Fusing Game Control Inputs for Accessible Gaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video game controllers can be difficult for individuals with disabilities, young children, or inexperienced users to operate, as they require specific dexterity and expertise, limiting accessibility to gaming experiences.
Innovation Solution
A method to fuse game control inputs from multiple input devices into a single fused input, allowing users to control a video game application as if from a single device, enabling cooperative control using different devices such as hands, feet, or other body parts, and allowing pairing of various input devices for unified control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single conventional video game controller is used, then the control input requires specific dexterity and expertise, but this limits accessibility for users with disabilities, young children, or inexperienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple input devices (such as a game controller and keyboard/mouse) into a unified control system where inputs from both devices are fused together. This allows users with limited mobility to use one device with their available body parts while another device complements their control capabilities, thereby improving accessibility without sacrificing control precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices are used separately, then each device can be operated independently, but this creates complexity in configuring and coordinating multiple devices for unified control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives inputs from multiple different input devices, fuses them together according to predefined rules, and presents them as unified control commands to the game application. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of coordinating multiple devices internally, while users simply need to use the devices naturally without complex configuration
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional single-device control is used, then the control scheme is simple to implement, but it excludes users who cannot operate traditional controllers with required dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control system that can accept inputs from multiple types of input devices and fuse them into unified commands that work with standard game applications. This multi-functional approach maintains compatibility with existing games while enabling users with various abilities to participate by using whatever input devices they can operate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fusing game control inputs includes, on a computing device, receiving a first game control input from a first input device having a first housing and receiving a second game control input from a second input device having a second housing. The first game and second game control inputs are fused into a fused game control input mimicking a game control input from a single input device having a single housing. The fused game control input is provided to a video game application.