U.S. Pat. No. 8,062,133

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a schematic block diagram of an overhead view of an embodiment of a gaming system10that includes a game console30and a mobile gaming object40. The gaming system has an associated video gaming environment20corresponding to a physical area in which the game console30and the gaming object40are located. The physical area may be a room, portion of a room, and/or any other space where the mobile gaming object40and game console30are proximally co-located (e.g., airport terminal, on a bus, on an airplane, etc.).

The mobile gaming object40may be a wireless game controller and/or any object used or worn by the player to facilitate play of a video game. For example, the gaming object40may be a simulated sword, a simulated gun, a helmet, a vest, a hat, shoes, socks, pants, shorts, gloves, etc. The mobile gaming object40is able to move within a position and motion tracking area50of the gaming environment20. For example, motion of the mobile gaming object40may be achieved through user manipulation of the mobile gaming object40within the gaming environment20.

The game console30operates to determine the position of the mobile gaming object40within the gaming environment20using one or more positioning techniques, as subsequently discussed. Once the mobile gaming object's40position is determined, the game console30tracks the motion of the mobile gaming object40to facilitate video game play. For example, the game console30may determine the position of the mobile gaming object40within a positioning tolerance (e.g., within a meter) at a positioning update rate (e.g., once every second or once every few seconds) and track the motion within a motion tracking tolerance (e.g., within a few millimeters) at a motion tracking update rate (e.g., once every 10-100 milliseconds).

In operation, the game console30operates to determine the environment parameters of the gaming environment20corresponding to the physical area in which the gaming object40moves. The environmental parameters include, but are not limited to, height, width, and depth of the localized physical area, objects in the physical area, differing materials in the physical area, multiple path effects, interferers, etc. The game console30then maps the environment parameters to a particular coordinate system. As an example, if the physical area is a room, a point in the room is selected as the origin and the coordinate system is applied to at least some of the room. In addition, objects in the room (e.g., a couch, a chair, etc.) may be mapped to the coordinate system based on their physical location in the room.

Based on the mapped coordinate system, the game console30, in conjunction with the gaming object40, is able to determine the coordinates of the gaming object's40initial position in the gaming environment20using the one or more positioning techniques described below. It should be noted that the position of the gaming object40may be used to determine the position of the player(s) if the gaming object40is something worn by the player or is in close proximity to the player. In addition, the game console30, in conjunction with the gaming object40, is able to update the coordinates of the gaming object's40position to track its motion.

FIG. 2is a schematic block diagram of an overhead view of another embodiment of a gaming system10that includes the game console30, the mobile gaming object40, and multiple Radio Frequency (RF) transmitters60a-60cwithin the gaming environment20. In an embodiment, the RF transmitters60-60cmay be stand-alone devices that are physically distributed throughout the gaming environment20or may be included within device(s) that are already positioned within the gaming environment20. For example, the transmitters60a-60cmay be included in access points of a WLAN, smoke detectors, motion detectors of a security system, speakers of an intercom system, light fixtures, light bulbs, electronic equipment (e.g., computers, TVs, radios, clocks, etc.), and/or any device or object found or used in a localized physical area. Typically, once the transmitters60a-60care positioned within the gaming environment20, a calibration of the transmitters60a-60cis performed to determine the fixed three-dimensional locations of the transmitters60a-60cwithin the gaming environment20.

Each RF transmitter60a-60cis operable to transmit a combined RF signal that is formed from two or more RF signals that have a known relationship therebetween. For example, in one embodiment, the known relationship is a known frequency offset between a pair of RF signals at a known transmit power level. In another embodiment, the known relationship is a known phase offset between a pair of RF signals having the same frequency at a known transmit power level.

The transmitters60a-60cmay directionally transmit the RF signals or omni-directionally transmit the RF signals. The combination of two RF signals, each of a different frequency or different phase, produces an interference pattern of constructive and destructive areas originating from the point of origin (e.g., from the transmitter location). In constructive areas, the two RF signals combine in a constructive manner, that is, the two RF signals add together to form a combined RF signal whose amplitude is larger than either of the individual RF signals. In destructive areas, the two RF signals combine in a destructive manner, that is, the two RF signals subtract to form a combined RF signal whose amplitude is smaller than either of the individual RF signals. In general, the two RF signals will combine constructively when they are in phase with one another, and combine destructively when they are out of phase with one another.

