Tracked Input Device Assembly With Inner-Side Accessory Mount

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accuracy of detecting the position and posture of an input device is reduced when an accessory component, such as a strap, interferes with the light detection by the camera, and there is a need for easy attachment and detachment of the accessory component.

Innovation Solution

The input device features an attaching portion on its inner surface for attaching an accessory component, which reduces the influence of the accessory on light detection by the camera, and the accessory component has a fitting part with engagement protrusions that easily attach and detach from the input device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an accessory component is attached to the input device, then the functionality and comfort are improved, but the accessory component may interfere with light detection by the camera, reducing measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the attaching portion on the inner surface of the input device, utilizing the third dimension (depth/inner surface) to place the accessory attachment point away from the outer surface where light detection occurs. This spatial separation in different dimensions allows the accessory to be attached without blocking the camera's line of sight to the tracked portion on the outer surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the accessory component is firmly attached to the input device, then the stability is improved, but the attachment and detachment operations become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattached state stabilityVSAvoidattachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting part incorporates a rotatable mechanism that transitions between a locked engagement state (protrusions engaged with recesses) and an unlocked state (protrusions disengaged). This dynamic attachment mechanism allows the accessory to be securely fixed during use while enabling easy attachment and detachment when needed, balancing stability with operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the fitting part has engagement protrusions for secure attachment, then the reliability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidfitting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting structure is divided into separate functional elements: engagement protrusions on the fitting part and corresponding engagement recesses on the input device. This segmentation allows each element to be independently optimized and manufactured, and the modular design simplifies the overall structure compared to integrated attachment mechanisms while maintaining reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4502770A1Input device, accessory component of input device, and input device assembly including these
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP4502770A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4502770A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4502770A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An input device (10) has a main body (11) including a grip (11B) and an operating section (11A) in which an input button (13) and the like are disposed, an outer surface (31a, 31b) provided with a tracked portion (H) to be tracked by an external camera, an inner surface (31c, 31e) that faces a hand or wrist of a user while the user is holding the grip (11B), and an attaching opening (33) that is provided on the inner surface (31c, 31e) and to which an accessory component (60) is to be attached. With this arrangement, the influence of the accessory component (60) on the detection of the tracked portion (H) by the camera can be reduced when the accessory component (60) is attached to the attaching opening (33) of the input device (10).