Deformable Input Apparatus with Strain and Motion Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing input apparatuses fail to enhance user bodily sensation during game operations, as they lack effective mechanisms for integrating deformation and motion sensing to provide immersive and responsive gameplay experiences.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system comprising an input apparatus with strain sensors to detect deformation and motion sensors to track motion and orientation, which are used to execute game processes, enhancing user interaction and immersion by correlating physical movements with in-game actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional input apparatuses are used for game operations, then the device structure remains simple, but user bodily sensation and immersion are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser bodily sensationVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing functions (strain sensing and motion sensing) into a single input apparatus. The strain sensor detects deformation of the apparatus while the motion sensor detects its movement, merging these detection capabilities to provide comprehensive user bodily sensation feedback without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The input apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect both strain (deformation) and motion (movement/orientation). This multi-functionality allows the single device to provide rich interaction data for game operations, improving user immersion while avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If strain sensors and motion sensors are integrated in the input apparatus, then user interaction and immersion are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidsensor integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing functionality into distinct segments: strain sensors for detecting deformation and motion sensors for detecting movement. This segmentation allows each sensor type to be optimized for its specific function while working together within the unified input apparatus, managing complexity through functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The input apparatus serves as an intermediary device that translates physical user actions (deformation and motion) into game control signals. By positioning the apparatus as a mediator between user physical actions and digital game responses, it enhances interaction capability while keeping the complexity contained within the boundary of this single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the input apparatus is made elastically deformable, then physical manipulation and bodily sensation are improved, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical manipulationVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The input apparatus incorporates elastic deformability through flexible structural elements that can be deformed by user manipulation. This flexibility allows the apparatus to respond to physical user actions, improving bodily sensation and ease of operation while the overall device structure maintains sufficient stability for reliable sensing and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The system significantly improves user bodily sensation by allowing game processes to be performed through the manipulation of a deformable input apparatus, providing a more immersive and engaging gaming experience by linking physical deformation and motion with in-game actions.

Implementation Method 1

The strain sensor provides an output corresponding to deformation of the input apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

The motion sensor may include an angular velocity sensor and/or an acceleration sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngular velocity:

Implementation Method 3

The motion sensor may include an angular velocity sensor and/or an acceleration sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcceleration:

Implementation Method 4

The input apparatus is at least elastically deformable in response to an external force applied thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3785775B1Information processing system, information processing program, information processing apparatus, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3785775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3785775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3785775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Based on strain data corresponding to deformation of an input apparatus that is partially elastically deformable in response to an external force applied thereto, and motion data corresponding to a motion and/or orientation of the input apparatus, a predetermined game process is executed based on the motion data while the deformation of the input apparatus is detected.