Gaming Peripheral Audio Control via Mode Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current input devices for video game consoles lack built-in audio control capabilities, requiring users to pause gameplay or access menus to adjust audio attributes, disrupting the gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a designated input mechanism within gaming peripherals, such as controllers, that allows users to adjust audio attributes, including volume and chat settings, without pausing the game, by reconfiguring the device into a secondary mode using existing input mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users access display menu to adjust audio attributes, then audio settings can be modified, but gameplay is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the input mechanisms into two functional groups: primary input mechanisms for game control and secondary input mechanisms specifically designated for audio attribute adjustment. This segmentation allows audio controls to be separated from the main game interface, enabling independent access without interrupting gameplay flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming peripheral is designed with multi-functionality, where the device can operate in at least two modes: a first mode for game control and a second mode for audio attribute adjustment. The same physical peripheral serves both purposes, allowing users to switch between functions without requiring separate devices or interrupting the gaming session.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated audio control interface is added, then audio control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming peripheral incorporates audio control capabilities within the existing device structure by designating specific existing input mechanisms for audio control functions. This approach adds versatility without requiring a completely separate control interface, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The input mechanisms are configured to be dynamically reassignable between game control functions and audio attribute adjustment functions based on the operational mode. This dynamic configuration allows the same physical mechanisms to serve multiple purposes, adding capability while avoiding the need for dedicated static controls for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein are directed toward gaming peripherals with built-in audio support. The gaming peripheral may include a plurality of input mechanisms configured to control a video game. The video game may be controlled via the plurality of input mechanisms in a first mode. Handheld input devices applicable to some embodiments may include, without limitation, computer controllers, video game console controllers, and handheld video gaming devices. Input mechanisms applicable to various embodiments may include, for example, control sticks (e.g., joysticks or analog sticks operable by a user's finger, such as a thumbstick), buttons, switches, and directional pads. The gaming peripheral may include a designated input mechanism that, when engaged, reconfigures the gaming peripheral into a second mode causing at least one of the plurality of input mechanisms, when actuated, to adjust audio attributes of the video game without interrupting play of the video game.