Guitar Controller Thumbstick Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved guitar-shaped video game controller that allows users to operate action buttons and a thumbstick simultaneously with the same hand.
Innovation Solution
A guitar-shaped video game controller with a neck that has action buttons on one side and a thumbstick on the opposite side, allowing users to actuate both simultaneously with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If action buttons are placed on one side of the neck and thumbstick on the same side, then the controller structure is simplified, but the user cannot operate both buttons and thumbstick simultaneously with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional layout (all controls on one side) to a three-dimensional arrangement by placing the thumbstick on the opposite side of the neck from the action buttons. This spatial separation in different dimensions allows a user's hand to simultaneously access and actuate both the action buttons and thumbstick without interference, resolving the contradiction between operational capability and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the thumbstick is placed far from the action buttons, then the thumbstick is more accessible, but the overall controller size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric placement of controls on the neck, positioning the thumbstick on the opposite side from the action buttons rather than symmetrically or sequentially arranging them. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the spatial relationship between controls, allowing the thumbstick to be accessible while minimizing the required neck length by utilizing the opposite-side positioning rather than simply extending the neck length.
Data Source
AI summary
A video game controller includes a body having a shape that resembles a guitar body, a neck and a headstock, the neck extending between the body and the headstock. The neck has fret buttons or action buttons on one side of the neck and has a thumbstick on an opposite side of the neck proximate at least one of the fret buttons or action buttons to allow a user to operate the fret buttons or action buttons and thumbstick simultaneously with the same hand.