Game Controller Video Clip Editing via Thumb-Stick Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face a cumbersome process when trying to edit video game highlights or memorable video clips, as they typically require switching between devices and using different input methods, such as keyboards and mice, which disincentivizes the creation of edited highlights due to the separation of video generation and editing experiences.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a standard game controller to edit video clips by establishing terminal points for the clip using thumb-sticks and other interface components, allowing for intuitive and simultaneous manipulation of the clip's start and end points, thereby enabling easier and more coupled editing and generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If video editing is performed using a separate device and application (e.g., computer with keyboard and mouse), then the editing functionality is available, but the process becomes cumbersome and separates video generation from editing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of video editingVSAvoidcomplexity of editing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines video generation and video editing functions into a single device (the video game console). The game controller, originally designed for gameplay, is repurposed to control both game execution and video editing operations, eliminating the need to switch between devices and simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The game controller is assigned multiple functions: it controls both the video game execution and the video editing operations. The same controller that plays the game also selects start/end points, adjusts clip length, and manages video output, making a single device universal for both purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If video clips are edited using custom-designed hardware, then precise control is achieved, but the hardware cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of clip controlVSAvoidcost of editing hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing game controller serve itself for dual purposes. Instead of requiring separate specialized equipment, the controller already present in the gaming setup is programmed to handle both gameplay and editing tasks, eliminating the need for expensive custom hardware while maintaining precise control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The standard game controller is designed to perform multiple functions including both game control and precise video editing operations. The controller's existing buttons, d-pad, and analog sticks are mapped to editing functions, providing precise control without requiring specialized expensive hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If video highlights are captured but not edited, then the full event is preserved, but the video runs too long and includes extraneous material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of event captureVSAvoidlength of video clip

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing the complete event with proper start and end points during gameplay. The console records the full highlight moment with appropriate boundaries already established, so that later editing only requires minor adjustments rather than extensive trimming of extraneous material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If users switch between devices for video generation and editing, then separate specialized functions are available, but the workflow becomes discontinuous and discourages editing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecialization of functionsVSAvoidcontinuity of workflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges video generation and editing workflows into a continuous process on a single device. The console handles both capturing gameplay highlights and editing them without requiring users to transfer files or switch to a computer, maintaining workflow continuity and encouraging users to edit their videos.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9308442B2Controller-based video editing

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Example apparatus and methods use a video game controller to edit videos down to clips. A game controller may include a variety of elements (e.g., thumb-sticks, buttons) configured to provide inputs. Inputs may be received simultaneously from multiple controller elements. The inputs may be used to simultaneously update terminal points for a clip being selected from a video. The controller elements may be thumb-sticks. In one embodiment, the associations between which thumb-stick will be used to control a starting frame and which thumb-stick will be used to control an ending frame may be user-configurable. Similarly, the elements on the controller that are used to provide the two simultaneous inputs may be user-configurable. The video from which the clip is being clipped may have been generated by a video game played on a video game console as controlled by the game controller that will also edit the clip.