Subject Selection Interface for Pointing and Key Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for selecting information using a pointing device are inefficient, as they do not differ significantly from selecting from a large set of options directly, lacking in operability and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A storage medium and apparatus that divides selection subjects into groups, allowing for accurate selection using a pointing device by first selecting a group and then using an input device to select a specific subject, with visual cues to aid in the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If information is divided into groups for two-step selection, then selection time is reduced for directional key input, but operability does not improve and may become more inefficient for pointing device input

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection timeVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the selection method based on the detected input device type. When a pointing device is detected, the system enables direct selection of individual subjects without group division. When directional keys are detected, the system activates group-based two-step selection. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by applying the appropriate selection method for each input device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the selection parameters (selection mode, interface layout, interaction flow) based on the input device type. For pointing devices, it uses direct coordinate-based selection with visual feedback. For directional keys, it uses group-based hierarchical selection. This parameter change allows the system to optimize both selection time and operability for different input methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If all pieces of information are selectable directly, then operability is maintained for pointing devices, but selection time increases when directional keys are used

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidselection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between direct selection mode (for pointing devices) and group-based selection mode (for directional keys). This dynamic mode switching ensures that each input device type operates in its optimal selection mode, resolving the time efficiency issue for directional keys while maintaining operability for pointing devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the selection interface parameters based on input device type. For pointing devices, it displays all subjects with coordinate-based direct selection. For directional keys, it implements group-based hierarchical display and selection. This parameter adaptation optimizes both operability and selection time for different input methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If group-based selection is implemented, then selection accuracy improves for directional keys, but the selection process becomes more complex for pointing devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection accuracyVSAvoidselection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the selection process complexity based on input device type. For pointing devices, it maintains simple direct selection without group division. For directional keys, it activates the more complex group-based hierarchical selection process. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by applying complexity only where it provides accuracy benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the selection process parameters (hierarchy level, grouping structure, selection steps) based on the detected input device. For pointing devices, it uses flat single-level selection. For directional keys, it implements multi-level hierarchical selection with group filtering. This parameter adaptation ensures accuracy improvement only for input devices that benefit from it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP1816552B1Storage medium storing subject selecting program and subject selecting apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 NINTENDO CO LTD
  • EP1816552B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1816552B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1816552B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A plurality of selection subjects which are divided into groups under a predetermined condition are displayed on a display screen. One group is selected based on coordinate information output from a pointing device. Next, based on an operation signal output from an input device which outputs an operation signal of a plurality of types of operation signals, depending on a player's operation, one is selected from the selection subjects belonging to the group, and a process is performed, depending on the selected selection subject.