U.S. patent application number 11/957944 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-07 for game controller device.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPLITFISH GAMEWARE INC.. Invention is credited to Nan LIU, Kenneth TETTERINGTON.
Application Number | 20080188306 11/957944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39595901 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080188306 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TETTERINGTON; Kenneth ; et
al. |
August 7, 2008 |
GAME CONTROLLER DEVICE
Abstract
A video game controller device includes a left hand controller
having standard left hand video game controls, and a right hand
controller having motion detection means to translate game user
input into video game movement. Both the left hand and right hand
controllers are operatively connected to a video game console.
Inventors: |
TETTERINGTON; Kenneth;
(Edmonton, CA) ; LIU; Nan; (Edmonton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARD YOO C/O BENNETT JONES
1000 ATCO CENTRE, 10035 - 105 STREET
EDMONTON, ALBERTA
AB
T5J3T2
omitted
|
Assignee: |
SPLITFISH GAMEWARE INC.
Edmonton
CA
|
Family ID: |
39595901 |
Appl. No.: |
11/957944 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60884765 |
Jan 12, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 13/213 20140902;
A63F 13/235 20140902; A63F 13/06 20130101; A63F 2300/105 20130101;
A63F 13/24 20140902 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/37 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A video game controller device comprising a left hand controller
comprising standard left hand video game controls, and a right hand
controller comprising motion detection means to translate game user
input into video game movement, wherein both left hand and right
hand controllers are operatively connected to a video game
console.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a lap pad having a
planar surface for supporting the left and right hand
controllers.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the lap pad defines a
longitudinal, curved seat or cradle shaped to rest the left hand
controller.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the motion detection means are
selected from an optical infrared sensor; a roller ball and shaft
encoders; inertial components; and a light-emitting diode and
photodiodes.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the right hand controller further
comprises standard right hand video game controls.
6. The device of claim 4, wherein the left hand controller includes
a speed module.
7. The device of claim 4, wherein one or both of the left hand
controller and right hand controller have sensitivity modules.
8. The device of claim 4, wherein the left and right hand
controllers are electrically connected to the controller by cable
or wireless connection.
9. The device of claim 4, further comprising synchronous
programmable electronic chips.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 60/884,765 filed on Jan. 12, 2007
entitled "Game Controller Device", the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a video game controller
device which is intended to allow the user to have better control
and minimize fatigue while playing a video game.
[0003] To date, the Sony Playstation.TM. has been in existence
since the Sony Playstation.TM. 1 and has evolved to the Sony
Playstation.TM. 2 and the Sony Playstation.TM. 3. The Microsoft
XBOX.TM. has been in existence since the first generation XBOX.TM.
and more recently has been replaced with the XBOX 360.TM..
Nintendo's Game Cube.TM. has evolved into the Wii.TM.. With the
continuing development of such sophisticated video game consoles
and video games, the number of users and the amount of time spent
on game playing have increased considerably. A controller is
typically connected to a video game console and allows the user to
interact with the video game, governing the movement or action of a
game element, for example, a character's movement or control of a
vehicle. The controller usually provides buttons for simulating
shooting, flight or driving; scrolling or carrying out sport
actions. Video games often require accuracy for targeting, aiming
and shooting.
[0004] All leading video game consoles have limitations with
respect to their controllers which have been similarly designed to
include left and right controllers, thumbsticks, and a single
control pad containing buttons for manipulation by both left and
right hand fingers. Controllers for the Sony Playstation 2.TM.,
XBOX.TM., and XBOX 360.TM. consoles have two thumbsticks positioned
on the top of the controller which are programmed to allow a user's
character or vehicle to move forward, backward, to the left or to
the right with the left thumbstick, and to move left, right, up or
down with the right thumbstick. Both the left and right thumbsticks
are moved by the user's thumbs. Thumbstick movements are extensive
in video games as the main means by which a user can move his
character or vehicle. Since complex video games require the user to
play for longer time periods before game completion, the user may
be more susceptible to fatigue and injuries (i.e., calluses and
sores on the thumbs and repetitive strain injuries).
[0005] Current controllers include electronics which translate
movements of the left and right thumbsticks. The controllers are
fixed with respect to the movement that the thumbsticks allow. The
thumbsticks are hardwired to an average game; however, not all
video games use the same movement standards for their own
programming. Consequently, certain video games respond far too
little or far too much, hampering video game accuracy.
[0006] Further, current controllers may be suitable for only
certain styles of games such as side scrolling or puzzle games;
however, they may not enable the quick response time required for
driving or shooting games, or competitive play among several users.
What is needed is an improved video game controller device which
mitigates these disadvantages of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a video game controller
device. In one aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a
video game controller device comprising a left hand controller
comprising standard left hand video game controls, and a right hand
controller comprising motion detection means to translate game user
input into video game movement, wherein both left hand and right
hand controllers are operatively connected to a video game
console.
[0008] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a lap pad
having a planar surface for supporting the left and right hand
controllers. In one embodiment, the lap pad defines a longitudinal,
curved seat or cradle shaped to rest the left hand controller.
[0009] In one embodiment, the motion detection means are selected
from an optical infrared sensor; a roller ball and shaft encoders;
inertial components; and a light-emitting diode and photodiodes. In
one embodiment, the right hand controller further comprises
standard right hand video controls. In one embodiment, the left
hand controller includes a speed module. In one embodiment, one or
both of the left hand controller and right hand controller have
sensitivity modules.