In addition, the combined RF signal will have an in-air attenuation pattern based on the transmit power level of the combined RF signal and a path loss model (e.g., ITU indoor path loss model, another model, or calculated by placing a receiver at specific positions with respect to the transmitter, etc.) of the gaming environment20. In embodiments in which the known relationship is a frequency offset, the two or more RF signals can be transmitted substantially simultaneously or at different times. In the latter embodiment, the respective path loss of each individual RF signal can be used to determine the constructive/destructive interference patterns.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 4, each transmitter60includes at least two antennas70aand70bphysically separated by a known distance, and each antenna70aand70btransmits a different sinusoidal RF signal. In air, the signals combine in a known constructive and destructive manner to produce the combined RF signal, as described above. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9, each transmitter60includes a single antenna70that transmits the combined RF signal. In this embodiment, the two RF signals, each at a different carrier frequency (e.g., f1and f2), are generated and combined within the transmitter60prior to transmission by the single antenna70.

Referring again toFIG. 2, an antenna assembly of the mobile gaming object40receives each of the combined RF signals from the transmitters60a-60c. In one embodiment, the mobile gaming object40includes a single antenna for receiving the combined RF signals. In another embodiment, the mobile gaming object40includes three antennas, one for receiving the combined RF signals, and the other two for receiving the individual RF signals that make up the combined RF signals. The individual RF signals can be used to enhance the accuracy of the mobile gaming object40position determination based on the attenuation of the individual RF signals, as described below with respect toFIG. 8. For example, the received signal strength of the individual RF signals can be used to more accurately determine the distance between the mobile gaming object40and the transmitter.

Based on the known constructive and destructive patterns for each combined RF signal, the respective distances between the mobile gaming object40and each of the transmitters60a-60cmay be determined. By obtaining multiple distances from multiple transmitters, and with knowledge of the fixed transmitter locations, the position and/or motion of the mobile gaming object40can be determined. In one embodiment, the mobile gaming object40calculates the distances between the mobile gaming object40and the transmitters60a-60cand provides the distances to the game console30for use in calculating the position of the mobile gaming object40within the gaming environment20. In another embodiment, the mobile gaming object40provides signal properties of the received combined RF signals to the game console30, and the game console30calculates the distances between the mobile gaming object40and the transmitters60a-60cand the position of the mobile gaming object40within the gaming environment20based on these signal properties.

In an exemplary operation, each transmitter60a-60ctransmits a respective combined RF signal, in which each combined RF signal is formed from two or more RF signals having different carrier frequencies or the same carrier frequency with different phases. For example, a first antenna of a particular transmitter, e.g., transmitter60a, may be tuned to transmit a first frequency, while a second antenna of that particular transmitter60amay be tuned to transmit a second frequency. The RF signals may be sinusoidal tones and/or RF communications in accordance with a wireless communication protocol. In addition, each transmitter60a-60cmay operate using the same set of frequencies (e.g., the same carrier frequency or frequency offset) or different sets of frequencies (e.g., different carrier frequencies or frequency offsets) to produce their combined RF signals. In the former situation where the same frequencies are used, the transmitters60a-60cmay transmit their combined RF signals in a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) manner so as to avoid interference between the combined RF signals. In the latter situation where different frequencies are used for each combined RF signal, the transmitters60a-60cmay transmit their combined RF signals in a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) manner.

Moreover, one of the RF signals making up a particular combined RF signal may have a fixed frequency or phase, while another RF signal making up that particular combined RF signal may have a variable frequency or phase that is varied by that particular transmitter to facilitate improved positioning of the mobile gaming object40. For example, if the mobile gaming object40is located within a destructive area of a particular transmitter, e.g., transmitter60a, that transmitter60acan adjust the frequency of the variable RF signal to place the mobile gaming object40within a constructive interference area to increase the amplitude of the received combined RF signal, and improve the accuracy of any resulting measurements. In this instance, the difference in frequencies or phases between the mobile gaming object40lying in a constructive area and a destructive area can be used to facilitate the determination of its distance to the transmitter60a. As another example, the transmitter60acan sweep through the frequency range of the variable RF signal or implement a frequency hopping pattern to obtain a series of measurements in response to varying constructive, destructive interference patterns to improve the accuracy by achieving finer granularity of the resulting position of the mobile gaming object40.

