Directional Input via Force Sensing in Game Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information processing devices, such as game controllers, are limited in the number of directional options available to users, typically allowing instructions only in eight directions spaced at 45-degree intervals, which restricts user input flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple depression units that allow users to provide directional instructions by pressing combinations of buttons, with the direction obtained based on pressing forces applied to these units, enabling the calculation of combined vectors to represent more nuanced directional inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a controller includes four buttons corresponding to four directions (up, down, left, right) or a four-way navigation button, then the device structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the number of directional options is limited to eight directions spaced at 45-degree intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of direction detection from discrete button presses to continuous pressing force measurement. By detecting the magnitude of pressing forces applied to multiple depression units, the system can determine directions beyond the traditional 8 discrete directions, achieving finer angular resolution (e.g., 360 degrees) without adding more physical buttons or complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical switching system (discrete button presses) with a force sensing system that measures pressing forces continuously. This substitution allows the system to detect not only which buttons are pressed but also how hard they are pressed, enabling calculation of directional vectors and intermediate directions through force ratio computation.
2Ease of operation
If discrete buttons are used for directional input, then the device is easy to manufacture and operate, but the user input flexibility and precision are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from detecting discrete button states (pressed/not pressed) to measuring continuous pressing force parameters. This allows the system to distinguish between different magnitudes of force applied to buttons, enabling more precise directional determination by calculating the ratio of pressing forces and mapping it to angular positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic force sensing capability that responds to varying pressing forces in real-time. The system can detect changes in force magnitude and use these dynamic measurements to continuously update directional information, providing smoother and more flexible control compared to static discrete button inputs.
Data Source
AI summary
Direction obtaining means (72) obtains pressing-force information relating to pressing forces applied respectively to the plurality of depression units. In a case where a first depression unit and a second depression unit are pressed, the direction obtaining means (72) obtains a direction between a first basic direction and a second basic direction based on pressing forces applied respectively to the first depression unit and the second depression unit. The direction obtained by the direction obtaining means (72) in a case where the first depression unit and the second depression unit are pressed changes based on the pressing forces applied respectively to the first depression unit and the second depression unit. Processing executing means (74) executes processing based on the direction obtained by the direction obtaining means (72).