I/O Device Priority Grouping for Accurate Auto Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems face challenges in accurately selecting the intended input/output device among multiple candidates, leading to user confusion and inconvenience.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that includes a setting unit to set a priority group of devices based on user operation and a selector to choose the input/output device from this group, ensuring devices like built-in speakers, headphones, and external monitors are prioritized according to user intent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the system automatically selects an input/output device from multiple candidates, then the operation speed is improved, but the accuracy of selecting the user-intended device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice selection speedVSAvoiddevice selection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-setting priority groups for different interface types (e.g., wired connections prioritized over wireless, specific audio interfaces prioritized based on historical usage). When a device is connected, the system automatically references these pre-established priorities to make rapid selections without requiring real-time user input, thus achieving both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user selections are recorded and used to refine future automatic selections. The priority grouping is dynamically adjusted based on historical usage patterns, ensuring that the automatic selection becomes increasingly accurate over time while maintaining rapid response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system provides multiple device selection options, then the adaptability is improved, but the user confusion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoiduser confusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the device selection process into distinct priority groups based on interface types and usage scenarios. Instead of presenting all available devices equally, the system divides them into hierarchical categories (e.g., primary audio output devices, secondary devices, tertiary options), allowing users to see only relevant choices and reducing confusion while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different selection criteria and priority rules to different types of interfaces and devices. For example, wired audio interfaces may receive higher priority than wireless ones, or video output devices may be prioritized differently from audio devices. This localized quality approach ensures each device type is handled appropriately without overwhelming the user with uniform options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If the system uses complex selection criteria for device selection, then the selection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice selection accuracyVSAvoidselection logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs complex evaluation operations in advance by establishing priority groups and selection criteria before actual device selection is needed. These pre-computed priorities are stored and readily applied when devices are connected, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations and keeping the selection logic transparent while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260079857A1Information processing system, method, and computer-readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.19 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • US20260079857A1 patent drawing
  • US20260079857A1 patent drawing
  • US20260079857A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing system including an interface to and from which a device configured to output or input a signal of at least one of a sound or video images is connectable and disconnectable, is provided. The information processing system sets as a priority group, based on a user operation, one group including a plurality of devices to be connected through a wire to the information processing system, and selects an input/output device configured to output or input the signal from among one or more devices connected to the information processing system. The information processing system selects, when the one or more devices connected through the wire to the information processing system include one or more devices in the priority group, at least one of the one or more devices in the priority group as the input/output device.