Video Game Controller Visual Function Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video games require players to memorize the functions of multiple buttons on a controller, making it difficult for beginners to operate accurately and smoothly.

Innovation Solution

A video game processing apparatus that includes an operational function correspondence information memory, an operating section image display controller, and an operation correspondence processor to display and manage operational functions, allowing players to identify and switch between different operational functions through visual cues on a display screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are arranged on a controller to provide various operational functions, then the functionality and versatility of the video game system is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because players must memorize the function of each button

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational functionVSAvoidoperation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays images of the operating sections (buttons) on the screen that correspond to their physical positions on the controller. These visual copies show the current operational function of each button, allowing players to see rather than memorize button functions. The display updates in real-time to reflect function changes, eliminating the need for memorization while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying the current operational function of each button on the screen. When a player presses a button, the display shows which function is activated. This immediate feedback loop helps players understand button functions through observation and reinforcement rather than memorization, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operational functions are assigned to each operating section to increase versatility, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases making it harder for beginners to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational functionVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates visual representations of each button's current function on the display screen. These visual copies replace the need for players to mentally track multiple functions per button. By showing rather than hiding the functional state, the system reduces perceived complexity while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses different colors to indicate different operational functions for each button. This visual coding system allows players to quickly distinguish between multiple functions without needing to memorize them. The color-coded display simplifies the interface by providing intuitive visual cues that reduce cognitive load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS10974131B2Video game processing apparatus and video game processing program
Publication Date: 2021.04.13 SQUARE ENIX HLDG CO LTD
  • US10974131B2 patent drawing
  • US10974131B2 patent drawing
  • US10974131B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game is provided. A display device is caused to display multiple virtual image sets including at least a first virtual image set and a second virtual image set. The multiple virtual image sets corresponding to one input device. The first virtual image set corresponds to a first set of gameplay operations and the second virtual image set corresponds to a second set of gameplay operations. Only one of the virtual image sets is activated at a time according to a selection by a player. An input receiver receives a selection of an input of the one input device, and a gameplay operation corresponding to the input selected is executed. The gameplay operation executed corresponds to the activated set of the virtual images.