Acoustic Controller Interface Eliminates Wired Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video game controllers require electrical couplings between the controller and console, which are cumbersome, prone to tangling or battery failure, and costly, and can be damaged by liquid spills.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses air pressure waves to control video games by converting sound signals into control signals, eliminating the need for electrical couplings between the controller and console, utilizing a microphone to detect sound frequencies generated by the controller and translate them into control actions within the game.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical couplings (wired or wireless) are used between controller and console, then control functionality is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome, prone to tangling or battery failure, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical coupling components (wires, batteries, circuitry) from the controller system entirely. Instead of using traditional electrical connections between controller and console, the invention uses acoustic waves transmitted through air to carry control signals, eliminating the problematic electrical coupling infrastructure while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical coupling system with an acoustic field-based system. Control signals are transmitted through sound waves in air rather than through electrical wires or wireless electromagnetic communication, substituting a mechanical/acoustic mechanism for an electrical one to achieve simpler, more reliable control.
2Reliability
If wired connections are used between controller and console, then stable control is achieved, but the wires become cumbersome and prone to tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical wire connection from the system entirely. Control signals are transmitted through acoustic waves through the air, allowing the controller to be moved freely without any physical connection constraints, thus eliminating tangling issues while maintaining connection stability through consistent acoustic signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air/acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to transmit control signals between controller and console. This intermediary allows signal transmission without direct physical contact, enabling free movement of the controller while maintaining stable communication through the acoustic field.
3Ease of operation
If wireless controllers with batteries are used, then mobility is improved, but battery failure and liquid spill damage become issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery and electronic circuitry from the controller, leaving only simple acoustic signal generation components. This eliminates the power source that requires replacement and the complex electronics that are vulnerable to liquid damage, while maintaining controller mobility through acoustic signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive controller design that can be easily replaced if damaged. The controller uses basic acoustic signal generation without expensive batteries or complex circuitry, making it a low-cost, disposable-like component that enhances overall system reliability through simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional controllers are used, then control functionality is achieved, but the initial cost and replacement cost are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a controller with minimal components that can be manufactured at very low cost. By using only basic acoustic signal generation elements rather than expensive electronics, batteries, or complex wiring, the controller becomes an inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive electronic components with simple acoustic mechanisms. The controller uses basic sound generation elements instead of costly electronic circuitry, processors, and power management systems, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while preserving control capability through acoustic signal transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables wireless, spill-resistant, and cost-effective interaction with video games, allowing players to control game actions without physical connections, enhancing user experience and reducing hardware costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a microphone to detect sound frequencies generated by the controller and translate them into control actions within the game
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method is provided for controlling a device through air pressure waves, or “sound”. The system and method involve receiving a sound and analyzing the sound to determine whether or not it has one or more predetermined characteristics. If it is determined that the sound does have one or more predetermined characteristics, at least one control signal is generated for the purpose of controlling at least one aspect of the device.