Movable Touch Sensor Plate for Handheld Controller Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating devices for information processing apparatuses, such as game machines, face difficulties in user input due to limited accessibility and functionality of buttons, especially when holding the device, as they are primarily designed for on-off operations and are not easily operable by the user.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a plate-shaped second operating member with a touch sensor between the hold sections, allowing for vertical movement and multi-touch capabilities, which enhances input options and accessibility by reducing the distance between buttons and the central section, enabling easier operation with fingers while holding the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If buttons are provided at the upper surface of the central section, then the device has more operating members, but it becomes difficult for the user to operate the buttons when holding the hold sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating member functionalityVSAvoidbutton operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second operating member transitions from a fixed planar button to a plate-shaped element that moves in the vertical dimension. This allows the operating surface to approach the user's fingers when pressed, effectively bridging the accessibility gap created by the spaced hold sections while maintaining multiple operating positions through vertical displacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional buttons are used, then the device structure is simple, but the information input capability is limited to on-off operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation input capabilityVSAvoidoperating member structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second operating member serves multiple functions: it acts as a touch sensor surface for multi-point contact detection, a pressure-sensitive input device for force measurement, and a movable platform that can be positioned at different vertical levels. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate buttons and sensors, increasing information input capability while managing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical button structures with a touch sensor-based system. The plate-shaped second operating member incorporates touch sensors that detect finger contact and pressure forces, substituting mechanical switch mechanisms with electronic sensing capabilities that provide richer input data (multi-touch positions, pressure levels) without requiring complex mechanical linkages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the hold sections are spaced apart for comfortable gripping, then the device is comfortable to hold, but the distance to the central section buttons increases making them harder to reach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip comfortVSAvoiddistance to central section

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second operating member is designed to be movable in the vertical direction rather than fixed. When the user presses down with their fingers, the plate moves downward to reduce the distance between the operating surface and the user's fingers. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain grip comfort with spaced hold sections while providing on-demand accessibility to the central section operating members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design increases the range of information that can be inputted and improves the operability of the device, allowing for more intuitive and efficient user interaction by facilitating easier access to the operating members.

Implementation Method 1

a touch sensor which is located between the first operating members and detects a user's input

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive touch sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

is so supported as to be capable of vertical movement in response to a user's pressing-down operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical displacement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentUS10603576B2Operating device including a touch sensor

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC

AI summary

An operating device includes: right and left hold sections to be held by a user, the right and left hold sections provided with first operating members; and a central section interconnecting the right and left hold sections. The operating device has a second operating member forming an upper surface of the central section. The second operating member includes a touch sensor located between the first operating members of the right and left hold sections, and is so supported as to be capable of vertical movement in response to a user's pressing-down operation. The second operating member is plate-like in shape, so that user's fingers can easily reach the second operating member in a condition where the user is holding the hold sections. As a result, operability of the operating device can be enhanced.