Transparent-Key Gamepad Layout Switching for Multi-Console Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gamepads are limited to a single game console model, requiring manual key layout changes, which is inconvenient and lacks adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A gamepad with transparent keys and a display screen that automatically switches key layouts based on user input, using a main control board to manage icon display and trigger switches for seamless adaptation to different game consoles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gamepad uses fixed key layouts with printed icons, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different game console models is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different game console modelsVSAvoidkey layout switching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic key layouts by replacing static printed icons with a display screen that can dynamically show different icon arrangements. The control board receives signals from different game console models and automatically switches the display content to match the appropriate key layout, making the gamepad adaptable to multiple console types without physical modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the display parameter (icon arrangement) based on the detected game console model. The control board identifies the connected console type and adjusts the display screen's content accordingly, showing different icon positions and configurations to match the requirements of different game console models, thus achieving adaptability through parameter adjustment rather than structural change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a gamepad is designed for a specific game console model, then the key layout can be optimized for that model, but the ease of operation when switching between different console models deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey layout adaptation for different consolesVSAvoidtime required to change key layouts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service functionality where the gamepad automatically detects the connected game console model and autonomously switches to the appropriate key layout without user intervention. The control board identifies the console type and automatically adjusts the display screen's icon arrangement, eliminating the need for manual key layout changes and reducing adaptation time to zero.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from the game console connection to automatically adjust the key layout. The control board receives identification signals from different console models and uses this feedback to determine which key layout configuration to display, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts to the connected device without requiring user input or manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical key layouts are provided for different consoles, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with multiple game console modelsVSAvoidkey assembly production

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital copying of key layout configurations instead of creating multiple physical key sets. The display screen displays copied representations of different key layouts (icon arrangements) corresponding to different game console models. This digital copying approach allows multiple key layout configurations to be stored and switched electronically, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple physical key assemblies while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12558615B2Gamepad capable of automatically switching key layouts

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 SHENZHEN YIQIANMI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A gamepad capable of automatically switching key layouts includes a key assembly, a face shell, a display screen assembly, a main control board, and a plurality of trigger switches. The key assembly includes a plurality of transparent keys. The face shell includes a front surface and a back surface, a plurality of mounting holes which penetrate through the front surface and the back surface are formed in the face shell corresponding to the key assembly. The display screen assembly includes a display screen facing the back surface. The main control board controls the display screen to switch the plurality of first icons to a plurality of second icons, so as to obtain a second key layout, the second key layout is different from the first key layout. The main control board controls the corresponding trigger switch to output a control signal corresponding to the current key layout.