Gaming Hardware Benefits from Force Measurement Solutions
When you think of the video game industry, hardware doesn’t quite get the same attention as the games themselves. Yet, the virtual environments and the software development that goes into creating one of the largest entertainments and now sporting sectors in the world, only operates when you have good hardware solution.
Whether it is the monitor, gaming chair, keyboard, controller, or computer, they all need to endure the enthusiasm of active and competitive gamers. This means each device must go through rigorous testing in the lab before it is ever released to the consumer.
Interface provides a variety of test and measurement solutions for gaming hardware manufacturers, from precision load cells of large and small sizes to wireless instrumentation and digital output modules for integration into simulation components.
One of the most popular gaming genres in the world is racing. It has elevated from single user experiences to the growing and ultra-competitive eSports phenomenon. The physical hardware of gaming pedals, chairs, and steering devices that a gamer uses to move and break the car in a virtual world is critical to creating a true experience.
As an example, the player expects the pedal to provide the feedback and feel of a real race car to not only immerse themselves in the game, but also to improve their performance and accuracy. To create a high-quality gaming pedal, sensors are used in the design engineering and manufacturing of these devices.
Load cells are a key component of a gaming brake pedal. In development and product design, force measurement testing utilizes load cells to help gaming pedal manufacturers perfect the amount of force needed to slow or stop a virtual car in various situations. It also is a benefit for testing durability and reliability.
Testing is also just one application of force measurement. These same sensors are carried over into the actual manufacturing process. Load cells are often integrated into the design of the gaming pedal to measure force in real time during play. This type of OEM solution enhances the overall gamer’s experience because it helps to improve performance of the pedal.
Interface develops a wide variety of highly accurate and reliable force measurement sensors for these types of applications. In addition, we also provide wireless strain bridge transmitters and data acquisition devices, as well as the software needed to create an entire force measurement system for measuring gaming pedals. In fact, we recently had the opportunity to develop a system that would measure brake pedals used for virtual racing.
Included below is an application note we put together to demonstrate the type of system we can develop, as well as the process used to help our customer develop a premium gaming brake pedal.
GAMING SIMULATION BRAKE PEDAL
When a gaming company, our customer, wanted to switch from standard racing pedals to a load cell based pedal system for their racing simulation game, they turned to Interface. Compared to the standard racing simulation pedals, load cell pedals are more advanced and offer more accurate results. Their goal was to find a wireless system that measures the strength of the pressure received by the pedals that will detect the perfect amount of braking power.
Interface provided a BPL Pedal Load Cell, which can be installed onto the gaming brake pedal to measure the force applied when someone puts their foot on it. Forces are measured and recorded using the WTS-AM-1E Wireless Strain Bridge Transmitter Modules, where data is transmitted to the WTS-BS-6 Dongle Base Station when connected to the customer’s PC or laptop.
Using Interface’s BPL Pedal Load Cell, the customer was able to measure and record the pedal forces applied to their racing gaming brake pedals. In comparison to traditional simulation pedals that measure the distance of the pedals when pressed, Interface’s load cell pedal system provided a more realistic experience for gamers.
The applications for Interface load cells grow larger every year. Hardware manufacturers want more data to help improve their products and confirm their designs through test and measurement. Interface is proud to be the world’s leading provider of the most accurate and reliable sensors. From gaming to farming and everything in between, chances are Interface has a solution for that can fit your exact requirements. If we don’t, we have the expertise to work directly with our customers to help develop a custom solution that is guaranteed to fit!
To learn more about Interface and wide range of products and systems built for nearly every industry, call to speak to an application engineer to discuss your next project at 480-948-5555.
