Lattice Operating Device for 3D Input Freedom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operating devices for game devices and similar applications lack the necessary degree of freedom to effectively operate complex display objects as processing capacities improve, requiring a more versatile input mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a lattice-shaped configuration using link shafts and node mechanism sections that allow for changes in posture, equipped with three-dimensional magnetic sensors, IMUs, and position sensors to detect and output position coordinates, enabling intuitive control of display objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional operating devices (buttons, direction keys, operating sticks) are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the degree of freedom in operation is insufficient to control complex display objects
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is divided into multiple independent link shafts connected through node mechanism sections, forming a lattice structure. Each link shaft can be independently positioned and oriented, allowing complex three-dimensional movements to be expressed through combinations of simple segments. This segmentation enables high adaptability while keeping individual components simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional input devices to a three-dimensional lattice structure that can change its own shape and posture. The link shafts can be positioned in various orientations in three-dimensional space, and the node mechanism sections can change the angles between link shafts, enabling control of complex display objects that require multi-dimensional input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operating device uses a lattice structure with multiple link shafts and node mechanism sections, then the degree of freedom in operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The node mechanism section serves multiple functions: it connects multiple link shafts, changes the angles between them, and acts as a joint in the lattice structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the high degree of freedom in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating device utilizes changes in the angles and positions of link shafts connected through node mechanism sections to achieve various movements. By changing these geometric parameters, the device can express complex three-dimensional movements without requiring complex mechanical components, thereby easing manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If detection means is added to detect the direction of link shafts, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with magnetic field-based detection. Magnets are attached to the link shafts, and magnetic sensors detect their positions and orientations. This substitution provides precise detection of link shaft directions while avoiding the complexity of mechanical linkages or multiple sensors required for traditional mechanical detection systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an operating device having a high degree of freedom of operation by a user. The operating device outputs a signal to a computer according to a change of the posture by an operation of a user, and includes a plurality of link shafts, a plurality of node mechanism sections which form a lattice shape together with the plurality of link shafts, and each of which holds one ends of at least two or more link shafts among the plurality of link shafts such that the postures of the two or more link shafts can be changed, and a three-dimensional magnetic sensor that detects respective directions in which the two or more link shafts extend relative to the node mechanism sections.