Detachable Game Controller Modules with Color-Coded Light Emitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operation devices for game systems face issues with accurately inputting various types of information without increasing weight, accurately imaging a light emitting member regardless of background brightness, and distinguishing between multiple devices, while also ensuring accurate device state recognition and position detection.

Innovation Solution

The operation device incorporates a light emitting member with a double-layer structure for accurate imaging, additional operation modules that can be mounted in different configurations to reduce weight, and a system for controlling light emission colors to differentiate devices and indicate device states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation members (microphone, stick-like member) are integrally provided to the operation device, then various kinds of information can be input to the game machine main body, but the weight of the operation device increases and the light emitting member cannot be moved smoothly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput capabilityVSAvoidoperation device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The operation device is divided into a main body and detachable additional operation modules. The additional operation modules can be mounted or detached according to the type of operation to be performed, allowing the device to adapt to different input needs without permanently carrying unnecessary components that would increase weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration of the operation device is made dynamic through the ability to attach and detach additional operation modules. This allows the device to change its functional composition based on the specific operation requirements, optimizing the weight-to-functionality ratio for each usage scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the distance between the camera and the light emitting member is recognized based on the size of the region of the imaged light emitting member, then distance information can be obtained, but false recognition occurs due to background brightness variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance recognition accuracyVSAvoidrecognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light emitting member emits light of a specific color (e.g., red) that is distinct from the background. The image processing unit detects this specific color to identify the light emitting member's position and size, making the measurement independent of background brightness variations and preventing false recognition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

A color filter or specific wavelength detection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the camera and the light emitting member. This intermediary selectively detects the light emitting member's color signal while filtering out background light, enabling accurate distance recognition regardless of background brightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If indicators are provided to distinguish between multiple operation devices, then users can identify their devices, but the indicators cause false detection when detecting the position of the operation device based on light from the light emitting member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice identificationVSAvoidposition detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each operation device's light emitting member is assigned a unique identification color. The image processing unit detects both the position of the light emitting member and its color to simultaneously achieve accurate position detection and device identification, eliminating the need for separate indicators that would interfere with light-based detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The light emitting member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light source for position detection and the identification indicator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indicator components and ensures that identification does not interfere with position detection accuracy.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional operation modules are mounted to the main body, then various operation functions can be added, but the weight increases and smooth movement is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation functionVSAvoidmovement smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The operation device is segmented into a lightweight main body and detachable additional operation modules. Users can attach only the modules needed for the current operation, keeping the overall weight low and movement smooth, while still having access to various functions when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device configuration is dynamically adjusted by mounting or detaching additional operation modules based on the specific operation requirements. This dynamic configuration allows the device to maintain optimal weight-to-functionality ratio, ensuring smooth movement when full functionality is not needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for intuitive and accurate input of various information types, precise imaging of the light emitting member, easy device differentiation, and reliable state recognition, enhancing user experience and system functionality without unnecessary weight increase.

Implementation Method 1

an operation device (220) is provided with a light emitting portion (222)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the position of the light emitting member is recognized in a captured image by a camera (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2354896B1Operating device and information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.12.21 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP2354896B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2354896B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2354896B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided is an operation device which allows various kinds of operation information to be input to a main body thereof as needed without unnecessarily increasing the weight of the operation device. The operation device includes: the main body having a shape elongated from one end to another end; a light emitting member provided to the one end of the main body; and a connection portion provided to the other end of the main body, to which an arbitrary one of a plurality of other operation devices is to be connected.