Layered Illuminated Button Indicia for Game Controller Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming input devices often confuse users with permanent multiple markings on buttons, leading to difficulty in quickly determining the proper function during fast-paced gameplay due to misreading or processing delays.

Innovation Solution

Dynamically changing button indicia using layered structures and multiple light sources to illuminate different markings, allowing buttons to adapt to different gaming modes without clutter or confusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If buttons are permanently marked with multiple functions, then the button can indicate multiple functions, but the user experiences confusion and processing delays in fast-paced gaming environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebutton function indicationVSAvoiduser identification speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The button markings are made dynamic through illumination control. Different markings (e.g., 'X' and 'A') are permanently present on the button but only become visible when illuminated by corresponding light sources. The system dynamically switches between displaying different markings based on the active gaming mode, transforming static permanent markings into dynamic context-dependent indicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses illumination to change the visibility of different markings on the button. By controlling light sources, the system makes specific markings visible or invisible based on the gaming mode. This is similar to color changes where different 'versions' of the same marking are revealed through illumination rather than physical color changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If buttons display multiple permanent markings, then the button can serve multiple functions, but the user cannot quickly determine the proper function during fast-paced gameplay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-function capabilityVSAvoidprocessing time for function identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple light sources corresponding to different gaming modes. Before the user needs to identify a button function, the appropriate marking is already illuminated and visible. This eliminates the need for the user to process multiple markings in real-time, as the correct marking is already highlighted through preliminary illumination setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple markings are permanently printed on buttons, then the button indicates available functions, but the markings clutter the button surface and reduce readability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction representationVSAvoidbutton marking configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The button markings are segmented into separate physical layers, with each layer containing specific markings for different gaming modes. Instead of having all markings permanently visible on a single surface, the system divides the markings into distinct layers that can be selectively illuminated. This segmentation allows multiple functions to be represented without cluttering a single visual field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination system acts as an intermediary between the multiple permanent markings and the user's visual perception. Rather than displaying all markings simultaneously which creates clutter, the illumination intermediary selectively reveals only the relevant marking for the current gaming mode, filtering out irrelevant information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances user clarity by ensuring the correct button function is immediately visible, reducing confusion and enhancing the flexibility and user-friendliness of gaming input devices.

Implementation Method 1

a light source positioned below the marking layer and configured to illuminate the marking layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20250281827A1Dynamically Changing Button Indicia for a Game Controller

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 BACKBONE LABS INC

AI summary

A gaming device that includes a handheld controller having a handle and a depressible button on the handle configured to receive user input. The depressible button includes a first marking layer including a first indicia, a first light source configured to illuminate the first indicia in the first marking layer, a second marking layer stacked with the first marking layer and including a second indicia, and a second light source configured to illuminate the second indicia in the second marking layer.