Vibration Control Prioritizing Multiple Software Programs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration control systems fail to effectively manage simultaneous vibration requests from multiple software programs, leading to inadequate presentation of vibration to users.

Innovation Solution

A vibration control system comprising multiple vibration reception and sound reception portions, a sound volume balance setting portion, and control portions that prioritize and combine vibration and sound data from multiple software programs to appropriately present vibration and sound.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple software programs generate vibration data simultaneously, then the system receives multiple vibration requests, but the vibration presentation becomes inadequate and conflicting

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to handle multiple simultaneous vibration requests from different software programsVSAvoidQuality and appropriateness of vibration presentation to user

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control apparatus acts as an intermediary between multiple software programs and the vibration output device. It receives vibration data from multiple sources, processes and prioritizes them according to predetermined rules, and outputs a single coordinated vibration signal. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by managing multiple requests without allowing them to conflict, ensuring reliable vibration presentation while maintaining adaptability to handle various software combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the vibration control apparatus monitors incoming vibration data from multiple programs, determines priority based on predetermined criteria (such as program importance or current system state), and adjusts the output accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that only one vibration pattern is presented at a time based on the most appropriate source, resolving the conflict between handling multiple requests and maintaining reliable presentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the system outputs vibration data from one software program, then vibration presentation is clear, but simultaneous sound output from multiple programs becomes unbalanced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveClarity of vibration presentationVSAvoidSound volume balance control for multiple simultaneous audio outputs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the control of vibration and sound outputs by linking their priority determination mechanisms. When multiple software programs request both vibration and sound output simultaneously, the system combines their handling under unified priority rules. This allows clear vibration presentation from the highest-priority program while simultaneously managing sound output balance, ensuring that both modalities work together harmoniously rather than independently conflicting with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts sound volume balances based on the priority determination of vibration requests. When a higher-priority program requests vibration output, the system dynamically modifies the sound volume of concurrent programs to maintain appropriate balance. This dynamic adjustment ensures that vibration clarity is maintained while sound outputs from multiple programs remain balanced and coordinated, resolving the contradiction between reliable vibration presentation and ease of sound operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the system prioritizes vibration control by selecting one vibration data source, then vibration presentation becomes appropriate, but sound output control becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAppropriateness of vibration presentationVSAvoidSound control mechanism for balancing multiple audio outputs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration control apparatus performs multiple functions universally: it prioritizes vibration requests, determines sound output balance, and coordinates both outputs under a single control mechanism. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system architecture by consolidating what would otherwise be separate complex control systems into one universal controller, maintaining appropriate vibration presentation while managing sound control complexity through unified rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3348312B1Vibration control system, vibration control apparatus, vibration control program and vibration control method

Publication Date: 2025.06.04 NINTENDO CO LTD

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AI summary

A game apparatus functions as a vibration control apparatus. When vibration data are simultaneously input from a plurality of programs during execution of the plurality of programs, the game apparatus drives a vibration motor incorporated in the game apparatus by preferentially using the vibration data from the program that is granted with a vibration control right. The vibration control right is authority of performing vibration control preferentially, and is basically granted to a program corresponding to an image being displayed forefront; however, when a plurality of images are displayed, the vibration control right is granted to a program having authority of acquiring an input from an input device (controller).