Operation Controller Profiles with Application-Guided Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In cases where a user switches setting information for a controller, there is a risk of applying key assignment different from what is expected by the active application, leading to unintended operation settings.

Innovation Solution

An operation apparatus with a storage section for multiple setting information profiles, a transmitting section to send operation information, and a switching section that adjusts settings based on user input or control by an external information processing apparatus, including modes for automatic and user-initiated switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users can freely switch setting information on the controller, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to applying incorrect settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting switchingVSAvoidsetting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller includes a switching section that receives switching requests from the external information processing apparatus and switches setting information accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the controller applies the correct setting information expected by the active application, resolving the contradiction between user freedom to switch settings and reliability of setting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The external information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the user and the controller's setting information. It transmits switching requests to the controller, mediating the setting switching process to ensure that only appropriate settings are applied, thus maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the controller autonomously switches setting information, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting adaptationVSAvoidcontrol structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The setting switching function is segmented between the controller and the external information processing apparatus. The controller contains the switching section for executing switches, while the external apparatus generates and transmits switching requests. This segmentation allows the controller to maintain adaptability without bearing the full complexity of setting management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching section is designed to receive switching requests from the external information processing apparatus and can switch among multiple pieces of setting information stored in the storage section. This multi-functional design allows the controller to adapt to different applications and users while maintaining a relatively simple internal structure.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4614286A1Operation device, information processing system, information processing method, and computer program
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP4614286A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4614286A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4614286A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A controller 6 transmits, to an information processing apparatus 10, operation information representing input user operation, the operation information being operation information to which any piece of setting information of a plurality of pieces of setting information has been applied. Operation modes of the controller 6 related to switching of setting information include a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is an operation mode in which setting information to be applied at the controller 6 is switched in accordance with control by the information processing apparatus 10. The second mode is an operation mode in which the setting information to be applied at the controller 6 is switched in response to predetermined input by a user.