Image Capture Operation Detection in Cardboard Case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems require complex accessory devices with electric components to detect and transmit operation data, leading to a need for a simplified structure that can capture and process data without these components.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system comprising a data transmission device with an image capturing section and a transmission section, where the data transmission device is attached to a case that includes a cardboard member, allowing the image capturing target member to be moved within the case, and the data is processed based on captured images without the need for electric components to detect user operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electric components are used to detect and transmit operation data in accessory devices, then operation detection and data transmission functions are achieved, but device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation detection functionVSAvoidstructure of accessory device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electric detection components with an optical detection system. An image capturing section captures images of operation target members (such as strings or rods) that represent user operations mechanically. The transmission section then transmits these captured images to the main body apparatus for processing, eliminating the need for complex electric sensors and circuits in the accessory device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary representation system where physical operation target members (strings, rods) serve as mediators between user operations and the detection system. Instead of directly detecting electrical signals from user inputs, the system captures images of these mechanical intermediaries, which are then processed to determine operation intentions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If electric components are used to transmit operation data, then data transmission to main body apparatus is achieved, but amount of data transmitted increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation data transmissionVSAvoidamount of data transmitted
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses image copying instead of direct data transmission. The image capturing section captures visual copies of operation target members, and the transmission section sends these image copies to the main body apparatus. The processing section then analyzes these images to extract operation information, which reduces the amount of raw data transmitted compared to transmitting complete operation signals from multiple electric components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If image capturing section is used to capture operation data, then structure is simplified, but measurement precision of operation may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure of accessory deviceVSAvoidoperation recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback processing mechanism where the processing section receives captured images, analyzes them to determine operation intentions, and provides feedback for refining the operation recognition. The system can track the position and movement of operation target members over time, using temporal feedback to improve the accuracy of operation recognition while maintaining a simple accessory device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The system achieves a simplified structure by using image capture and processing to transmit data, reducing the amount of data transmitted and eliminating the need for electric components to detect user operations, while allowing for secure and accurate operation recognition.

Implementation Method 1

an image capturing section, and a transmission section. The transmission section transmits, to the information processing apparatus, data generated based on a captured image captured by the image capturing section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3417918B1Information processing system, case, and cardboard member
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP3417918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3417918B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3417918B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A data transmission device that includes an image capturing section and transmits data generated based on an image captured by the image capturing section is allowed to be located at a case while at least a part of the data transmission device is accommodated in the case, such that an image capturing direction of the image capturing section is directed toward an inner space of a case main body. An image capturing target member movable in the inner space of the case main body in accordance with an operation made from outside of the case main body is located at a position where an image of the image capturing target member is allowed to be captured by the image capturing section. Based on the transmitted data, an information process is executed.