Game System Mode Switching Between Portable and Stationary Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video game systems require a stationary display device like a television for gameplay, preventing simultaneous use for other purposes like watching TV programs or using a DVD player by another user, and vice versa.

Innovation Solution

An information processing program and system that allows image output to both portable and stationary display devices, enabling mode switching between gameplay on a portable device, stationary device, or remote control of the stationary device, ensuring gameplay continuity without needing the stationary device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stationary display device is used for gameplay, then the game image can be displayed, but another user cannot use the stationary display device for other purposes simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegameplay capabilityVSAvoidsimultaneous usage flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the display functionality by providing two separate display paths: a stationary display device for main game images and a portable display device for sub game images. This allows different users to simultaneously access the game system through different display devices, resolving the conflict between gameplay capability and simultaneous usage flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The information processing apparatus is designed to support multiple operation modes (first mode for portable display, second mode for stationary display) and can function as both a game device and a control device for the stationary display. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to different usage scenarios and allow simultaneous access by multiple users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the stationary display device is used for other purposes, then it can be utilized by another user, but the current user cannot play the game

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage flexibilityVSAvoidgameplay capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The game image is segmented into a main image displayed on the stationary display device and a sub image displayed on the portable display device. When the stationary display is used for other purposes, the sub image on the portable device provides sufficient game information for continued gameplay, ensuring gameplay capability is maintained while allowing usage flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The portable display device acts as an intermediary that provides game information to the user when the stationary display is unavailable. The sub game image displayed on the portable device serves as a mediator that maintains the gameplay experience even when the primary stationary display is occupied by another user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mode switching is implemented, then usage flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages mode switching based on detected conditions without requiring complex user intervention. The information processing apparatus self-adjusts between first mode and second mode based on whether the stationary display is available, reducing control system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on real-time conditions. The mode switching is implemented as a dynamic response to system state changes rather than a static configuration, allowing flexibility while keeping control logic relatively simple through condition-based transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2532399B1Information processing program, information processing system and information processing method
Publication Date: 2017.01.25 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2532399B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2532399B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2532399B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

A game system has at least two modes of operation, that is, a monitor game mode and a terminal device game mode. In the monitor game mode, a main game image is displayed on a monitor and a sub game image is displayed on an LCD of a terminal device. In the terminal device game mode, the main game image is displayed on the LCD of the terminal device. The mode of operation can be switched in accordance with a mode switching instruction from a user.