Controller Motion Remapping for Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld controllers in the entertainment industry pose difficulties for users with mobility issues, as they often require simultaneous operation with both hands to access all controls, which can be challenging for individuals with limited hand functionality.
Innovation Solution
The system interprets input actuation information from a handheld controller using detected motion to remap actuations from one set of controls to another, allowing users to access controls within their reach, by applying specific patterns of motion to interpret actuations on one side of the controller as if corresponding controls on the other side were actuated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a handheld controller is designed with controls distributed over both handle sections for full functionality, then the controller provides complete control capabilities, but users with mobility issues in one hand cannot access all controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces motion detection as an intermediary mechanism between the user's physical limitations and the controller's control capabilities. By detecting motion patterns (such as tilting or rotating the controller), the system enables users to activate controls that would otherwise be inaccessible, effectively mediating between the user's physical constraints and the full functionality of the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical interaction with controls (requiring physical reach to buttons and joysticks) with a motion-based interaction system. Instead of requiring users to physically reach controls on both sides of the controller, the system substitutes this with detecting motion patterns that trigger control activations, thereby eliminating the mechanical barrier of physical accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motion detection is added to enable alternative control activation, then accessibility for users with mobility issues is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by having the motion detection system serve multiple purposes: it enables accessibility for users with mobility issues, provides alternative control activation methods, and can work with existing controller hardware without requiring completely new control mechanisms. This universal approach allows a single added component to address multiple needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion detection system leverages the controller's existing structural properties (its ability to be held and manipulated) to enable new control capabilities. The system uses the natural way users interact with the controller (holding and moving it) as the input mechanism, rather than requiring separate dedicated controls, thereby reducing the need for additional complex components.
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
This solution enhances accessibility by enabling users to control game states using a smaller number of accessible controls, improving usability for those with mobility limitations.
Implementation Method 1
motion detection circuitry (e.g. accelerometer and/or gyroscope circuitry) to detect motion of the controller
Implementation Method 2
motion detection circuitry (e.g. accelerometer and/or gyroscope circuitry) to detect motion of the controller
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an entertainment device, a method and a computer program. The entertainment device includes receiver circuitry and processing circuitry. The receiver circuitry receives, from a controller, input actuation information and associated motion detection information, where the input actuation information is indicative of detected actuation of at least one manual actuation input of the controller and the associated motion detection information is indicative of detected motion of the controller. The processing circuitry processes a game state of a game and, in at least a first mode of operation, selects, from amongst a plurality of interpretations, an interpretation of the input actuation information in dependence on the associated motion detection information and updates the processing of the game state in dependence on the selected interpretation of the input actuation information.