U.S. Pat. No. 12,128,302

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to computer ecosystems including aspects of consumer electronics (CE) device networks such as but not limited to computer game networks. A system herein may include server and client components which may be 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, extended reality (XR) headsets such as 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, Inc., or Google, or a Berkeley Software Distribution or Berkeley Standard Distribution (BSD) OS including descendants of BSD. 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 be used that 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 or gamer network to network members.

A processor may be a 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.

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.

Referring now 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 a theater display system which may be projector-based, or an Internet-enabled TV with a TV tuner (equivalently, set top box controlling a TV). The AVD12alternatively may also be a computerized Internet enabled (“smart”) telephone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a head-mounted device (HMD) and/or headset such as smart glasses or a VR headset, another wearable computerized device, a computerized Internet-enabled music player, computerized Internet-enabled headphones, 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. For example, the AVD12can include one or more touch-enabled displays14that may be implemented by a high definition or ultra-high definition “4K” or higher flat screen. The touch-enabled display(s)14may include, for example, a capacitive or resistive touch sensing layer with a grid of electrodes for touch sensing consistent with present principles.

The AVD12may also include one or more speakers16for outputting audio in accordance with present principles, and at least one additional input device18such as an audio receiver/microphone for 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, a LAN, etc. under control of one or more processors24. 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 controlling the display14to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom. Furthermore, note the network interface20may be a wired or wireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such as 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 and/or output ports26such as a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port or a universal serial bus (USB) port to physically connect 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 a separate or integrated set top box, or a satellite receiver. Or the source26amay be a game console or disk player containing content. The source26awhen implemented as a game console may include some or all of the components described below in relation to the CE device48.

The AVD12may further include one or more computer memories/computer-readable storage media28such 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 or the below-described server. 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 receive geographic position information from a satellite or cellphone base station and provide the information to the processor24and/or determine an altitude at which the AVD12is disposed in conjunction with the processor24.

Continuing the description of the AVD12, in some embodiments the AVD12may include one or more cameras32that may be a thermal imaging camera, a digital camera such as a webcam, an IR sensor, an event-based sensor, and/or a camera integrated into the AVD12and controllable by the processor24to gather pictures/images and/or video in accordance with present principles. 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.

Further still, the AVD12may include one or more auxiliary sensors38that provide input to the processor24. For example, one or more of the auxiliary sensors38may include one or more pressure sensors forming a layer of the touch-enabled display14itself and may be, without limitation, piezoelectric pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, piezoresistive strain gauges, optical pressure sensors, electromagnetic pressure sensors, etc. Other sensor examples include a pressure sensor, 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, an event-based sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g., for sensing gesture command). The sensor38thus may be implemented by one or more motion sensors, such as individual accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers and/or an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that typically includes a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to determine the location and orientation of the AVD12in three dimension or by an event-based sensors such as event detection sensors (EDS). An EDS consistent with the present disclosure provides an output that indicates a change in light intensity sensed by at least one pixel of a light sensing array. For example, if the light sensed by a pixel is decreasing, the output of the EDS may be −1; if it is increasing, the output of the EDS may be a +1. No change in light intensity below a certain threshold may be indicated by an output binary signal of 0.

The AVD12may also include an over-the-air TV broadcast port40for 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, as may be a kinetic energy harvester that may turn kinetic energy into power to charge the battery and/or power the AVD12. A graphics processing unit (GPU)44and field programmable gated array46also may be included. One or more haptics/vibration generators47may be provided for generating tactile signals that can be sensed by a person holding or in contact with the device. The haptics generators47may thus vibrate all or part of the AVD12using an electric motor connected to an off-center and/or off-balanced weight via the motor's rotatable shaft so that the shaft may rotate under control of the motor (which in turn may be controlled by a processor such as the processor24) to create vibration of various frequencies and/or amplitudes as well as force simulations in various directions.

A light source such as a projector such as an infrared (IR) projector also may be included.

