Unified Game Controller for Seamless TV and App Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game systems face user-friendliness issues when switching between game-related and non-game-related tasks, such as viewing a television program guide, as they require separate operations and input switching, disrupting the gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
A game system configuration that includes an operating device and a game apparatus with units for acquiring operations, executing applications, generating operation images, determining instructions, and controlling display devices, allowing seamless operation of display devices like televisions during application execution without terminating the game session, using a single operating device for both gaming and non-gaming tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the game system is used for multiple purposes (games and non-games), then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to switch between different modes and terminate applications
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is designed to universally handle both game operations and non-game operations (such as television control) through a unified interface. The same device and operation methods can be used for different purposes without requiring separate devices or complex mode switching, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the application is terminated to control the display device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases due to interruption of the gaming session
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows preliminary configuration of display device control parameters and settings before the gaming session. This enables users to pre-set preferences and control parameters, so that when control is needed during gaming, the system can quickly adjust without requiring application termination or lengthy configuration processes, thus minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary control mechanism is introduced between the game application and the display device. This intermediary layer allows the display device to be controlled during application execution without terminating the game, acting as a mediator that enables concurrent operation of both the game and display control functions.
3Device complexity
If separate operations are required for different functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple input switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is designed to universally handle both game operations and non-game operations (such as television control) through a unified interface. The same device and operation methods can be used for different purposes without requiring separate devices or complex mode switching, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for different devices and operations are merged into a single unified control interface. By combining game control and display device control into one operating device with a consistent operation method, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate input devices and reduces the complexity of switching between different control modes.
Data Source
AI summary
An example game system includes a game apparatus and an operating device. The game apparatus acquires operation data from the operating device. Moreover, the game apparatus executes an application and outputs an image generated by the execution of the application to either the operating device or a predetermined display device different from the operating device, or both. When a predetermined operation is performed on the operating device during the execution of the application, a predetermined operation image is displayed on a display unit of the operating device. In a state where the operation image is displayed on the display unit, the game apparatus determines whether or not a control instruction has been provided to control the predetermined display device, on the basis of the operation data. When the control instruction is determined to have been provided, the predetermined display device is controlled in accordance with the control instruction.