Dynamic Gamepad Button Symbols via Light and Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game controllers are not universally compatible, leading to a proliferation of devices that are often infrequently used and difficult to manufacture and use, with universal controllers being impractical and user-unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
A game controller with buttons equipped with a light source and an optical filter that can display different symbols based on the connected information processing machine, allowing for automatic selection and adaptation of button layouts to match the machine's standards, using a combination of light sources and filters to change the visible symbols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal game controller is designed to be compatible with multiple information processing machines, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to handle multiple button layouts and symbols
Solution Approach 1:
The button symbols on the game controller are made dynamic through the use of light sources and optical filters. Each button can display different symbols (first symbol when light is on, second symbol when light is off) allowing the controller to adapt its interface to match different information processing machine standards without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic symbol changing capability enables a single controller to provide a familiar, easy-to-use interface for multiple different machine types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal game controller is designed to accommodate multiple button layouts, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases making it more difficult and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single button structure that can serve multiple functions - displaying different symbols for different machine standards. Instead of creating separate controllers for different machines, each button is equipped with a light source and optical filter combination that enables it to universally display the appropriate symbol (A, B, X, Y, square, triangle, circle, or cross) depending on which machine it is connected to, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining multi-platform compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes and light transmission properties to achieve symbol transformation. Optical filters are designed with specific color properties - when the light source is off, the filter displays one symbol through its physical design; when the light source is on, the light transmission through the filter creates a different visible symbol. This optical approach allows a single physical button structure to display multiple symbols without requiring multiple physical buttons or complex mechanical switching mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 solution provides a user-friendly, universally compatible game controller that is inexpensive to manufacture, allowing it to work with multiple devices by adapting its button layouts automatically, enhancing usability and reducing device proliferation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical filter provided with a visible face for a user of the controller, the optical filter being intended to filter light rays coming from the light source
Implementation Method 2
the optical filter comprising a first zone capable of letting light rays of the first color and the second color pass through... the optical filter comprising a second zone capable of blocking the light rays of the first color and letting the light rays of the second color pass through
Data Source
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AI summary
Game controller (1) comprising at least one button (2, 3, 4, 5) equipped with a light source (6) and an optical filter (7) having a visible face (8) for a user of the controller, the optical filter being intended to filter light rays from the light source, the optical filter being configured to display on its visible face a first symbol and a second symbol different from the first symbol, the first symbol being displayed when said light source is on.