Dynamic Distinguishing Range for Analog Input Responsiveness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input devices with analog inputs, such as analog sticks, often exhibit poor responsiveness when switching between on and off states, leading to inefficient operation instruction differentiation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing program that dynamically adjusts the distinguishing range based on the input value, allowing the input device to switch between operation and non-operation states with enhanced responsiveness by changing the range to approach the input value, thereby reducing the distance required for state changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a fixed distinguishing range is used for analog input, then the device structure is simple, but the responsiveness to on/off switching is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponsiveness to on/off switchingVSAvoiddistinguishing range adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distinguishing range is made dynamic rather than fixed. The range automatically adjusts based on the input value position, expanding when the input is near the border and contracting when confidently positioned. This dynamic adaptation improves switching responsiveness without requiring complex manual configuration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of the distinguishing range size based on the input value's position relative to the border. By modifying this parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the distance required for state switching, enabling faster responsiveness while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If the distinguishing range is enlarged to improve switching responsiveness, then on/off switching becomes faster, but the precision of operation instruction differentiation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidoperation instruction differentiation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The distinguishing range dynamically adapts its size based on the input value's position. When the input value is near the border, the range expands to facilitate easier switching. When the input value is confidently positioned within a state, the range contracts to maintain precise differentiation. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between switching speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different range sizes locally depending on the input value's position. Rather than using a uniformly large range, the system selectively expands the range only in regions where it is needed (near borders), while maintaining smaller ranges in regions where precise differentiation is critical. This local adaptation maintains both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If a small distinguishing range is used to maintain precision, then operation instruction differentiation is accurate, but the responsiveness to switching deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation instruction differentiation precisionVSAvoidswitching responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the range size based on real-time input value position rather than maintaining a constantly small range. This allows the system to preserve precision when needed while temporarily expanding the range to improve switching responsiveness when the input value approaches the border, resolving the contradiction between precision and speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the distinguishing range is fixed, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different input positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different input positionsVSAvoidrange adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a dynamic range adjustment mechanism that automatically adapts to different input positions. The range expands or contracts based on the input value's location, providing high adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple fixed range settings. This automated dynamic adaptation achieves versatility with moderate complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of the distinguishing range based on the input value's position. Rather than requiring external control or complex configuration mechanisms, the system automatically serves itself by adapting the range to current operational conditions, achieving high adaptability with relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2610716B1Information processing program, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and instruction distinguishing method
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2610716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2610716B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2610716B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus distinguishes whether there is an operation instruction or not in accordance with an operation made on an input device. First, acquiring means acquires an input value based on the operation made on the input device. Operation instruction distinguishing means distinguishes whether there is an operation instruction or not provided by the operation made on the input device, such that the distinguishing result is different between when the input value is within a distinguishing range, which is a prescribed range, and when the input value is outside the distinguishing range. When the input value is changed in a direction of being away from a border of the distinguishing range, range setting means changes a size of the distinguishing range such that the border approaches the post-change input value.