Game Controller Customization via Mobile Phone Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game controllers often have pre-established key configurations that are not adaptable to individual user preferences, limiting their usability and requiring modifications to the game console or program.
Innovation Solution
A method using a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, to configure and program custom functions for game controller keys, allowing users to associate specific signals with key actuations without modifying the console or game program, enabling personalized and ambidextrous control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-established key configurations are used in game controllers, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to individual user preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable electronic device as an intermediary between the user and the game controller. This mediator handles the complex configuration tasks by capturing user preferences through its interface, processing the configuration data, and transmitting the customized key mappings to the controller. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of the configuration system while keeping the controller itself simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration functionality is segmented into a separate portable electronic device rather than being integrated into the game controller. This segmentation allows the controller to remain simple with fixed key configurations, while the portable device handles the complex adaptability requirements through its processing and interface capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom key configurations are implemented in the game controller itself, then the adaptability to user preferences is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex configuration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device serves as an intermediary that provides an intuitive interface for configuration. Users interact with the portable device's familiar interface (screen, keyboard, mouse) rather than dealing with complex controller configuration procedures. The intermediary translates user-friendly interactions into the technical configuration data needed by the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration where users can independently customize their own key mappings without requiring technical assistance or complex procedures. The portable device's interface allows users to define their preferences and automatically generates the configuration, making the process as easy as using any standard electronic device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration options are provided through the game console or game program, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to protection against modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device acts as an intermediary that bypasses the protected game console and program. Configuration data is prepared externally on the portable device and then transmitted to the controller, avoiding any need to modify or interact with the protected console software. This maintains the integrity and reliability of the console while still enabling customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration functionality is extracted from the protected game console and program environments. By moving the configuration capability to an external portable device, the system eliminates the conflict between customization needs and software protection mechanisms, allowing both to coexist without compromising console reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
Method for configuring a game controller with a mobile phone, the game controller comprising at least one button arranged to be activated by a user, the method comprising the steps of: - programming, on the mobile phone, a function to be executed when said at least one button is activated, - defining, with the mobile phone, a signal to be sent to a game processing unit, corresponding to the programmed function, - sending, with the mobile phone, the defined signal to the game controller, - associating, in the game controller, the activation of said at least one button with the defined signal.