Motion-Based Input Device Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for switching between coordinate input devices, such as mice and tablets, are slow and do not allow for quick response switching, leading to inconvenient timing for users.

Innovation Solution

A computer-readable recording medium with an information processing program that uses motion information from input devices to determine when to switch between pointing and non-pointing devices based on predetermined thresholds, allowing for quick and accurate operation method changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If switching is based on predetermined time operation duration, then device stability is maintained, but switching response speed becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidswitching response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the switching criterion from time-based (predetermined operation duration) to motion-based (movement amount threshold). This parameter change enables rapid switching response by detecting sudden motion events, while maintaining reliability through threshold-based validation that filters out accidental movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the time-based switching mechanism with a motion detection mechanism using acceleration sensors. This substitution allows the system to respond to physical movement events instantaneously, achieving fast switching response without relying on time accumulation, while the threshold comparison provides stable and reliable switching decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coordinate input devices are connected for versatility, then input method flexibility improves, but switching complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput method flexibilityVSAvoidswitching complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service switching where the system automatically detects user intent through motion events and switches between input devices without requiring manual selection. The acceleration sensor detects when the user picks up or moves the controller, and the system autonomously switches to the appropriate input mode, eliminating complex switching procedures while supporting multiple input devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal switching mechanism that works across different coordinate input devices (mouse, tablet, controller) by using motion detection as a common trigger. This single motion-based approach serves multiple input devices and switching scenarios, simplifying the overall switching system while maintaining versatility across different device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2177971B1Information processing apparatus and computer-readable recording medium recording information processing program
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP2177971B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2177971B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2177971B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Motion information is obtained which is information about a motion applied to an input device housing itself including a pointing device of a plurality of input means. Next, based on the motion information, a movement amount of the input device housing is calculated. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the movement amount satisfies predetermined conditions. When the predetermined conditions are satisfied, a position is designated based on an output from the pointing device.