The mobile gaming object40receives each of the combined RF signals and analyzes the received combined RF signals to determine signal properties of each of the RF signals. For example, each combined RF signal will be received with different constructive and destructive interaction between the pair of RF signals forming the combined RF signal based on the orientation of the mobile gaming object40with respect to the transmitters60a-60c. In this manner, as the properties of the respective signals changes, the movement of the gaming object40may be determined.

In another embodiment, instead of using multiple transmitters, a single transmitter can be placed within the mobile gaming object and multiple receivers can be positioned throughout the gaming environment. In this embodiment, the transmitter transmits a single combined RF signal that is received by each of the receivers. Each receiver analyzes the received combined RF signal to determine respective signal properties thereof. For example, each received combined RF signal will be received with different constructive and destructive interaction between the pair of RF signals forming the combined RF signal based on the orientation of the mobile gaming object40with respect to the receivers. Based on the known constructive and destructive patterns for each combined RF signal, the respective distances between the mobile gaming object40and each of the receivers may be determined. By obtaining multiple distances from multiple receivers, and with knowledge of the fixed receiver locations, the position and/or motion of the mobile gaming object40can be determined. In one embodiment, the receivers communicate the signal information to the mobile gaming object40and/or the game console30, and the distance calculation is then performed by the mobile gaming object40and/or the game console30. In another embodiment, the receivers calculate their respective distances to the mobile gaming object, and the distances are communicated to the mobile gaming object40and/or game console30for use in determining the position of the mobile gaming object40.

FIG. 3is a schematic block diagram illustrating various types of communication between the transmitters60a-60c, mobile gaming object40and game console30in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 3, each of the transmitters60a-60cis operable to transmit a respective combined RF signal that is received by a gaming receiver of the mobile gaming object40. The mobile gaming object40further includes a gaming transmitter that is operable to transmit RF signals containing signal information (i.e., signal properties, distances and/or positions) associated with the received combined RF signals to the game console30for use in determining the position and/or motion of the mobile gaming object40.

The mobile gaming object receiver may use a different frequency than the mobile gaming object transmitter for RF communications or it may use the same, or nearly the same, frequency. In the latter case, the frequency spectrum may be shared using a TDMA, FDMA, or some other sharing protocol. If the mobile gaming object transmitter and receiver share the frequency spectrum, they may share the antenna structures.

FIG. 4is a diagram of an example of constructive and destructive signaling to facilitate the determination of positioning and/or motion tracking. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, two antennas70aand70bphysically separated by a known distance DTXtransmit different sinusoidal signals, A1cos ω1t and A2cos ω2t. In one embodiment, ω1corresponds to a first carrier frequency and ω2corresponds to a second carrier frequency, such that ω1and ω2have a known frequency offset therebetween. In this embodiment, the two sinusoidal signals A1cos ω1t and A2cos ω2t can be transmitted substantially simultaneously or A1cos ω1t can be transmitted at a first time t1and A2cos ω2t can be transmitted at another time t2. In yet another embodiment, the two sinusoidal signals A1cos ω1t and A2cos ω2t have the same carrier frequency, but different phases, such that ω1=ω2+phase offset.

In air, the signals combine in a constructive and destructive manner to produce an interference pattern80corresponding to areas of constructive interference85and areas of destructive interference90. As shown inFIG. 4, the constructive/destructive interference areas are mapped onto a plane to form concentric rings75of constructive and destructive interference that are centered on the transmitter60. Each ring75has an inner surface whose distance (d1) to the transmitter60corresponds to the radius of the inner surface of the ring75and an outer surface whose distance (d2) to the transmitter60corresponds to the radius of the outer surface of the ring75. Thus, each ring75encompasses all of the distances to the transmitter that fall between the two respective radii for that ring75(e.g., all distances between d1and d2).

