The patent behind Nintendo's latest 3DS gaming system has surfaced at the US Patent and Trademark Office. Nintendo just released their new gaming system in late August. While the patent does fill us in on some of the new features of the 3DS gaming system, its true emphasis is on their new 3D display which brings gaming to a new level. While our report touches on the very basics of Nintendo's 3DS, we provide you with the link to the original patent so that you dig into any of the details that may interest you most. Enjoy.
Overview: Basics of Nintendo's 3DS Gaming System
Nintendo's 3D Depth Slider
Nintendo states that "3D is wonderful experience but it doesn't work the same way for everyone. We've answered this issue with the new 3D Depth Slider located just right of the upper screen. If you want, you could even shut off the 3D altogether – and what remains is a bright, crisp 2D display. But the 3D Depth Slider works to adjust 3D to any degree you like. Control is entirely customizable and of course, and it never requires you to put on a pair of those fashionable 3D glasses. This 3D is totally natural and fully flexible."
Nintendo's new 3D Depth Slider Feature is illustrated in the collage below or in patent FIG. 1 noted above. The patent states that "In the present embodiment, an amount of shift between a left-eye image and a right-eye image is adjusted in accordance with the position of the slider of the 3D adjustment switch 25." You could read all about switch 25 in the patent under patent point numbers 0191, 0203 and 0217.
The Analog Circle Pad
Nintendo's literature states that from a gameplay standpoint, the new "Analog Circle Pad" opens up new worlds for players. It could be employed by designers for precise movements of characters or the camera or other innovations to make games more fun. The new analog circle pad is positioned just above the "+ Control Pad." The analog stick could be found in patent FIG. 1 above as patent point #15 on the left side of the 3DS system. The new control is used by the users thumb and allows the user super freedom to move the button in any possible direction in a circular motion. The button itself can shift off its center point and be physically moved. It's not your thumb moving in circular movements on the button but rather the user's thumb moving the actual button in circular motions.
Other features of the new 3DS include the addition of motion and acceleration sensors along with a gyroscope that are designed to react to the tilt and motion of the system as users move their 3DS side to side or up and down. The system will react immediately to such interactivity.
Another new feature is the addition of a "Home Button" for the 3DS which is described in the patent filing under patent point #111. According to other their website literature, when pressing the Home Button, all action will be put on hold and bring you to a home menu in the lower touch based LCD display. There the user will be able to switch to different applications or features such as camera or music mode while your game is on hold.
Nintendo's patent application was originally filed in Q1 2011. For all of the in-depth 3D display details, see patent 20120242807.
Nintendo's patent FIG. 18 shown below illustrates a state where a position on the upper LCD 22 is designated by using the lower touch panel.
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