In addition to the AVD12, the system10may include one or more other CE device types. In one example, a first CE device48may be a computer game console that can 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 device50may include similar components as the first CE device48. In the example shown, the second CE device50may be configured as a computer game controller manipulated by a player or a head-mounted display (HMD) worn by a player. The HMD may include a heads-up transparent or non-transparent display for respectively presenting AR/MR content or VR content (more generally, extended reality (XR) content). The HMD may be configured as a glasses-type display or as a bulkier VR-type display vended by computer game equipment manufacturers.

In the example shown, only two CE devices are shown, it being understood that fewer or greater devices may be used. A device herein may implement some or all of the components shown for the AVD12. Any of the components shown in the following figures may incorporate some or all of the components shown in the case of the AVD12.

Now in reference to the afore-mentioned at least one server52, it includes at least one server processor54, at least one tangible computer readable storage medium56such as disk-based or solid-state storage, and at least one network interface58that, under control of the server processor54, allows for communication with the other illustrated devices over the network22, and indeed may facilitate communication between servers and client devices in accordance with present principles. Note that the network interface58may 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 server52may 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 server52in example embodiments for, e.g., network gaming applications. Or the server52may be implemented by one or more game consoles or other computers in the same room as the other devices shown or nearby.

The components shown in the following figures may include some or all components shown in herein. Any user interfaces (UI) described herein may be consolidated and/or expanded, and UI elements may be mixed and matched between UIs. The logic shown in flow charts herein may be executed by any one or more of the processors discussed herein.

Present principles may employ various machine learning models, including deep learning models. Machine learning models consistent with present principles may use various algorithms trained in ways that include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, feature learning, self-learning, and other forms of learning. Examples of such algorithms, which can be implemented by computer circuitry, include one or more neural networks, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), and a type of RNN known as a long short-term memory (LSTM) network. Support vector machines (SVM) and Bayesian networks also may be considered to be examples of machine learning models. In addition to the types of networks set forth above, models herein may be implemented by classifiers.

As understood herein, performing machine learning may therefore involve accessing and then training a model on training data to enable the model to process further data to make inferences. An artificial neural network/artificial intelligence model trained through machine learning may thus include an input layer, an output layer, and multiple hidden layers in between that that are configured and weighted to make inferences about an appropriate output.

FIG.2illustrates a player200of a computer simulation such as a computer game being presented on a display202under control of a computer simulation controller204operated by the player200. The computer simulation may be provided by a source206of computer simulations such as a computer game console or streaming game server consistent with commands input by the player200on the controller204. In the non-limiting example shown, the player200also is wearing an XR headset208which may present the computer simulation in addition to or in lieu of the display202.

As indicated at210,FIG.2illustrates the player200at the start of a distraction period that has been initiated by one or more interruptions external to the computer simulation. By way of illustration, the interruption is the ringing of a mobile phone212. Other example interruptions are discussed further below.

FIG.3illustrates the player200during the interruption. As shown, the player200has stopped playing the computer simulation, laying down the controller204and picking up the phone212to answer the call.

FIG.4illustrates he player200returning from the interruption to resume play of the computer simulation. The player200has laid down the phone212and grasped the controller204to resume playing the simulation.

FIG.5illustrates the overall logic of any one or more processors described herein executing a computer program, referred to herein as an away-from-keyboard (AFK) helper, consistent with the three phases of interruption illustrated inFIGS.2-4. While the term “AFK” is used for shorthand, it is to be understood that in example embodiments the AFK helper provides assistance to the player during interruptions in playing computer simulations which may not use keyboards per se in the three interrupt phases illustrated inFIGS.2-4.

Commencing at block500, the start of a distraction period (“AFK”) is detected. AFK support is executed at block502during the interruption. The end of the distraction period is detected at block504, and AFK recovery support is executed at block506. These blocks are described in greater detail below.

The AFK helper can be integrated into the system software with hooks into games customized by game developers, offering a consistent, platform-wide experience that makes sense for any given game.