Based on initial calibrations performed when the transmitters60are first configured within the gaming environment, the constructive and destructive interference patterns80(e.g., the actual combined RF signals as received that make-up the pattern), along with the constructive and destructive areas85and90, respectively, corresponding to those patterns, are determined. Thus, when the gaming object40receives the combined RF signal from a particular transmitter60, the mobile gaming object40is able to determine where the received combined RF signal lies within the constructive and destructive pattern80for that transmitter60, and therefore, whether the mobile gaming object40lies within a constructive or destructive area85or90, respectively. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the combined RF signal received by the mobile gaming object40is a destructively combined RF signal, indicating that the mobile gaming object40is located within a destructive interference area90. In particular, the combined RF signal as received by the mobile gaming object40indicates that the mobile gaming object40is located within the second destructive interference area90of the interference pattern80.

Based on which constructive/destructive area that the mobile gaming object40is located in, the distance between the transmitter60and the mobile gaming object40can be determined. In one embodiment, each constructive and destructive area85and90, respectively, is assigned a particular distance from the transmitter60that is within that area. For example, the distance assigned to a particular area can be the distance d1from the transmitter60to the inner surface of the concentric ring75forming that area, the distance d2from the transmitter60to the outer surface of the concentric ring75forming that area or to some distance between d1and d2.

FIG. 5is a signal diagram illustrating constructive and destructive signaling in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary standing wave produced as a result of a combination of two RF signals having a known frequency offset therebetween that can be used to enhance the position determination of the mobile gaming object. By comparing the known standing wave to the received combined RF signal, not only can the particular constructive or destructive area that the mobile gaming object is located in be determined, but also an estimate can be made of where the mobile gaming object lies within that particular constructive or destructive area.

For example, assume a transmitter transmits a first signal A1cos ω1t from a first antenna and a second signal A2cos ω2t from a second antenna, the resulting combined in-air signal is:
y(t)=A1cos ω1t+A2cos ω2t,(Equation 1)
which can also be represented as:

y⁡(t)=2⁢(A1+A2)⁢cos⁢12⁢(ω1+ω2)⁢t⋆cos⁢12⁢(ω1-ω2)⁢t.(Equation⁢⁢2)
If ω2=xω1and Ay=2(A1+A2), then:

y⁡(t)=Ay⁢cos⁡(1+x2)⁢ω1⁢t⋆cos⁡(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t.(Equation⁢⁢3)
The frequency of the lower frequency (or slower) signal component

(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t
in Equation 3 dictates where the destructive interference areas are within the resulting combined standing wave due to the fact the signal components will add destructively over a greater portion of the standing wave when the amplitude of the slower signal component is at a minimum than when the amplitude of the faster signal component is at a minimum, as can be seen inFIG. 5. Therefore, the destructive areas can be defined based on an angle of

(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t
(e.g., −30° to 30° and +150° to +210°).

Once the destructive areas are identified within the standing wave and the amount of signal attenuation due to path loss (i.e., Aydecreases with respect to distance from the transmitter) is factored into the predetermined standing wave, the amplitude and phase of the received combined RF signal can be analyzed to determine where the received combined RF signal matches up with the predetermined standing wave. Again, since the frequency of the slower signal component

(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t
dictates where the destructive interference areas are within the resulting combined standing wave, the wavelength of the resulting standing wave corresponds to the wavelength of the slower signal component

(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t.
As such, by determining the number of cycles in the standing wave prior to the position of the received combined RF signal within the standing wave and multiplying the number of cycles by the wavelength of the slower signal component, an estimated distance between the transmitter and the mobile gaming object corresponding to the distance between the transmitter and the particular interference area within which the mobile gaming object is located can be calculated.

To determine the wavelength of the slower signal component, the coefficient x can be set, for example, such that 1≦x≦2, which yields a particular ratio between the frequencies of the signal components

(1+x2)⁢ω1⁢t⁢⁢and⁢⁢(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t.
This ratio can be used to easily determine the wavelength of the slower signal component

(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t.

As an example, setting x to 1.1 yields a ratio of 20:1 between the frequencies of

(1+x2)⁢ω1⁢t
and

(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t,
setting x to 1.25 yields a ratio of 9:1 between the frequencies of

(1+x2)⁢ω1⁢t
and

(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t,
and setting x to 2 yields a ratio of 3:1 between the frequencies of

(1+x2)⁢ω1⁢t⁢⁢and⁢⁢(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t.

