Hand-Held Controller with Modular Inputs for One-Handed PC Gaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from console gaming controllers to PC keyboards is challenging due to different operation mechanics, requiring users to learn new key mappings and input methods, and existing controllers lack ergonomic design and sufficient input actions for PC gaming.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held controller designed for one-handed operation, featuring a compact ergonomic housing with multiple input devices, including a joystick for analog direction input, buttons for in-game actions, and a back button for secondary functions, allowing users to emulate keyboard inputs and provide a wide range of actions similar to a keyboard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional keyboard is used for PC gaming, then input precision and variety are improved, but ease of operation and ergonomic comfort deteriorate due to requiring two hands and learning new key mappings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by replicating the console controller design (analog stick, buttons, directional pad) onto a PC-compatible device. This allows users to copy the familiar input mechanics from console gaming to PC gaming, eliminating the need to learn keyboard key mappings while maintaining precise input control through proven controller ergonomics
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with universal functionality to work with both console and PC platforms. By incorporating multiple input methods (analog stick, digital buttons, directional pad) in a single device, it provides versatile input capabilities that replace both keyboard and mouse functions for gaming, improving ease of operation while maintaining input precision
2Ease of operation
If a compact hand-held controller is designed for one-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the quantity of input devices and available actions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple input device functions into a compact hand-held form factor. By combining the analog stick, digital buttons, and directional pad into a single ergonomic housing that fits one hand, it consolidates multiple input mechanisms without sacrificing the quantity of available actions. The merged design allows all input devices to be operated simultaneously or sequentially within the constraints of one-handed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The controller utilizes dimensional optimization by arranging input devices in three-dimensional space within the hand-held housing. Input devices are positioned on multiple surfaces (front, back, top, bottom) of the controller, effectively using spatial dimensions to pack more functional elements into a compact form that remains comfortable for one-handed operation
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed components are used in the controller, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but ease of repair and component replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the controller into modular components (housing, analog stick assembly, button assemblies, circuit board). This modular design allows individual components to be independently replaced or repaired without disassembling the entire device. While segmentation slightly increases manufacturing complexity compared to fixed construction, it dramatically improves ease of repair and component replacement, enabling users to swap out worn or damaged parts without specialized tools or expertise
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held controller configured to be grasped and operated with one hand. The hand-held controller serves as an alternative to the keyboard for giving input to videogames or other programs, and is generally used along with a mouse. The hand-held controller includes a plurality of input devices configured to be comfortably operated with the user's fingers when the hand-held controller is grasped. The hand-held controller is configured to be able to stand on a table or flat surface and includes interfaces for functioning without the need for any cables to be connected to it. The hand-held controller includes an input device configured to give direction input, and several input devices configured for giving input not related to direction. The input devices include different operation modes to be recognized by different gaming systems and programs.