Custom Flat Controller Layout for Accessible Simulation Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-the-shelf game controllers can be difficult for some users to manipulate, leading to challenges in effectively interacting with computer simulations.
Innovation Solution
A customizable computer simulation controller with a base featuring button images and electrical conductors connected to a microcontroller, allowing users to remap button functions and include anti-fatigue keys, and a method for setting up customized button layouts using hand-drawn buttons and machine learning to adapt to individual user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If off-the-shelf game controllers are used, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with different preferences and abilities
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented into a base component and customizable button components. Users can create their own buttons by drawing on the base, which are then recognized by the system. This segmentation allows the core controller to remain simple while enabling extensive customization without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing a library of standard button functions and mappings. When users create custom buttons, the system automatically correlates them with existing controller functions through the microcontroller's memory, eliminating the need for complex real-time configuration and reducing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized button layouts are used, then manufacturing precision and device consistency are improved, but adaptability to individual user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller transitions from a static, fixed button layout to a dynamic, user-configurable layout. Users can draw buttons in any position and arrangement on the base, and the microcontroller dynamically maps these to standard controller functions. This dynamic approach enables full adaptability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of button position and arrangement from fixed to variable. By allowing users to define button locations and correlations through drawing and configuration, the system adapts to individual preferences without requiring precision manufacturing of custom layouts, as the electrical conductor positions remain standardized.
3Ease of operation
If standard gaming controller control keys are used, then device complexity is minimized, but ease of operation deteriorates for users requiring customized control schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The base serves multiple functions: it acts as the controller body, the drawing surface for custom buttons, and the substrate for electrical conductors. The microcontroller provides universal functionality by correlating any custom button configuration with standard controller functions, enabling one device to serve multiple user needs without increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Users create copies of standard controller buttons by drawing their own button images on the base. The system recognizes these hand-drawn copies and correlates them with the original standard controller functions through the microcontroller's memory storage, allowing users to replicate and customize control schemes without adding physical complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If users can customize button layouts and functions, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The customization capability is segmented into a separate software/configuration layer rather than being integrated into the physical manufacturing. Users customize through drawing and configuration processes, while the physical base maintains standardized manufacturing with pre-positioned electrical conductors and GPIO connections, keeping manufacturing simple despite high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Customization is achieved through parameter changes in software (button correlations and functions stored in microcontroller memory) rather than physical manufacturing changes. The electrical conductor positions remain fixed and standardized for easy manufacturing, while the logical mapping to button functions is dynamically configurable, separating manufacturing simplicity from operational adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A parallelepiped-shaped body has a flat top surface on which a user draws computer simulation controller buttons with a layout and spacing best fitting the user's physical needs. The user connects wires in the body to random GPIOs and maps the drawn buttons to desired game controller functions using an off-the-shelf controller connected to an MCU by pressing drawn buttons on the body along with corresponding buttons on the off-the-shelf controller, establishing which drawn button has which game controller function.