Modular Controller Attachment for Ergonomic Gaming Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video game controllers lack the ability to be easily reconfigured to suit specific game types or user preferences, such as ergonomics and button assignments, which can limit gaming comfort and performance.
Innovation Solution
An input device attachment that can be combined with existing controllers, adding or augmenting input mechanisms, such as triggers, and modifying the exterior structure to enhance user interaction, including flexible structures and translation mechanisms to map input actions from the attachment to the controller's mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing controllers are used without modification, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to specific games and user preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller system is divided into a base controller and separate modular attachments. Each attachment provides specific input mechanisms (triggers, buttons, joysticks) that can be independently selected and attached to the base controller, allowing customization without permanently complicating the base device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base controller is designed with universal attachment interfaces that can accommodate multiple different attachment types. This allows a single base controller to work with various attachments for different game types, achieving versatility without requiring multiple specialized controllers.
2Ease of operation
If standard controller configurations are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ease of operation for specific games deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller system separates the standardized base controller (easy to manufacture) from specialized attachments (customized for specific games). This segmentation allows mass production of simple base units while providing ergonomic optimization through optional attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller configuration becomes dynamic and adaptable rather than static. Users can attach different input mechanisms based on the specific game being played, optimizing ergonomics and control layout for each gaming scenario without requiring multiple pre-configured controllers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional input mechanisms are added to controllers, then adaptability to different games improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Additional input mechanisms are segregated into separate attachment modules rather than being integrated into the base controller. This allows users to add complexity only when needed for specific games, keeping the base controller simple while providing access to enhanced functionality through optional attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
Attachments are designed to nest onto the base controller through standardized interfaces. The attachment structures can be nested or stacked on the base controller, allowing multiple input mechanisms to be added in a organized, space-efficient manner that minimizes overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, an input device attachment is provided and, more specifically, for some embodiments an input device attachment is provided that is combinable with a computer or video game controller. For example, various embodiments provide attachments for handheld video gaming devices configured to control electronic devices, such handheld video gaming devices including without limitation computer controllers, video game console controllers, and handheld video gaming devices. Various embodiments of the invention comprise an attachment comprising an input mechanism that may augment an existing input mechanism of an input device or add an additional input mechanism to the input device. Additionally, some embodiments may augment an exterior structure, or a surface of the input device.