Game Controller Operation Scheme Registration via Time Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional game systems face challenges in improving the usability of game controllers during the registration of operation schemes, particularly in establishing connections and registering operation times without requiring special operation portions or procedures.

Innovation Solution

A game system comprising a game controller with first and second operation portions, a transmission unit for sending connection signals to a main body apparatus, and a storage unit for storing operation times, allowing for registration of an operation scheme based on simultaneous or sequential operation times, enabling easy registration even without initial connection to the main body apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a scheme for registering a game controller by successively performing predetermined operations is used, then the operation scheme can be registered, but the usability is poor and requires special operation portions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoidregistration procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The game controller automatically transmits operation time information to the main body apparatus without requiring special operation portions or complex registration procedures. The controller uses its existing operation portions (first and second operation portions) to generate connection signals and store operation times, then automatically transmits this data when connection is established, allowing the main body apparatus to determine simultaneous operation and register the operation scheme autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second operation portions serve dual functions: they are used for normal game operations and simultaneously for registration operations. The storage unit stores operation times for both regular gameplay and registration purposes. This eliminates the need for dedicated special operation portions solely for registration, improving usability while maintaining device simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If operation scheme registration requires special operation portions, then registration can be performed, but the number of operation portions increases and usability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoidnumber of operation portions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second operation portions serve dual functions: they are used for normal game operations and simultaneously for registration operations. The storage unit stores operation times for both regular gameplay and registration purposes. This eliminates the need for dedicated special operation portions solely for registration, improving usability while maintaining device simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The registration function is merged with the normal operation portions. The connection signal transmission unit uses the same operation portions to generate connection signals during registration. The storage unit consolidates operation time data for both gameplay and registration. This merging reduces the total number of operation portions needed while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If connection establishment requires complex procedures, then connection can be established, but the registration process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidregistration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The game controller pre-stores operation time information in the storage unit before connection is established. When the connection signal is transmitted and connection is established, the main body apparatus can immediately request and receive this pre-stored operation time data, eliminating the need for time-consuming measurement or input procedures during the connection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The main body apparatus transmits a request signal for operation time information after connection is established, and the game controller responds by transmitting the stored operation time data. This automated feedback loop ensures reliable connection establishment while minimizing registration time, as the data exchange is automatic and requires no manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4275772B1Game system, game device, and game controller allowing improvement in usability
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP4275772B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4275772B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4275772B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is provided an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a game controller, the information processing apparatus comprising: a connection unit performing processing for establishing connection with the game controller in accordance with a received connection signal in accordance with at least any of an operation onto a first operation portion of the game controller and an operation onto a second operation portion of the game controller; a transmission unit transmitting, when the processing for establishing connection is completed, a request signal requesting for information on an operation time at which the operation onto the first operation portion has been performed and an operation time at which the operation onto the second operation portion has been performed, the information being stored in a storage unit of the game controller; a determination unit determining whether the operation onto the first operation portion and the operation onto the second operation portion satisfy a predetermined condition based on the information on the operation time transmitted from the game controller; a registration unit registering a first operation scheme as an operation scheme of the game controller when a result of determination by the determination unit is affirmative, the first operation scheme being a vertical holding scheme or a lateral holding scheme; and a game processing execution unit performing game processing based on at least any of a first operation signal in accordance with the operation onto the first operation portion and a second operation signal in accordance with the operation onto the second operation portion.