Controller Add-on with Customizable Presets for Button Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current game controllers have buttons that are often out of reach for users when performing certain functions, necessitating a solution to add more accessible buttons.
Innovation Solution
A controller add-on device with customizable buttons and a display screen or communication elements, mechanically connected to the controller, allowing additional buttons to be within reach of the user's fingers while maintaining ergonomic design and not interfering with existing controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional buttons are added to the controller, then the number of accessible buttons increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into a base unit and a separate add-on module. The add-on module contains additional customizable buttons that can be attached to the base controller, providing more accessible buttons without permanently complicating the base controller structure. Users can attach or detach the module as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on module serves multiple functions: it provides additional physical buttons, allows customizable button mappings through a companion application, and can be configured for different game types. The module itself contains a display screen and communication elements that enable versatile configuration options.
2Ease of operation
If more buttons are added to reach, then button accessibility improves, but the ergonomic design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding buttons to the front face of the controller where ergonomic space is limited, the add-on module extends the functionality to a different spatial dimension - attaching to the back or side of the controller. This allows additional buttons to be positioned within finger reach without altering the front controller shape or requiring users to change their gripping posture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customizable buttons are added, then functional versatility increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A companion application serves as an intermediary between the user and the controller hardware. This software layer handles the complex tasks of button mapping, preset management, and configuration, while the hardware add-on module remains relatively simple. The intermediary absorbs the complexity, allowing the hardware to stay streamlined.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on module replicates familiar controller button interfaces and functionality. By copying standard button layouts and behaviors, the system maintains simplicity and intuitiveness while adding versatility. The module can replicate or supplement existing controller buttons rather than introducing entirely new interaction paradigms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller add-on includes a housing that mechanically couples to a game controller body. A conformable surface of the housing is configured to conform with a bottom of the body of the game controller. A plurality of buttons coupled to the housing are located opposite the conformable surface. A controller interface coupled to the housing is configured to communicatively couple to the plurality of buttons to the game controller. Buttons on the add-on may be mapped to controller buttons using customized button mapping pre-sets. A button mapping may indicate that a selected preset is to be hidden during a switching operation Upon receiving a switching operation input, the selected pre-set is skipped during the switching operation.