceiver78such as an IR data association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) may be provided for powering the first CE device44. The CE device44may communicate with the AVD12through any of the above-described communication modes and related components.

The second CE device46may include some or all of the components shown for the CE device44. Either one or both CE devices may be powered by one or more batteries.

Now in reference to the afore-mentioned at least one server80, it includes at least one server processor82, at least one tangible computer readable storage medium84such as disk-based or solid-state storage, and at least one network interface86that, under control of the server processor82, allows for communication with the other devices ofFIG.1over the network22, and indeed may facilitate communication between servers and client devices in accordance with present principles. Note that the network interface86may be, e.g., a wired or wireless modem or router, Wi-Fi transceiver, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver.

Accordingly, in some embodiments the server80may be an Internet server or an entire server “farm” and may include and perform “cloud” functions such that the devices of the system10may access a “cloud” environment via the server80in example embodiments for, e.g., network gaming applications. Or, the server80may be implemented by one or more game consoles or other computers in the same room as the other devices shown inFIG.1or nearby.

Further to what has been alluded to above, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described below can be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor can be implemented by a controller or state machine or a combination of computing devices. Thus, the methods herein may be implemented as software instructions executed by a processor, suitably configured application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA) modules, or any other convenient manner as would be appreciated by those skilled in those art. Where employed, the software instructions may be embodied in a non-transitory device such as a hard disk drive, CD ROM or Flash drive. The software code instructions may also be downloaded over the Internet.

Now referring toFIG.2, a first force feedback mechanism is shown for providing resistance force to movement of a joystick200that may be implemented in a computer simulation controller according to logic described further below. The first force feedback mechanism may include a collar202around the joystick200that is made of a permanently magnetic material. The mechanism may also include plural electromagnets204(four shown inFIG.2spaced 90 degrees from each other) that can be energized individually or in appropriate combinations to prove a magnetic force on the collar202and, hence, joystick200. For example, all four electromagnets204may be energized to provide resistive force to motion of the joystick200in any direction, whereas two adjacent electromagnets may be energized to provide resistive force to motion of the joystick in one general direction but not in another general direction.

FIG.3illustrates a second force feedback mechanism for providing resistance force to movement of a joystick300that may be implemented in a computer simulation controller according to further description below. The first force feedback mechanism may include a collar302around the joystick300that is made of a permanently magnetic material. The mechanism may also include plural permanent magnets304(four shown inFIG.3spaced 90 degrees from each other) that can be individually or in appropriate combinations moved toward and away the joystick as indicated by the arrows306to prove a magnetic force on the collar302and, hence, joystick300. For example, all four magnets304may be moved closer to the joystick to provide resistive force to motion of the joystick300in any direction, whereas two adjacent electromagnets may be moved closer to the joystick than the remaining two magnets to provide resistive force to motion of the joystick in one general direction but not in another general direction.

In the non-limiting example shown inFIG.4, a magnet304may be coupled to a rack400that is moved translationally by a pinion402driven by a motor404such as a stepper motor. The motor can be energized in the appropriate direction to move the magnet through the rack-and-pinion mechanism.

FIG.5shows yet another force feedback mechanism for providing force feedback when a trigger500is depressed, e.g., by a player of a computer simulation to emulate shooting a weapon. The trigger500may include a plunger502that can be pressed into a fluid-filled housing504, the temperature and/or pressure of which may be controlled as appropriate for the desired resistive force against the plunger502by a heater/cooler506. The heater/cooler506may be an electric or hydraulic device.

Turning briefly toFIG.11, yet another force feedback mechanism is shown in which a computer simulation controller1100include a manipulable control1102such as a joystick or trigger. A motorized force feedback mechanism1104can be coupled to the control1102to provide resistive force to the control1102according to logic below. The motorized force feedback mechanism1104may be implemented by a potentially piezoelectric haptic trigger and motor that create resistance to motion of the control1102but that do not completely stiffen the control1102.

In an embodiment shown inFIG.12, the control1102may include a rod the end of which terminates in a ball1200within the housing of the controller1102. The ball may be coupled to the motor of the mechanism1104. Only a single omni-directional motor1202may be used, or two motors or more per joy stick (four shown inFIG.12) may be used to provide resistance to joystick motion in various directions as indicated by the arrows1204. Or, a coupling such as the collars described above but not necessarily magnetic may be provided around the ball and four motors provided coupled to the ball to exert a force in various directions against motion of the ball as required by logic below. Alternatively, the ball1200may be immersed in a ferrite powder, and permanent or electro-magnets used as described above in relation toFIGS.2and3to essentially excite the powder and thereby provide resistance force to motion of the joystick.

While the disclosure above relates to joysticks and triggers, it is to be understood that present principles can apply to any control on a computer simulation controller.

Returning toFIG.6, example logic for using any of the force feedback mechanisms described herein to provide resistive force to a control is shown. Simulation designers may provide force specifications for resistance depending on what is occurring in the simulation. Or, a simulation console or other computer may derive force specifications for resistance depending on what is occurring in the simulation using machine learning for a particular user, and/or by using other people's simulation play as a training set for a machine learning algorithm.

Commencing at block600, a first signal from a computer simulation is received indicating an event in a simulation being played using any of the controllers herein with force feedback mechanisms. At block602, responsive to the first signal, a first force is applied to a manipulable mechanism on a computer simulation controller configured to control the computer simulation. This may be done by correlating the first signal to a particular resistive force (including direction the force should be applied) using a lookup table.

Moving to block604, a second signal from the computer simulation is received, and at block606in response a second, different force (including direction) is applied to the manipulable mechanism on the computer simulation controller.

FIGS.7-10provide example use cases that implement the structures and logic described above. As shown inFIGS.7and8, a computer simulation may be presented on a display700such as any of the displays described herein. The simulation may include a road702along which a simulated vehicle703is to drive, as indicated by the arrow704inFIG.7. In this scenario, a signal indicating that the simulated vehicle is being correctly driven down the road702may result in the force feedback mechanism being actuated or controller to provide a low force feedback to, e.g., a joystick on a controller that a player uses to drive the simulated vehicle703.

However, as shown by the arrow800inFIG.8, should the player drive off the road702, the force feedback mechanism can be actuated to apply a high force to resist motion of the joystick in any direction except motion necessary to turn the vehicle703back onto the road702. In this way, force feedback aids the player in correctly moving the joystick by making it easier to move the joystick only in the “correct” direction.

FIGS.9and10illustrate another use case in which a computer simulation on a display900depicts a warplane902flying over targets. InFIG.9the simulation generates a signal indicating that the warplane902is over a target904of a first type, in this case, an enemy target. Responsive to the signal from the simulation, the force feedback mechanism may be actuated to provide a first resistance to a controller trigger manipulable to simulate dropping a weapon onto the target. When the target is an “enemy” target the force feedback may be low, to ease pushing the trigger.

On the other hand, when the simulation signal indicates that a target1000inFIG.10is of a second type, e.g., a friendly target, the force feedback mechanism may be actuated to provide a second resistance to the trigger. When the target is a friendly target the force feedback may be high, to make it more difficult to push the trigger. In this way, force feedback aids the player in correctly using the trigger.

It will be appreciated that whilst present principals have been described with reference to some example embodiments, these are not intended to be limiting, and that various alternative arrangements may be used to implement the subject matter claimed herein.