Using the above ratios, when ω1is set to 60 GHz, the frequencies and wavelengths of the corresponding signal components

(1+x2)⁢ω1⁢t⁢⁢and⁢⁢(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t
are as shown in the following table:

TABLE 1x(1+x2)⁢ω1⁢t(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t1.1f = 63 GHzf = 3 GHzλ = 4.77 mmλ = 100 mm1.25f = 67.5 GHzf = 7.5 GHzλ = 4.4 mmλ = 40 mm2f = 90 GHzf = 30 GHzλ = 3.3 mmλ = 10 mm
Thus, with knowledge of the ratio between the frequencies of the signal components, the wavelength of the slower signal component can be easily determined, which enables the distance between the transmitter and the mobile gaming object to be calculated by comparing the received combined RF signal to the predetermined standing wave for the combined RF signal.

In addition, the higher the ratio is between the signal components, the narrower the destructive interference areas are with respect to the constructive interference areas. For example, using the same angle of

(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t
to define the destructive areas, as the wavelength of the slower signal component decreases, the percentage of the standing wave defined by the angle of

(1-x2)⁢ω1⁢t
decreases, which effectively decreases the percentage of the standing wave that include destructive interference areas. Therefore, by increasing the ratio between the signal components and adjusting ω2to position the mobile gaming object within a destructive interference area, the distance estimate between the transmitter and the mobile gaming object can be improved.

Turning now toFIG. 6, with the known position of the transmitter, e.g., transmitter60a, and the distance between the transmitter60aand the mobile gaming object40, the mobile gaming object's location can be determined to be somewhere on the surface of an imaginary sphere (shown as a circle in two-dimensions) centered on that transmitter60a, and whose radius is the distance to it. As shown inFIG. 6, when the distance to at least three transmitters60a-60cis known, the intersection of the three imaginary spheres reveals the position of the mobile gaming object40. To determine the position of the mobile gaming object in three-dimensions, the distance to four or more transmitters may be preferred.

Since each constructive/destructive area covers a range of distances (Δd=d2=d1), the assigned distance for that area will only be an estimate, and may not meet positioning tolerance criteria for the gaming system. For instance, at 60 GHz, the wavelength is 5 mm, whereas at 6 GHz, the wavelength is 50 mm. As such, combining signals in the 60 Hz range will produce mm accuracy, while combining signals in the 6 GHz range will produce cm accuracy.

Therefore, in another embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, one of the RF signals has a variable frequency, and the transmitter60is able to sweep through multiple frequencies for the variable RF signal to more accurately determine the distance between the mobile gaming object40and the transmitter60. For example, as shown inFIG. 7A, by using a first combination of two frequencies (f1and f2) for the transmitter60that produces a first interference pattern80a, a first range of distances (between d1and d2) between the transmitter60and the mobile gaming object40can be determined. Then, as shown inFIG. 7B, by using a second combination of frequencies (f1and f3) for the transmitter60that produces a second interference pattern80b, a second range of distances (between d3and d4) between the transmitter60and mobile gaming object40can be determined. It can be seen fromFIG. 7Bthat the two ranges of distances partially overlap. Therefore, in order to improve the accuracy of the distance measurement, the distance from the transmitter60to the mobile gaming object40can be determined from the overlapping distances (i.e., the distance can be some distance between d3and d2). Subsequent frequency combinations can further narrow the range of distances, and therefore, further improve the distance measurement.

For example, referring again to Equation 3 and Table 1 above, by adjusting the frequency of ω2to produce a higher ratio between the signal components, the wavelength of the slower signal component can be reduced, thereby reducing the distance between adjacent interference areas and effectively narrowing the range of distances within which the mobile gaming object is located. In addition, by increasing the ratio between the signal components and adjusting ω2to position the mobile gaming object within a destructive interference area, the distance estimate between the transmitter and the mobile gaming object can be further improved.

In another embodiment, with reference now toFIG. 8, the distance estimation can be additionally enhanced using the known attenuation of an RF signal, as described above. In general, attenuation is proportional to the square of the distance between the transmitter and receiver. As an example, an 802.11b radio operating at 11 Mbps will experience approximately 100 dB of attenuation at about 200 feet. In addition, attenuation is also proportional to the square of the frequency of the RF signal Thus, the attenuation increases as the frequency or range increases. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, f2is of a higher frequency and thus attenuates in air more quickly over distance than the f1signal. Therefore, by measuring the received signal strength of either the combined RF signal (in the case of a single transmit antenna) or one of the individual RF signals making up the combined RF signal (in the case of two or more transmit antennas), and with knowledge of the transmission power of that signal, the distance between the transmitter and the mobile gaming object can be more accurately determined.

