Gaming

Case Study: Low-Cost, High-Performance Gaming Peripheral

Sector: Gaming / Consumer Electronics

Nature of Project:

BFO Systems developed the firmware and wireless protocol for a low-cost gaming peripheral that delivered a high-quality user experience while ensuring cross-platform compatibility. To achieve this, the device required a custom USB dongle and proprietary wireless protocol rather than relying on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, ensuring low latency, high bandwidth, and broad platform support.

Tech Stack Used:

· MCU: Microchip PIC18FK22

· Wireless Communication: Custom low-power wireless protocol

· USB Interface: Custom USB dongle for cross-platform compatibility

· Network Architecture: Mesh networking for extended range

· Positional Tracking: AI-enhanced RSSI triangulation with fixed reference points

Major Challenge Overcome:

Adding Positional Tracking Without Additional Sensors

Midway through development, the client requested positional tracking for each peripheral. The existing hardware design lacked the necessary sensors, and while camera-based computer vision solutions were considered, they were too expensive, computationally demanding, and complex.

To solve this, BFO Systems devised an innovative RSSI-based triangulation method using three low-cost fixed reference devices. The peripherals used Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) data from these fixed points to estimate their position in a horizontal plane.

However, RSSI signals are not linearly correlated with distance and are prone to fluctuations due to environmental factors. To enhance accuracy, BFO Systems:

· Collected and analysed RSSI behaviour offline using AI

· Built lookup tables to correct and smooth distance calculations

· Optimised interpolation formulas for real-time tracking

This low-cost, low-power solution enabled effective positional tracking without altering the original hardware design, meeting the client’s requirements without compromising performance or cost.

Outcome:

The custom wireless protocol delivered low-latency, high-bandwidth performance, while the mesh network architecture allowed seamless range extension by daisy-chaining multiple peripherals. The innovative AI-enhanced RSSI tracking system provided accurate positional awareness without adding expensive sensors, ensuring the product remained cost-effective and widely accessible.