Controller Button Toggle Modes for Accessible Input Continuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adaptive controllers lack adaptivity and usability for users with disabilities and varying operational needs, particularly in assigning functions to buttons and maintaining input states.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device and method that allows users to set a special mode for controller buttons, displaying information on input state continuation post-edit mode, and provides features like toggle modes and auditory feedback for sensitivity adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a controller allows free customization of button functions, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to usersVSAvoidcomplexity of controller configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides template configurations that pre-define button assignments for different user types (e.g., left-handed, right-handed, accessibility modes). Users can select from these pre-configured templates rather than configuring everything from scratch, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes a configuration guide that provides real-time feedback to users during the customization process, showing which buttons are assigned and suggesting optimal configurations based on usage patterns. This feedback mechanism helps users navigate the complexity by providing structured guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the controller maintains input state continuation mode, then usability for users with disabilities is improved, but loss of information about button state occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability for users with disabilitiesVSAvoidinformation about button input state
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback through on-screen indicators that show which buttons are in continuation mode and their current state. This feedback compensates for the loss of tactile feedback that occurs when buttons are held down, allowing users with disabilities to understand the current input state without continuously pressing buttons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary visual display layer that translates the internal button state into observable indicators. This intermediary provides information about the continuation mode state that would otherwise be lost, bridging the gap between the physical button state and the user's perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the controller provides comprehensive customization options, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation during configuration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidease of configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration process is segmented into multiple steps or categories (e.g., basic settings, advanced settings, accessibility settings). Users can configure only the segments relevant to their needs without being overwhelmed by all options at once. This segmented approach maintains comprehensive customization while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different configuration options are presented with different levels of detail and complexity based on the specific setting being configured. Commonly used buttons show simple options, while less frequently used buttons show more detailed options. This local quality approach ensures that each part of the configuration process is as easy to operate as possible while maintaining overall adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4715548A1Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP4715548A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4715548A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4715548A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing system 10 includes an information processing device 12, a display device 14, and a controller 18. The controller 18 includes a plurality of buttons. The information processing device 12 causes the display device 14 to display an edit screen in which a special mode can be set for any one of the buttons of the controller 18 in an edit mode. The special mode is a mode for continuing an input state of the corresponding button. The information processing device 12 displays information associated with continuation of the input state of the button for which the special mode has been set, in a screen after the edit mode ends.