Game Controller Load Sensor Arrangement for Directional Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional game controllers with load sensors are limited in enabling manipulations in four directions and fail to effectively utilize multiple load values for engaging game processing, restricting the complexity and variety of games that can be played.

Innovation Solution

A game controller with a support portion for the player's legs, equipped with at least four load sensors disposed at predetermined intervals, and a communication system to transmit load values as manipulation data, allowing for various manipulations and power-efficient operation by controlling power supply based on command reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only two load sensors are used for simple measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but manipulation capability and game variety are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of load sensorsVSAvoidmanipulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The game controller divides the support portion into multiple detection zones by strategically placing load sensors at specific positions (corners and center). Each sensor segment detects load in its specific zone, and the controller integrates these segmented measurements to determine overall manipulation intent, enabling four-directional control while maintaining reasonable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The load sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting forward/backward manipulation, left/right manipulation, and determining manipulation intensity. The same sensors that detect simple presence also determine direction and force, eliminating the need for separate sensor types for different manipulation modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple load sensors are used to enable four-directional manipulation, then manipulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanipulation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of load sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple load sensors into a unified detection system. Instead of treating each sensor independently for specific directions, the system combines readings from all sensors to determine both direction and intensity of manipulation in a single integrated process, reducing the need for separate sensor sets for different axes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The game controller uses a simplified sensor arrangement that copies the essential functionality of more complex six-sensor configurations. By strategically placing four load sensors at corner positions, the system replicates the capability to detect four-directional manipulation without requiring the full six-sensor array, achieving adequate functionality with reduced complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If continuous power supply to load sensors is provided, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply to load sensors operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates power to the sensors only during game processing cycles when manipulation detection is required, and deactivates power during idle periods. This periodic operation maintains measurement accuracy when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The game controller monitors its own operational state and autonomously controls power supply to the load sensors based on whether game processing is active. When the controller detects that game processing is required, it automatically enables power to the sensors; when processing is idle, it automatically disables power, making the system self-regulating without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables various manipulations and enhances game processing by accurately detecting and transmitting load values, allowing for more complex and engaging game scenarios, while minimizing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

at least four load sensors disposed at predetermined intervals below the support portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad sensing: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9289680B2Game controller, storage medium storing game program, and game apparatus

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 NINTENDO CO LTD

AI summary

A game controller includes at least four load sensors for detecting a load applied on a support board on which player's legs are ridden, and the game controller transmits a load value detected as manipulation data by the four load sensors to a game machine. The game machine determines a necessary quantity of load values, and the game machine computes the necessary quantity of load values based on the detected load value from the game controller. Then, game processing is performed based on the necessary quantity of computed load values.