Portable Game Device Button Layout for Larger Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to improve the arrangement of buttons in portable game devices to make them more compact or increase the display area without compromising user operability.
Innovation Solution
The buttons are rearranged such that power and volume controls are offset from the center on the top surface, home menu and screen image saving controls are centered on the bottom surface, and all non-game progression controls are limited to the top and bottom surfaces, with specific placements to avoid confusion and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control parts are provided on the front surface near the display, then user operability is improved, but the display area is reduced and the device is less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates power control parts from the front surface to the top surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to separate display and control functions. This dimensional relocation allows the front surface to be dedicated entirely to display, maximizing display area while maintaining accessibility to control parts through the top surface.
2Ease of operation
If control parts are provided on the front surface, then user operability is improved, but the device becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
By moving power control parts to the top surface, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension to eliminate the need for front-surface controls. This allows the front surface to be dedicated to display, maximizing the display-to-volume ratio and enhancing device compactness while maintaining operational accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If power control part is provided at the center of the top surface, then accessibility is improved, but the risk of accidental presses during gameplay is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the power control part asymmetrically on the top surface, offset from the center toward one side. This asymmetric placement reduces the likelihood of accidental presses during gameplay while maintaining accessibility. The asymmetric positioning also creates a more balanced layout that prevents unintended activation during normal device handling.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control parts are provided on the top surface, then functionality is improved, but the device becomes less compact and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control functions by surface: power control parts are located on the top surface, while home menu and screen image saving control parts are positioned on the bottom surface. This segmentation organizes controls functionally and spatially, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality. Each surface has a dedicated control purpose, simplifying the overall device architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A portable game device 1 includes: a front surface 11; a back surface 12 provided at an opposite side from the front surface; and a top surface 13, bottom surface 14, left surface 15, and right surface 16 provided between the front surface and the back surface so as to connect them. The front surface is provided with a display 5 for showing an image and with operation parts 31, 32 provided at both of left and right sides of the display and used for input from a user. The top surface is provided with a power operation part 41, and the bottom surface is provided with a home menu operation part 43.