Touch-Sensitive Mouse Interface with Sector Subdivision

Solution Overview

Problem

Gamers and other users face inefficiencies in managing and utilizing multiple gaming and other accessories, which can impact performance and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A computer mouse with a touch-sensitive interface and accompanying Accessory Management Software (AMS) that subdivides the interface into sectors to define customizable mouse buttons, allowing users to select and configure these buttons through capacitive sensing and microswitch technology, enabling efficient accessory management and substitution of stimuli across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gaming accessories are used simultaneously, then gaming functionality and control options are improved, but accessory management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegaming functionalityVSAvoidaccessory management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal accessory management system that can detect, configure, and manage multiple different types of gaming accessories (game pads, steering wheels, flight sticks, etc.) through a single software platform. The system provides unified configuration interfaces and stimulus substitution capabilities that work across diverse accessory types, eliminating the need for separate management tools for each device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory management software acts as an intermediary layer between the gaming accessories and the gaming applications. It intercepts stimuli from various accessories, processes them through a unified configuration system, and translates them into appropriate commands for the gaming application, thereby simplifying the interaction between diverse accessories and different games.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If accessory management is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but customization capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory management easeVSAvoidcustomization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration process is segmented into distinct, manageable steps: accessory detection, stimulus identification, substitution definition, and application assignment. Each step presents only the relevant configuration options to the user, breaking down the complex customization process into simple, sequential tasks that are easy to follow while still providing extensive customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting connected accessories, identifying their capabilities and supported stimuli, and pre-configuring basic parameters before the user begins customization. This preliminary setup reduces the initial complexity burden on the user while leaving full customization options available when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances user efficiency by allowing customizable button configurations and seamless integration of accessory inputs, improving gaming and other application performance by streamlining accessory management and utilization.

Implementation Method 1

A computer mouse with a touch-sensitive interface and accompanying Accessory Management Software (AMS) that subdivides the interface into sectors to define customizable mouse buttons, allowing users to select and configure these buttons through capacitive sensing and microswitch technology

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

A computer mouse with a touch-sensitive interface and accompanying Accessory Management Software (AMS) that subdivides the interface into sectors to define customizable mouse buttons, allowing users to select and configure these buttons through capacitive sensing and microswitch technology

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical switching: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10635194B2Method and apparatus for configuring and selectively sensing use of a device

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 GN HEARING AS

AI summary

A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for subdividing a touch-sensitive interface of a mouse accessory into a first plurality of sectors for defining a first plurality of mouse buttons, where each sector of the first plurality of sectors corresponds to a distinct mouse button. The method can further include receiving a first signal from the touch-sensitive interface of the mouse accessory, detecting, from the first signal a selection of a sector of the first plurality of sectors, and generating a second signal indicating the selection of the sector. Additional embodiments are disclosed.