Universal Mobile Game Controller With Automatic OS Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game controllers require separate hardware solutions for different computing device operating systems, leading to inefficiencies in product development and user ambiguity in identifying the correct version.
Innovation Solution
A universal game controller system that uses a USB-C connector to automatically interoperate with multiple operating systems like Android and iOS, employing USB device descriptors and vendor interfaces to facilitate seamless communication and authentication, allowing a single hardware solution to support both platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate hardware solutions are used for different operating systems, then compatibility with specific systems is ensured, but device complexity and product variety increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal game controller design that can connect to multiple operating systems (Android, iOS, Windows) through a single hardware platform. The controller uses standardized USB-C connectivity and implements multiple HID (Human Interface Device) interfaces that can be dynamically activated based on the detected host system, eliminating the need for separate hardware versions for different platforms while maintaining full compatibility with each.
2Reliability
If separate hardware solutions are used for different operating systems, then system-specific optimization is achieved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple system-specific controller implementations into a single unified hardware platform. By integrating multiple HID interface implementations within one device, the manufacturer produces only one type of controller unit, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity, inventory management requirements, and assembly variations while still providing optimized functionality for each operating system through software-based interface selection.
3Reliability
If manual user intervention is required to select controller version, then correct system matching can be achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic host detection functionality within the game controller that identifies the connected operating system and automatically activates the appropriate HID interface without requiring user input. The controller autonomously detects the host system type through USB enumeration processes and seamlessly switches between Android, iOS, and Windows protocols, providing a plug-and-play experience that eliminates manual version selection while ensuring correct system matching.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal mobile game controller is provided that can interoperate with multiple computing device operating systems (e.g., Android and iOS) in an automatic way through a common connector (e.g., USB-C). With these embodiments, instead of building a separate mobile game controller for each operating system, a single mobile game controller can be used for all operating systems. These embodiments can also enable communication with an application running within the computing device operating system. Other embodiments are provided.