Peripheral Apparatus Dual Mode Controller Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional game controllers and peripheral apparatuses require modifications to be compatible with new peripheral devices, making it difficult to achieve seamless compatibility without altering the game controller's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A peripheral apparatus that can communicate with a game controller, featuring a sensor to detect user input, a processing means to generate commands, and a transmit means to operate in multiple modes, allowing the game controller to function as a general-purpose controller compatible with various peripheral apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the game controller is modified to support new peripheral apparatuses, then compatibility with new devices is improved, but device complexity and modification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with new peripheral apparatusesVSAvoidmodification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral apparatus is designed with dual operational modes: a first mode where it functions as a standard peripheral device, and a second mode where it can operate independently or with the game controller. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate devices for different functions, thereby improving versatility while avoiding the need for constant modifications to the game controller.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes based on the connection state and user needs. The peripheral apparatus can transition from being controlled by the game controller to operating independently, allowing the system to adapt its behavior rather than requiring fixed hardware modifications. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through software/control logic rather than hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple peripheral apparatuses are connected to the game controller, then functional versatility is improved, but the need for game controller modifications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidease of connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral apparatus is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating its own processing means and sensor. It can detect user inputs directly through its sensor and process this data independently or in coordination with the game controller. This self-service capability eliminates the need for the game controller to be modified for each new peripheral, as each peripheral handles its own processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the functionality between the game controller and the peripheral apparatus. The game controller handles basic input transmission, while the peripheral apparatus handles specialized processing, sensing, and mode management. This segmentation allows multiple peripheral devices to connect without requiring the game controller to be redesigned for each device's specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the peripheral apparatus processes data independently, then compatibility with general-purpose controllers is improved, but processing capability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeneral-purpose controller compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral apparatus performs partial processing independently (detecting inputs and generating basic commands) while leaving final game logic processing to the game controller or game apparatus. This partial action approach provides enough independent processing capability to achieve general-purpose compatibility without requiring the peripheral apparatus to have excessive processing power for all game logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The game controller serves as an intermediary between the peripheral apparatus and the game apparatus. The peripheral apparatus communicates with the game controller, which then handles the final processing and communication with the game apparatus. This intermediary role allows the peripheral apparatus to have simplified processing requirements while still achieving general-purpose compatibility through the mediator's coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3785773B1Peripheral apparatus, game controller, information processing system, and information processing method

Publication Date: 2025.06.04 NINTENDO CO LTD

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AI summary

A peripheral apparatus is capable of communicating with a game controller capable of controlling a game apparatus. The peripheral apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a user input, a processing means and a transmit means. The peripheral apparatus is capable of operating in one of a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode while a communication connection between the peripheral apparatus and the game controller is established. In the first mode, the processing means generates a command configured to cause the game controller to execute an operation based on peripheral apparatus data in accordance with a user input detected by the sensor, and the transmit means transmits the command to the game controller. In the second mode, the transmit means transmits the peripheral apparatus data to the game controller.