Game Controller Vibration Control via Motion Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game systems face issues with vibration noise when operation devices are placed on surfaces during gameplay, leading to potential discomfort and unnecessary power consumption due to uncontrolled vibrations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inertial sensor and vibrator in operation devices that transmit inertia data to a processing apparatus, which determines if the device is moving or stationary, and adjusts vibration accordingly to limit or cancel it when not in use, based on predefined conditions such as attachment, input actions, or orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vibration control signals are output to vibrate the vibrator in predetermined situations, then game feedback and user experience are improved, but loud noise and discomfort occur when the operation device is placed on surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors acceleration data from the inertial sensor and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust vibration output. When the sensor detects that the device is stationary (placed on a surface), the system automatically cancels or limits vibration signals, preventing noise while maintaining normal vibration feedback during gameplay when the device is held and moving.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration control system transitions from a static on/off approach to a dynamic adaptive system that continuously adjusts vibration behavior based on real-time motion detection. The system modifies vibration parameters (enable/disable, intensity) according to the detected motion state, creating a responsive control mechanism that adapts to changing usage conditions.
2Ease of operation
If vibration is continuously enabled during gameplay, then game immersion and feedback are enhanced, but energy is wasted when the device is not being held
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the inertial sensor to monitor whether the device is being held or placed down. When the sensor detects prolonged stationary state indicating the device is placed on a surface, the system automatically disables vibration to conserve battery power, while maintaining vibration functionality during active gameplay when motion is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration control system serves itself by automatically detecting its own usage state through the inertial sensor and making autonomous decisions about vibration activation. The system monitors its own motion characteristics and independently adjusts vibration output without requiring manual user intervention, optimizing power consumption based on actual usage conditions.
3Ease of operation
If the operation device is placed on a table or floor during gameplay, then the player can free their hands, but vibration produces loud sounds and causes disadvantage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vibration behavior based on detected motion characteristics. When the inertial sensor detects a stationary state consistent with the device being placed on a surface, the system automatically limits or disables vibration output, preventing the generation of harmful vibration disturbances while allowing the player to free their hands.
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 effectively reduces the occurrence of loud vibrations and power wastage by ensuring vibrations are only generated when the device is being actively used, enhancing user experience and conserving resources.
Implementation Method 1
The operation device includes an inertial sensor and a vibrator and is configured to: transmit inertia data based on an output of the inertial sensor to the information processing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
vibrate the vibrator based on a vibration control signal received from the information processing apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An example of an operation device includes an inertial sensor and a vibrator, transmits inertia data based on an output of the inertial sensor to an information processing apparatus, and vibrates the vibrator based on a vibration control signal received from the information processing apparatus. One or more processors of the information processing apparatus execute game processing, and in a predetermined situation in the game processing, cause the vibration control signal for vibrating the vibrator to be output from the information processing apparatus. The one or more processors, based on the inertia data from the operation device, determine whether or not the operation device is moving, and at least under the condition that it is determined that the operation device is not moving, limit the vibration so that the vibrator of the operation device is not vibrated or the vibration is weakened in the predetermined situation.