FIG. 10is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a gaming object40that includes a gaming object transmitter42, a gaming object receiver44and a processing module45. The gaming object receiver44is coupled to receive a plurality of combined RF signals, each transmitted by a respective transmitter located within the gaming environment. The gaming object transmitter42is coupled to transmit RF signals containing signal information (i.e., signal properties, distances and/or positions) associated with the received combined RF signals to the game console for use in determining the position and/or motion of the mobile gaming object40.

The processing module45is operable to process the received combined RF signals to produce signal information representative of properties of the received combined RF signals and to provide this signal information, via the gaming transmitter42, to the game console. For example, in one embodiment, the processing module45processes the received combined RF signals to extract signal properties that indicate which constructive/destructive interference areas that the mobile gaming object40lies within and transmits these signal properties, via the gaming transmitter42, to the game console for use in determining the distances between the mobile gaming object40and the transmitters and in determining the position of the mobile gaming object40within the gaming environment. In another embodiment, the processing module45processes the received combined RF signals to determine the actual constructive/destructive interference areas that the mobile gaming object40lies within and provides this information to the game console for use in determining the distances between the mobile gaming object40and the transmitters and in determining the position of the mobile gaming object40within the gaming environment.

In yet another embodiment, the processing module45calculates the distances between the mobile gaming object40and the transmitters and provides these distances to the game console for use in calculating the position of the mobile gaming object40within the gaming environment. In still another embodiment, processing module45calculates both the distances between the mobile gaming object40and the transmitters and the position of the mobile gaming object40within the gaming environment and provides this position to the game console to facilitate video game play.

The processing module45may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module45may have an associated memory and/or memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of the processing module. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when the processing module implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Further note that, the memory element stores, and the processing module executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated inFIGS. 1-23.

FIG. 11is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a gaming object40and/or game console30that includes a physical layer (PHY) integrated circuit (IC)35and a medium access control (MAC) layer controller38. The PHY IC35includes a position and/or motion tracking RF section32, a control interface RF section34, and a baseband processing module36. The game console30may use a standardized protocol, a proprietary protocol, and/or a combination thereof to provide the communication between the gaming object40and the console30.

The MAC controller38triggers position and/or tracking data collection, formatting of the data, processing of the data, and/or controlling position and/or tracking data communications and/or control interface communications. The position and/or tracking RF section32includes circuitry to transmit/receive one or more RF signals including the position and/or tracking data. The control interface RF section34includes circuitry to transmit/receive control information related to the collection and/or processing of the position and/or tracking data. The position and/or tracking data may include, for example, the received combined RF signals and/or the signal information representing signal properties of the received combined RF signals.

When operating as a game console30, the MAC controller38further operates to determine the environment parameters of the gaming environment corresponding to the physical area in which the gaming object moves, and to map the environment parameters to a particular coordinate system. In addition, the MAC controller38operates to determine the coordinates of the gaming object's position in the gaming environment and to facilitate video game play in accordance with the gaming object's coordinates.

The MAC controller38may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions. The MAC controller38may have an associated memory and/or memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of the processing module. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when the MAC controller implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Further note that, the memory element stores, and the processing module executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated inFIGS. 1-23.

FIGS. 12-14are diagrams of an embodiment of a coordinate system of a localized physical area that may be used for a gaming system including a mobile gaming object40and a game console30. In these figures, an xyz origin is selected to be somewhere in the localized physical area and each point being tracked and/or used for positioning on the gaming object40is determined based on its Cartesian coordinates (e.g., x1, y1, z1). As the gaming object40moves, the new position of the tracking and/or positioning points are determined in Cartesian coordinates with respect to the origin.