FIGS.6-8illustrate example techniques for detecting the start of a distraction period characterized by an interruption during play of a computer simulation. The AFK helper can detect “entering” AFK through a number of means. For instance, audio signals received through a microphone on the controller204or other device may trigger the start of a distraction period. Without limitation, such triggering audio signals may include the sound of the cell phone212ringing (FIG.6), a baby crying, a doorbell ringing, sounds of an accident such as glass being shattered, etc. Such sounds may be classified by one more ML models trained on data including audio signals along with ground truth tags of the audio signals.

Additionally, a distraction period may be identified by automatically tracking timers that have been set in the location. The timers may be detected by detecting sounds emitted from the timers and/or by communicatively coupling the timers with the AFK system such that information from the timers is communicated via IP for example to the AFK system. Examples include tracking an appliance tracker such as an oven timer or a laundry timer. Based on the timer indicating that attention is required, the game can be paused and the user alerted audibly, visually, or tactilely to check the relevant appliance. Messages may be sent to other players indicating an expected away time for the user to check the appliance.

Depending on the type of sound classified, the duration of the distraction period may be initially estimated. The ringing of a doorbell may be interpreted to mean a short distraction period. The sound of a car starting may be interpreted to mean a medium length period, whereas the sound of an emergency such as glass shattering may be interpreted to mean a long distraction period. Support may be rendered for a short distraction period merely by pausing game play, for example, at the detection of a phone ringing or doorbell sounding.

Or, a short distraction period always may be assumed, but if the player does not resume manipulating the controller within a short period, e.g., thirty seconds, a longer distraction period may be assumed.

FIG.7illustrates that another technique for detecting a distraction period caused by an interruption to simulation play may be by device integration, such as integration of a system700such as the computer simulation system with a cell phone212or other and video chat system, integration with an Internet of Things (IoT) device such as a doorbell, integration with an alarm/reminder triggered by a home assistant, etc.

FIG.8illustrates that another technique for detecting a distraction period caused by an interruption to simulation play may be by player action, for instance, pressing a button800such as a special purpose “AFK” button on the controller204. Another example may be a triple press of a conventional button if no dedicated button exists. A voice command from the user that the user is stepping away may also be used.

In addition, a distraction period may be identified by lack of motion of a controller for a period, e.g., five to ten seconds, as indicated by signals form motion sensors in the controller indicating that the user has laid the controller down and is no longer manipulating it.

FIG.9illustrates that support rendered to the player during the distraction period may change the longer the distraction period is. Commencing at block900, at or near the start of the distraction period short term actions may be initiated. Such short-term actions may be to pause the simulation for the player200only, or for all players in a multi-player game, or transmission of a message to other players in the game that the player200will be absent only a short time, as but a few examples.

In the example above in which the distraction period is initially assumed to be short until a certain short term period such as thirty second has elapsed, as the thirty second mark (in one example) approaches,FIG.10illustrates at1000that the AFK helper can prompt the player, “will you be gone long?” using an audible or visual message, e.g., on the display202. Responding “yes”1002or failure to respond within a threshold period can be interpreted as indicated at state902inFIG.9that the distraction period will be longer, and that additional AFK support will be required as indicated at state904inFIG.9. If the answer in the example above is NO1004, the AFK helper continues with short-term AFK actions.

As mentioned above, certain triggers may automatically cause the AFK helper to assume one of the distraction length modes. For instance, glass being shattered might automatically be assumed to be a long AFK so as not to cause additional stress to the player through additional prompts.

FIG.11illustrates example assistance that may be rendered to the player200by the AFK helper. One or more of the examples shown inFIG.11may be rendered at or just following initial detection of the interruption (short term), and one or more of the examples shown inFIG.11may be rendered during a longer-term interruption.

