Dual Controller Game System with Motion and Direction Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game controllers with separate right and left units lack flexibility in operation, making it difficult to intuitively control game elements like shooting targets and menu selections, especially in games requiring precise hand coordination and dominant hand usage.
Innovation Solution
A game system comprising two controllers and a game apparatus that generates operation data based on controller motion and direction input, allowing for enhanced flexibility in game operations by using image pickup sections and acceleration sensors to determine designated coordinates and perform game processes, enabling separate and intuitive control of game elements with each hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional controller is separated into right and left units, then players can hold the units with their hands, but the controller lacks flexibility in operation and cannot realize new operations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into two independent units (R unit and L unit) that can be held separately by right and left hands. Each unit contains its own operation buttons and sticks, allowing independent operation. This segmentation enables players to perform multiple operations simultaneously with each hand, significantly increasing operation flexibility and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each controller unit is designed with multiple operation elements (buttons and sticks) that can perform various functions. The R unit and L unit can be used independently or combined, and the same type of unit can be used by either hand depending on player preference. This multi-functionality allows the controller to adapt to different game scenarios and player styles.
2Ease of operation
If a stick is used to move a shooting target, then the target can be controlled, but the direction recognition is non-intuitive requiring a reverse mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reverse mode that inverts the stick direction mapping. When reverse mode is activated, the direction input from the stick is inverted before being processed. This allows players who find the default mapping non-intuitive to switch to an inverted mapping, making the control more natural and improving ease of operation without requiring hardware changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two sticks are used on the combined controller, then both hands can operate, but the directions are coplanar making it difficult to control characters in depth direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different spatial planes to the sticks in each controller unit. The R unit stick operates in one plane while the L unit stick operates in another plane, allowing independent control of different dimensions. This dimensional separation enables intuitive control of characters in three-dimensional space, as each stick can independently control movement in its designated plane without interference from the other.
4Productivity
If menu selection is performed by sequential input with direction keys, then selections can be made, but it takes long time preventing real-time game control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows players to pre-assign different direction keys to different menu selection functions. Instead of sequentially moving through menu items with one direction key, players can directly select menu items by pressing predetermined direction keys corresponding to desired selections. This preliminary assignment of functions to keys dramatically reduces menu selection time and maintains real-time game control capability.
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 allows for new and flexible game operations, improving player control and reducing time loss during menu selections, enabling independent direction inputs and quick direction changes without the need for a 'reverse' mode, while allowing players to use their dominant hands effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The image pickup section takes an image of a subject along a predetermined direction from the first controller body
Implementation Method 2
The first operation data generation section generates first operation data in accordance with a motion of a first controller body included in the first controller
Data Source
AI summary
A first controller includes a first operation data generation section for generating first operation data in accordance with a motion of a first controller body included in the first controller. A second controller includes a second operation data generation section for generating second operation data in accordance with a direction input operation performed by a player. A game apparatus includes a game process means for obtaining the first operation data and the second operation data and subjecting a virtual game world to a predetermined game process in accordance with the obtained operation data, and a display process means for causing the display device to display, on a display area, an image of the virtual game world having been subjected to the game process.