Motion-based input for platforms and applications

Abstract

The flexible motion system simplifies the process of adding motion-based input to an application. The flexible motion system uses a motion detection device to detect motion based on the movement of an object. Next, the flexible motion system converts the motion detected by the motion detection device into input recognized by the application, and provides this input to the application. The motion may be converted using a grammar specified by an application developer through an updateable action pack.

1 . A method of adding motion-based control to an application operating on a platform, the method comprising:
 detecting motion based on the movement of an object received from a motion detecting device;   mapping the detected motion to control information recognized by an application, wherein the mapping is based on a motion grammar;   transmitting the control information to the platform on which the application is operating.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the motion detecting device includes at least one of an accelerometer, gyroscope, and electronic compass. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein transmitting the control information comprises transmitting the control information over a wireless link. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the motion detecting device is embodied in a satellite controller that includes a wireless communication unit and programmable microcontroller. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the satellite controller contains upgradeable firmware. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the movement is detected from multiple objects having attached satellite controllers including motion detecting devices. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the motion detecting devices are attached to part of the body of a user. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the motion detecting devices are attached to at least one of a human, a non-human living species, a machine, and a natural phenomenon. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the satellite controllers communicate wirelessly through one or more wireless communication devices. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the satellite controllers are organized in groups and each group communicates through a separate wireless communication device with the application. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the wireless communication devices operate using at least one of 802.15.4, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, and Zigbee. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the wireless communication devices communicate with a dongle attached to the application platform. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the dongle comprises at least one of a USB dongle, proprietary controller dongle, keyboard dongle, and mouse dongle. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the motion grammar specifies rules for converting a combination of movements into one or more inputs for the application. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the motion grammar is a BNF grammar. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the application is a game. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the application is a fitness application. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the device is operated by a person and wherein the moving object is a part of the person's body.