How Nintendo's Wii Remote Tracks Motion and Infrared Light

A patent describing the Wii Remote's technology for tracking physical movement and infrared light to control video games wirelessly.

What it covers

This patent details a handheld controller that uses a combination of sensors to track its position in 3D space. It features an infrared camera that detects light emitted from a sensor bar near the TV, allowing the system to calculate the controller's X and Y coordinates on the screen. Simultaneously, an internal three-axis accelerometer measures physical movement and tilt. The controller then wirelessly sends this combined data to the game console, while also providing feedback through a built-in speaker or vibration motor.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover controllers that rely solely on inertial sensors without an infrared-based optical tracking component.
• —Does not cover wired controllers that require a physical tether to the main console unit.
• —Does not cover systems that track motion using external cameras pointed at the user (like the original Kinect).
• —Does not cover touch-based input methods or gesture recognition that does not involve the specific infrared-to-camera tracking method described.

The clever bit

The system offloads the heavy lifting of image processing to the controller itself, which identifies specific infrared light sources and sends only the relevant coordinate data to the console, rather than sending raw video frames.

Why it matters

This technology was the core of the Nintendo Wii, which fundamentally changed the gaming industry by making motion-controlled gaming accessible to non-traditional players. It shifted the focus of console gaming from purely button-based inputs to physical interaction, influencing how developers designed games for over a decade.

Real-world examples

• 1.Nintendo Wii Remote
• 2.Wii MotionPlus accessory
• 3.Wii U GamePad