Block1100indicates that the AFK helper may send messages to friends or fellow competitors of the player200that the player200is temporarily away, with an indication of whether it is a short or long time. Block1102indicates that the character in the computer simulation that is associated with the player200(player character or “PC”) may be moved within the virtual space of the simulation to a safe location in the virtual space, such as a cave or another planet. Or, the PC may remain in its virtual location but be made invisible to other game objects, or be made immortal to blows from weapons by, e.g., establishing an impenetrable force field around the PC, such that the PC cannot be killed while the player is away.

Block1104indicates that a game save may be initiated particularly if a long distraction period is anticipated. Also, block1106indicates that for longer term distraction periods a ML-based agent may input play commands on the player's behalf. This may be done according to customization from state1108, for instance, with the player200creating a macro for what behaviors to perform under certain AFK triggers. Or, a ML model trained on player preferences may execute the play at block1106for the player200. If desired, during the distraction period the controller202may be disabled to prevent inadvertent signals being input by a pet or child while the player is distracted.

Moving to block1110, key events in the computer simulation may be recorded. In the context of computer games these may include crux events of game play such as boss kills. Crux events also may include what other players of the game unlocked while the player200was interrupted, how the PC died while the player200was interrupted, etc. The key events also may include time-based attention (where a competitor was focused in the simulation) and sentiment (what the emotions were of competitors during play in the distraction period). The recorded game events may be used at block1112to generate a recap of the simulation for presentation to the player200when he or she returns.

Upon returning from the distraction period caused by an interruption, the AFK helper can offer some services to help bring the player200back online. Based on the duration of the distraction period, the helper may know how much the player200needs to catch up on.

FIG.12illustrates that for a short-term absence, a reminder1200may be presented audibly or visually, for example on the display200shown inFIGS.2-4, of the short-term goals of the player200. In the example shown, the short-term goal of the player200was to kill a boss character in the simulation as evinced by the conduct of the PC just prior to the interruption.

FIG.13illustrates that more generally, when the distraction period has ended the AFK helper may determine at block1300a length of the distraction period, and based on that more to block1302to present a recap of the events of the computer simulation that transpired prior to and/or during the distraction period based on the length of the period. The simulation may be restarted at the point the recap video ends, perhaps with a merging effect such as slowing down the speed of a race car in a race simulation for a few seconds until the player200has had a chance to collect himself Such slowing down of simulation play overall or only of certain objects in the simulation may be implemented during the distraction period as well.

Phase II actions such as one or more of those illustrated inFIG.11may be reversed during phase II at block1304, for example, notifying friends of the player200that the player200has returned to play, indicating on a minimap where the PC was located before being moved to safety, etc.

For a mid-term absence a reminder of where the PC was along a quest line/quest chain and additional context may be presented. For a long-term absence (e.g., returning the next day) a recap video may be played automatically upon the player200taking up the controller or otherwise indicating a return to play of what the PC was doing shortly before becoming distracted by an interruption as well as what happened in the computer simulation while the player200was away.

FIGS.14-17illustrate the principles ofFIG.13in further examples. InFIG.14a message1400is presented that the PC was looking for a weapon prior to being interrupted. InFIG.15is message1500is presented that the PC was looking for a non-player character (NPC) to kill the NPC but that the PC had lost its weapon prior to being interrupted. InFIG.16a video recap1600is presented of the last “X” minutes of the simulation prior to being interrupted. Or, the video recap1600may be a recap of simulation events generated at block1112inFIG.11and presented at block1302inFIG.13.

In presenting a recap of events just prior to the interruption, a brief rewind of the recap video may be effected to account for, e.g., the PC about to be killed, and an immediate continuation of the simulation springing this unfortunate event on the player before the player has had a chance to “get up to speed” in play. Additionally, further actions to seamlessly transition the player200back to player control may be taken. As an example, the AFK helper may insist, though onscreen instructions or audible instructions, for example, that the player200return key poses and controller pose to the pose these elements were in at the start of the interruption.

FIG.17illustrates, as alluded to above, that upon return from AFK a minimap1700may be presented indicating where the PC1702was located before being moved to safety.

While the particular embodiments are herein shown and described in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter which is encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims.