Universal Hand Controller with Automatic Left-Right Button Reassignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input controllers for extended reality systems are typically designed for specific hands, requiring users to visually distinguish between left and right controllers, which is inconvenient when using headsets that cover the face.
Innovation Solution
A universal controller with buttons positioned for intuitive hand selection based on muscle memory, allowing configuration for either hand, and automatic reassignment of functions based on hand selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controllers are designed to be specific to left or right hand, then button layout can be optimized for each hand, but user must visually inspect to determine which controller corresponds to which hand
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically determines whether it is being held in the left or right hand and configures its buttons accordingly without requiring user intervention or visual inspection. The system uses sensors to detect hand orientation and autonomously assigns button functions, making the controller self-adapting to the user's hand selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller's button configuration is dynamic rather than fixed. The system can change its operational state based on detected hand orientation, allowing the same physical controller to adapt its button layout and functions depending on whether it is held in the left or right hand.
2Loss of information
If users must remove headset to visually inspect controllers, then they can identify which controller is for which hand, but user comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual identification method (looking at the controller to determine left or right) with a sensor-based detection system. The controller uses sensors to automatically detect which hand it is being held in and configures itself accordingly, eliminating the need for visual inspection while maintaining accurate controller identification.
3Ease of operation
If a single universal controller is used for both hands, then user convenience is improved, but button positioning becomes ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensor systems (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, or other detection devices) to replace ambiguous physical cues. These sensors automatically detect the orientation and determine which hand is holding the controller, providing clear unambiguous information to the system about hand position without requiring the user to interpret physical characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a user input from a first button or a second button on a hand controller. The first button is at a first location of the hand controller associated with a left hand position, and the second button is at a second location of the hand controller associated with a right hand position. The method also includes determining whether a duration of the user input is greater than a threshold duration and, responsive to a determination that the duration of the user input is greater than the threshold duration, setting the hand controller to be in a left-hand configuration or a right-hand configuration based on which of the first button or the second button the user input is received. In addition, the method includes configuring one or more other buttons on the hand controller based on whether the hand controller is in the left-hand or right-hand configuration.