FIGS. 15-17are diagrams of another embodiment of a coordinate system of a localized physical area that may be used for a gaming system including a mobile gaming object40and a game console30. In these figures, an origin is selected to be somewhere in the localized physical area and each point being tracked and/or used for positioning on the gaming object40is determined based on its vector, or spherical, coordinates (ρ, φ, θ), which are defined as: ρ≧0 is the distance from the origin to a given point P. 0≦φ≦180° is the angle between the positive z-axis and the line formed between the origin and P. 0≦θ≦360° is the angle between the positive x-axis and the line from the origin to the P projected onto the xy-plane. φ is referred to as the zenith, colatitude or polar angle, while θ is referred to as the azimuth.φ and θ lose significance when ρ=0 and θ loses significance when sin(φ)=0 (at φ=0 and φ=180°). To plot a point from its spherical coordinates, go ρ units from the origin along the positive z-axis, rotate φ about the y-axis in the direction of the positive x-axis and rotate θ about the z-axis in the direction of the positive y-axis. As the gaming object40moves, the new position of the tracking and/or positioning points are determined in vector, or spherical, coordinates with respect to the origin.

WhileFIGS. 12-17illustrate two types of coordinate system, any three-dimensional coordinate system may be used for tracking motion and/or establishing position within a gaming system.

FIGS. 18-20are diagrams of a coordinate system for tracking motion of a gaming object40. In these figures, an origin is selected to be somewhere in the localized physical area and the initial position of a point being tracked on the gaming object40is determined based on its vector, or spherical coordinates (e.g., ρ1, φ1, θ1). As the gaming object40moves, the new position of the tracking and/or positioning points are determined as a vector, or spherical coordinates with respect to the preceding location (e.g., ΔV, or Δρ, Δφ, Δθ). As another example, the positioning and motion tracking of the player may be done with reference to the position of the gaming object40, such that the gaming objects position is determined with reference to the origin and/or its previous position and the position of the player is determined with reference to the gaming object's position.

FIGS. 21 and 22are diagrams of a method for determining position and/or motion tracking that begins at step102by determining the environment parameters (e.g., determining the properties of the localized physical area such as height, width, depth, objects in the physical area, etc.). The method then continues at step104by mapping the environment parameters to a coordinate system (e.g., Cartesian coordinate system ofFIGS. 12-14or spherical coordinate system ofFIGS. 15-17). Once the transmitters are placed within the gaming environment, the method continues at step106with calibrating the transmitters to determine the fixed locations of the transmitters within the coordinate system and to identify the particular interference patterns of constructive and destructive areas created by each of the transmitters based on the frequency offsets utilized by each of the transmitters.

InFIG. 22, the method continues at step108by transmitting combined RF signals from multiple transmitters within the gaming environment, in which each of the combined RF signals is produced from a combination of two or more individual RF signals at different carrier frequencies. Upon receiving the combined RF signals at the mobile gaming object at step110, the method continues at step112by determining the coordinates of the gaming object's initial position based on the constructive/destructive area that the mobile gaming object lies within, as described above. The method then continues at step114by updating the gaming object's position to track the gaming object's motion based on the constructive/destructive areas. It should be noted that the rate of tracking the motion of the gaming object may be done at a rate based on the video gaming being played and the expected speed of motion. It should be further noted that a tracking rate of 10 milliseconds provides 0.1 mm accuracy in motion tracking.

FIG. 23is a diagram of a method for processing a position and/or motion based gaming action that begins at step120by placing the gaming object (e.g., a controller) and/or game console in a gaming mode. The method continues at step122by establishing the gaming object's current position and orientation with respect to an initial position in a gaming display area as determined by mapping the current position and orientation within the gaming environment to the gaming display area. For example, if the game being played is a shooing arcade game and the gaming object is functioning as a gun, this step determines the initial aiming of the gun.

The method continues at step124by determining whether the position and orientation of the gaming object is within the gaming display area. If yes, the method continues at step126by providing a display icon corresponding to the position and orientation. For example, the icon may be cross hairs of a gun to correspond to the aiming of the video game gun. The method continues at steps128and130by tracking the motion of the gaming object and mapping the motion to the gaming display area.

The method continues at step132by determining whether an action has been received. For example, has the trigger of the gun been pulled? If not, at step124, the process repeats as shown. If yes, the process continues at step134by processing the action. For example, the processing may include mapping the shooting of the gun in accordance with the aiming of the gun.

As may be used herein, the term(s) “coupled to” and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, the term “operable to” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item.

The present invention has also been described above with the aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention.

The present invention has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of certain significant functions. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and the like or any combination thereof.