Mobile Hub Input Mapping for Non-Networked Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network applications are limited by compatibility issues with control devices that lack network-connectable components, preventing users from using their preferred controllers, such as game controllers, which may have different input devices and require additional electronic devices for processing.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device hub facilitates the connection and configuration of various control devices with network applications by establishing wired or wireless connections, mapping input devices to controls, and sending input data over a network to a remote system for processing, eliminating the need for additional electronic devices like video game consoles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control devices without network-connectable components are used, then user preference and diversity of control devices are improved, but compatibility with network applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary between control devices without network connectivity and the network application. It receives inputs from the control device, processes them according to configuration data, and transmits the processed inputs to the network application via network connection, thereby enabling compatibility without requiring the control device itself to have network capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device performs multiple functions: it acts as a network interface for control devices, a configuration manager for mapping inputs to controls, and an input processing unit. This multi-functionality allows diverse control devices to be used with network applications without requiring each control device to be specially designed with network capabilities
2Ease of operation
If additional electronic devices like video game consoles are used for processing, then control functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is leveraged to perform additional functions beyond its typical use. By utilizing its processing capabilities, network connectivity, and input/output interfaces, it can handle control device communication, input processing, and network transmission, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated video game consoles or additional processing devices
3Measurement precision
If input data is transmitted through additional processing devices, then control precision is improved, but transmission latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing function is extracted from separate dedicated devices and consolidated into the mobile device that is already in possession of the user. This eliminates the need for physical transmission through additional hardware devices, thereby reducing transmission latency while maintaining processing accuracy through software-based input handling
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes, in part, a system and method for receiving inputs from control devices of different types, sources, and origins at a mobile device to control a single unified platform in parallel with control devices intended for control of the platform. The system and method include connecting a control device to a mobile device that may communicate, over a network, with a remote system to enable a third-party or non-network-connected control device to be used alongside and/or in place of a network-connectable control device.