Game Controller Virtual Assistant for Real-Time Gameplay Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Video games have become increasingly complex, making it difficult for users to navigate and master gameplay without additional assistance.

Innovation Solution

A game controller equipped with a virtual assistant using artificial intelligence, incorporating input devices such as microphones and cameras, to provide gameplay assistance, strategy tips, and non-gameplay-related information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If video games become increasingly complex to provide richer gameplay experiences, then game functionality and entertainment value are improved, but user ability to navigate and master gameplay deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame functionalityVSAvoiduser ability to navigate and master gameplay

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a virtual assistant as an intermediary between the user and the complex game system. This virtual assistant processes user queries, provides contextual information, and helps navigate game mechanics without requiring the user to directly understand or manage the underlying complexity. The virtual assistant acts as a mediator that translates user intent into appropriate game interactions and information retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing users to query the virtual assistant for game-related information, strategy tips, and contextual help whenever needed. The virtual assistant autonomously processes these queries and provides relevant information without requiring external intervention or complex user navigation through game manuals or settings menus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a virtual assistant with artificial intelligence is integrated into the game controller, then gameplay assistance and user support are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegameplay assistanceVSAvoidcontroller structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual assistant is designed to handle multiple types of user queries and provide various forms of assistance including strategy tips, contextual information, and navigation help. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate tools or interfaces into a single universal assistant integrated into the controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual methods of obtaining game information (such as consulting physical manuals, navigating complex menus, or seeking external help) with an intelligent virtual assistant that processes natural language queries and provides contextual responses through the controller interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260007955A1Game controller with accessible virtual assistant

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 ACCO BRANDS CORP

AI summary

A game controller includes gameplaying controls, at least one input device for providing information to a virtual assistant (artificial intelligence assistant), and at least one output device for providing output from the virtual assistant. The virtual assistant may use artificial intelligence to provide information to a user of the game controller, for example information relating to the game being played, such as gameplaying hints, game information, or background information regarding persons, events, and/or objects in the game. Example input devices include a camera and a microphone, and an example output device includes a speaker for providing verbal information or nonverbal sounds to the user.