Adaptive Control Device Input Units for Novice Error Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users, especially novices, face difficulties in operating control devices for information processing devices due to unfamiliarity with the device or software, leading to erroneous operations when using the same or similar control devices for different types of information processing devices or software, resulting in frustration and delayed correct input.

Innovation Solution

A control device with dynamically adjustable input units that restricts operation based on adjustment information, indicating the availability of input units for specific tasks, using mechanisms like resistive feedback, actuators, or haptic generators to prevent inappropriate operations and provide feedback, ensuring only available inputs can be used.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a same or similar control device is used to control different types of information processing device and/or different software, then the device versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates for novice users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol device versatilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adjusts the availability of input units based on the detected software type and user expertise level. The system transitions from a static control interface to a dynamic one that adapts in real-time, restricting or enabling specific input units according to the current software context and user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the information processing device communicates software type and user performance data back to the control device. This feedback loop enables the control device to continuously adjust input unit availability, creating an adaptive interface that responds to user needs and software requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If all input units are always available on the control device, then the adaptability is improved, but erroneous operations increase for inexperienced users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol adaptabilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different input units are assigned different availability states based on their relevance to the current software task and user expertise. Rather than uniformly enabling or disabling all inputs, the system selectively adjusts individual input units, providing local quality control over interface availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the software type and user characteristics before enabling or restricting input units. This preliminary action prevents erroneous operations by proactively configuring the control interface to match the user's needs before they attempt operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the control device dynamically adjusts input unit availability, then the ease of operation for novices is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary layer (the availability determination logic) between the user and the input units. This intermediary automatically manages the complexity of deciding which inputs should be available, shielding the user from complexity while enabling sophisticated adaptive behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs self-adjustment based on detected software type and user performance, eliminating the need for manual configuration by the user. The system serves itself by automatically optimizing its interface based on contextual information, reducing the burden on users while maintaining complexity management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates user training by preventing erroneous operations and reducing frustration by dynamically adjusting the control device to match the specific requirements of the information processing device and software, enhancing the learning process and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using mechanisms like resistive feedback, actuators, or haptic generators to prevent inappropriate operations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive feedback: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

using mechanisms like resistive feedback, actuators, or haptic generators to prevent inappropriate operations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectActuator: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 3

using mechanisms like resistive feedback, actuators, or haptic generators to prevent inappropriate operations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHaptic feedback: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250090943A1Control device for controlling an information processing device, a method, a system and a computer program
Publication Date: 2025.03.20 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US20250090943A1 patent drawing
  • US20250090943A1 patent drawing
  • US20250090943A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A control device for controlling an information processing device is provided, the control device comprising: a plurality of input units configured to be operated by a user; a generating unit configured to generate an input signal when at least one of the plurality of input units is operated by the user; an adjustment unit configured to adjust at least one of the plurality of input units; and a control unit configured to control the adjustment unit to restrict operation of the at least one of the input units in accordance with adjustment information indicating an availability of each of the plurality of input units for controlling the information processing device.