Input Data Correction for Joystick Operability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional input devices, such as analog joysticks, face challenges in providing adequate operability due to their limited range of physical displacement, which affects the range of output and user controllability, especially when trying to cover a larger output range or when size reduction is necessary.

Innovation Solution

An information processing program that corrects data output from input devices by updating input data to approach or exceed the upper limit value defined by the device's allowed range, allowing for improved controllability and operability by pseudo-enlarging the displacement range through data processing techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the range of physical displacement of the movable member is increased to cover a greater output range, then the operability is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the displacement range through data processing. The correction program generates output data that represents a larger displacement range than the physical device can actually achieve, effectively copying the appearance of extended range without the physical constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical solution (physically enlarging the displacement range) with an information processing solution. Instead of modifying the hardware to achieve greater displacement, the system uses data correction algorithms to simulate extended range, substituting mechanical expansion with computational processing

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

2Volume of moving object

If the range of physical displacement is reduced to decrease device size, then the device becomes more compact, but the operability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The correction program creates a virtual representation of larger displacement by processing the limited physical input data. The output data mimics what would be produced by a device with greater physical range, allowing compact hardware to deliver extended operational capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the relationship between physical displacement and output data through parameter modification. The correction program adjusts the output parameters based on the limited input range, effectively changing the mapping between physical movement and control output to compensate for the reduced displacement range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2452733B1Information processing program, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing system
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2452733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2452733B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2452733B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

The present invention is to provide, for example, an information processing program executed by a computer of an information processing apparatus for correcting data outputted from an input device (15);. The information processing program causes the computer to function as: input data acquisition means (S101) for acquiring, as object data, input data outputted from the input device; and first input data updating means (S103) for sequentially updating the object data, when the input data becomes equal to or greater than an upper limit defined by allowed range of input operation on the input device, until the updated object data indicates a predetermined value which is greater than the upper limit value.