This month's User Interface & Experience category includes 2 granted patents from Nintendo (1) and Tencent (1).
Nintendo's patent describes a multi-layer map tracking system that displays player movement history across ground, air, and underground zones, with distinct visual differentiation for each layer. Tencent's patent covers a multi-slot accessory switching interface for shooting games, allowing players to swap between 3 or more weapon attachments using touch gestures on mobile devices.
Nintendo received 1 patent for a map display system that tracks player movement across multiple vertical zones. The system renders movement trails differently depending on which layer the player currently occupies, making tracks on the active layer appear thicker or more prominent while de-emphasizing paths from other height zones. During playback of recorded movement, icons indicate which vertical layer the replaying track is currently traversing, providing real-time context about whether the player was underground, at ground level, or airborne at any given moment.
Tencent received 1 patent addressing accessory management in mobile shooting games. The system expands beyond simple two-option toggles to support simultaneous switching between 3 or more weapon attachments through a radial or panel-based interface. Players activate the selection UI through specific touch gestures, allowing them to change accessories mid-combat without interrupting the flow of gameplay.
All data sourced from USPTO patent filings. Google Patents may take several weeks to index recent publications. If a link is unavailable, search for the patent number at USPTO Patent Public Search.