Gyroscope Input Orientation Calculation for Display Range Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems using gyroscopes for input control in devices, such as game apparatuses, primarily utilize gyroscope outputs for object orientation within virtual spaces, limiting their application to other operations like scrolling images on a display.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that includes an orientation calculation, coordinate calculation, and display control portions to control the display range based on angular rates detected by a gyroscope, allowing for the calculation of a two-dimensional coordinate point and subsequent control of the display range, enabling intuitive and easy scrolling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the gyroscope output is used only for controlling object orientation in virtual space, then the control precision for object orientation is improved, but the versatility of the input device is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the gyroscope to serve multiple functions: it controls both the orientation of objects in virtual space and the scrolling/display range of images on the display screen. The orientation calculation portion calculates orientation from angular rate, and this orientation information is utilized by both the object control system and the display control system, allowing one sensor to perform multiple tasks without requiring separate input devices for each function.

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

2Ease of operation

If additional input devices are added to enable scrolling operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for separate scrolling input devices by making the existing gyroscope-based input device multi-functional. The same gyroscope that controls object orientation now also controls display scrolling through the orientation calculation portion and display control portion, maintaining ease of operation with one hand while reducing overall device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the scrolling control function with the existing orientation control function into a single integrated system. Both functions share the same gyroscope sensor and orientation calculation portion, combining what would traditionally require separate devices into one unified input mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the gyroscope is integrated into the information processing apparatus, then the ease of operation with one hand is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated gyroscope serves multiple purposes within the information processing apparatus: it controls both virtual object orientation and display image scrolling. This multi-functionality justifies the integration by allowing one sensor to replace what would otherwise require multiple sensors or input devices, maintaining ease of one-handed operation while actually reducing overall system complexity through consolidation.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the user to control the display range using a gyroscope, providing increased freedom and improved operability by allowing two types of inputs with one hand, enhancing the ability to change and manage the display range effectively.

Implementation Method 1

an angular rate detected by a gyroscope included in an input device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP2228109B1Information processing apparatus, storage medium having information processing program stored therein, information processing system, and display range control method
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2228109B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2228109B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2228109B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A coordinate calculation apparatus calculates a coordinate point representing a position on a display screen based on an orientation of an input device. The coordinate calculation apparatus includes direction acquisition means, orientation calculation means, first coordinate calculation means, and correction means. The direction acquisition means acquires information representing a direction of the input device viewed from a predetermined position in a predetermined space. The orientation calculation means calculates the orientation of the input device in the predetermined space. The first coordinate calculation means calculates a first coordinate point for determining the position on the display screen based on the orientation of the input device. The correction means corrects the first coordinate point such that the first coordinate point calculated when the input device is directed in a predetermined direction takes a predetermined reference value.