An Architecture for Using Smartphones as Interfaces for Computer Games

Several issues with humans modern life, both in physical and psychological aspects, can be alleviated with the regular practice of physical activity. One way of encouraging those who are not too fond of the monotony of some exercises is by employing exergames. However, the technologies of motion detection are usually expensive and dependent on proprietary hardware from consoles. This paper proposes the development of a complex cross-platform communication architecture that links an app which transforms a mobile phone into a motion detection game controller for computer games. After an evaluation of the technologies that could be used in the implementation of the system, we came up with a proposal to make the best use of smartphones as motion detectors. A simple prototype was implemented and the results showed its effectiveness, efficiency and scalability in the exchange of messages between the various components in the system. Such proof of concept architectural model enables interesting uses of the smartphones sensors to control games in ways that are currently available only on home consoles like Xbox, Playstation and Wii/Switch. By bringing the possibility of playing exergames using more generally available and open hardware (smartphones and personal computers), the benefits provided by the use of exergames become more accessible and can be used in situations like teaching physical education in schools, helping with the treatment of diseases and rehabilitation, increasing the quality of life, and encouraging people to ingress on regular physical activities. Keywords-player-game interface; system architecture; mobile controller;