Timer Game Control with Manual-Auto Switching During Countdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LCD game machines interrupt game play to provide an alarm, lacking integration of game and alarm functions related to time.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor that integrates a timer and game functionality, allowing manual and automatic control of a virtual object, scoring, and displaying a count image, enabling entertainment during a timer period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a timer function is implemented in a conventional LCD game machine, then time management capability is improved, but entertainment value during the timer period deteriorates due to lack of engaging activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimer period utilizationVSAvoidentertainment functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the timer function with a game function into a single integrated system. The processor executes both timer counting and game processing, merging two previously separate functions into one unified device that provides both time management and entertainment capabilities simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The LCD game machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a timer device and a game device. The single device can switch between timer-only mode and integrated game-timer mode, providing universal utility for both time management and entertainment purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual control is used throughout the game processing, then user engagement is improved, but convenience deteriorates when user attention is needed for other tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser engagementVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control mode is made dynamic and switchable rather than fixed. The system can transition between manual control mode and automatic control mode based on user needs. The processor detects user input and switches control modes accordingly, providing adaptability in operational flexibility while maintaining user engagement options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the game continues after the timer period ends, then user entertainment is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to user distraction from other tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser entertainmentVSAvoidtask completion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides clear feedback to the user about timer status through the display unit. When the timer period ends, the system automatically stops game processing and provides visual feedback indicating the timer has expired. This feedback mechanism ensures users are immediately aware of the timer endpoint, allowing them to transition to other tasks without continued distraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12611598B2Electronic device and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having electronic device control program stored therein

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 NINTENDO CO LTD

AI summary

A timer period is set on the basis of a user input, and counting processing of counting a time is executed during the timer period. During the timer period, game processing including control of a virtual object is executed. A count image indicating a state of the counting and a game image by the game processing are outputted to a display unit. Here, during the game processing, the control of the virtual object is switched between manual control based on a user input and automatic control that is not based on the user input.