Game Controller Distal Input Gesture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game console controllers require users to switch between thumb sticks and buttons, leading to loss of control and reduced performance in games that require simultaneous use of both, as users must physically move their thumbs to operate different controls.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a distal input control device with a touch-sensitive surface and image capture capabilities, allowing users to provide input without physical contact, such as using gestures or body parts outside the controller, which can detect and analyze movements to control software applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users operate controls on both front and top of controller using thumbs, then all controls can be accessed, but users must switch between thumb sticks and buttons causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distal input control device that operates in a different spatial dimension from traditional thumb-operated controls. By detecting gestures from the user's hand at a distance (using cameras and image processors), the system enables control operations without requiring the thumb to physically move between different control locations on the controller surface, thus eliminating the switching time while maintaining full control accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional controls are mounted on the controller, then more control options are available, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding physical mechanical controls to the controller, the patent substitutes a distal input control device that uses optical sensing (cameras and image processors) to detect hand gestures. This approach provides additional control options and versatility without increasing the physical complexity of the controller structure, as no additional mechanical buttons, sticks, or switches are required.
3Productivity
If distal input control device is added, then continuous control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distal input control device is designed to work in conjunction with existing controller controls, providing multi-functionality. The same controller can operate both traditional mechanical controls and the new distal gesture-based controls simultaneously, allowing continuous input without switching while maintaining compatibility with existing control mechanisms, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing 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
Enhances user interaction by allowing continuous control without the need to switch between thumb sticks and buttons, improving gameplay experience by enabling more intuitive and efficient input methods.
Implementation Method 1
The interface of the distal input control device comprises a sensing surface of a touch sensitive device
Implementation Method 2
The at least one distal input control device comprises a camera having an image sensor for capturing at least one image
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an improved controller (10) for a games console. The invention is a games controller (10) that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller. The controller of the invention (10) may comprise a plurality of controls (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9) on the front (F) and top (T) of the controller (10). The controller of the present invention (10) is advantageous as it additionally comprises at least one additional control (18) providing a distal input control device having an interface located in one of a plurality of faces of the controller.