Multidirectional Input Stick with Load-Gated Tilt Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multidirectional input devices often erroneously detect user operations due to slight tilting, leading to incorrect input signals even when the user is not actively operating the device.
Innovation Solution
The multidirectional input device incorporates a tilt detector and load detector with circuitry that outputs signals only when the load detection value exceeds a threshold, preventing erroneous detection by setting the operation magnitude to zero when the load is below the threshold, and includes a returning mechanism to ensure accurate neutral positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the multidirectional input device uses a tilt detector to detect operation angles, then the device can detect user operations in multiple directions, but the device erroneously detects operations due to slight tilting even when the user is not actively operating it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a load detector as an intermediary component between the operation stick and the base. This load detector detects loads applied to the operation stick in the vertical direction, serving as a mediator to verify whether detected tilts represent genuine user operations. By combining tilt detection with load detection, the system can distinguish between actual user input and spurious signals caused by device tilting or self-weight, thereby resolving the contradiction between multidirectional detection capability and detection accuracy.
2Productivity
If the device outputs signals based on tilt detector readings, then the device responds to user operations, but the device outputs incorrect signals when the load is below the threshold due to device tilt or self-weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification by requiring both tilt detection and load detection thresholds to be satisfied before generating an output signal. The load detector pre-verifies whether a detected tilt represents a genuine user operation by checking if the vertical load exceeds a predetermined threshold. This preliminary action prevents false signals from being generated due to device tilting or self-weight, while still maintaining responsive operation detection when genuine user input is applied.
3Device complexity
If the device uses only a tilt detector, then the device structure is simpler, but the device cannot distinguish between genuine user operations and false detections caused by tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two detection mechanisms - the tilt detector for detecting operation angles in multiple directions and the load detector for detecting vertical loads applied to the operation stick. By combining these two detection systems and requiring both to satisfy their respective thresholds for signal generation, the patent achieves reliable distinction between genuine user operations and false detections. This merging approach maintains reasonable device complexity while significantly improving operation detection reliability.
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
This solution effectively prevents false detection of user operations caused by device tilt or self-weight, enhancing the accuracy of input signals and reducing noise-related errors.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt detector configured to detect an angle detection value representing the tilt direction and the tilt angle of the operation stick
Implementation Method 2
The load detector is provided on the frame or the base and configured to detect a load detection value representing the direction and the magnitude of a load applied to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A multidirectional input device includes a frame, a plate-shaped base below the frame, a load detector provided on the frame or the base, and circuitry. The frame stores part of a tiltable operation stick and a tilt detector. The circuitry is configured to output an output signal representing the direction and the magnitude of an operation on the operation stick, based on the angle detection value of the tilt of the operation stick detected by the tilt detector and the load detection value of a load applied to the frame detected by the load detector. The circuitry is configured not to output the output signal or to output the output signal that sets the magnitude of the operation to zero, when the load detection value detected by the load detector is less than a predetermined threshold.