[0010] In one embodiment, the left and right hand controllers are
electrically connected to the controller by cable or wireless
connection. In one embodiment, the device further comprises
synchronous programmable electronic chips.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary
embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified,
diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawing.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The present invention provides a video game controller
device. When describing the present invention, all terms not
defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings. To the
extent that the following description is of a specific embodiment
or a particular use of the invention, it is intended to be
illustrative only, and not limiting of the claimed invention. The
following description is intended to cover all alternatives,
modifications and equivalents that are included in the spirit and
scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
[0014] The invention will now be described having regard to the
accompanying FIGURE. The video game controller device is shown
generally at 1 in FIG. 1 to include a lap pad (10), a left hand
controller (12) and a right hand controller (14). The controller
device (1) is used with a video game console system (16) which is
electrically connected to a conventional video display (18).
[0015] The controller device (1) includes electronic circuitry to
communicate via the bi-directional signals output from the console
system (16). The controller device (1) translates the desired
movements activated by the user and inputs the data into the
bi-directional data stream of the console system (16), thus
controlling onscreen activity of the video game. The alteration of
the data stream includes the insertion of corresponding button and
thumbstick data from the left and right hand controllers (12, 14)
into the bi-directional data stream which is processed by the
console system (16) and video game programming.
[0016] Suitable video displays include, for example, a computer
monitor, a TV screen, a projection screen or any other device which
displays the video and graphics of the video game for viewing by
the user. In one embodiment, the console system (16) is
electrically connected to the video display (18) by a cable (20).
In one embodiment, the console system (16) is electrically
connected to the video display (18) by a wireless connection such
as, for example, radio frequency or infrared communication. In one
embodiment, the console system (16) may have an integral video
display.
[0017] The video game console system (16) may be a personal
computer or a commercially available console such as, for example,
Sony's PlayStation.TM., Microsoft's XBOX.TM. and Nintendo's Game
Cube.TM. or Wii.TM.. Although the controller device (1) of the
present invention is described for currently available computers
and consoles, it is contemplated that the controller device (1) of
the present invention can be adapted for use with older or future
computers or consoles. In one embodiment, the console system (16)
accommodates a game memory (for example, a removable cartridge or
disc) and a central processing unit (CPU) for executing the game
software stored in the game memory and depicting game play elements
(for example, characters, background, vehicles) associated with the
game software on the video display (18). The CPU manipulates the
game play elements in response to user inputs transmitted from the
left hand controller (12) and the right hand controller (14).
[0018] The console system (16) may also transmit signals to either
or both the left hand controller (12) and the right hand controller
(14) to provide tactile or visual feedback. In one embodiment, the
console system (16) activates one or more rumble or vibration
motors housed within either or both the left hand controller (12)
and the right hand controller (14) to vibrate. In one embodiment,
the console system (16) activates stationary or flashing lights
positioned on either or both the left hand controller (12) and the
right hand controller (14) to provide visual feedback.
[0019] The lap pad (10) comprises a planar surface for supporting
the left hand controller (12) and the right hand controller (14).
The lap pad (10) is sized to accommodate the left hand controller
(12) and the right hand controller (14) on its surface. The lap pad
(10) may be in the form of any number of different symmetrical (for
example, square, rectangular, etc.) or asymmetrical configurations
(for example, wedge-shaped, etc.). In one embodiment, the lap pad
(10) is in the shape of a rectangle as shown in FIG. 1. The lap pad
(10) can be formed of any suitable material, although for strength
and to withstand prolonged use, the lap pad (10) may be formed of
resilient, rubber-like materials, foam rubber, plastics, or
high-tech fibres. In one embodiment, the lap pad (10) is formed of
a rigid material. In one embodiment, the lap pad (10) has an
undersurface formed of a tacky or non-slip material to prevent the
lap pad (10) from sliding on the user's lap or other surface such
as for example, a TV tray, dinner tray or table.
[0020] In one embodiment, the lap pad (10) defines a longitudinal,
curved seat or cradle shaped to rest the left hand controller (12).
The user's left hand thus holds the left hand controller (12) and
grips the lap pad (10) simultaneously, thereby applying a firm hold
to both components (10, 12).
[0021] In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) and the
right hand controller (14) are operatively connected to the console
system (16) or computer. In one embodiment, the left and right hand
controllers (12, 14) are electrically connected to the console
system (16) by a cable (22) which extends from the bases of the
left and right hand controllers (12, 14) into suitable parallel,
serial, or Universal Serial Bus ports of the console system (16) or
computer. In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) and the
right hand controller (14) are electrically connected to the
console system (16) by a wireless connection such as, for example,
radio frequency or infrared communication, or other wireless
technologies such as, for example, Bluetooth.TM. or Wi-Fi.TM.. The
wireless connection allows the user additional freedom of movement,
since the user is not limited by the length of a cable connecting
the controller device (1) to the console system (16). It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that more than one
controller device (1) may be operatively connected to the console
system (16) or computer to allow more than one player to play the
video game simultaneously.
[0022] The left hand controller (12) and the right hand controller
(14) are ergonomically shaped to be held under the respective hands
of the user, and to maintain the hands in a relaxed position to
reduce cramping and soreness and to avoid injuries with prolonged
use. In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) is held
stationary under the user's left hand, while the right hand
controller (14) is moved under the right hand over the lap pad
(10).
[0023] In one embodiment, the left and right hand controllers (12,
14) comprise durable cases which house and protect the electronic
circuitry and control elements. The cases are sized to accommodate
these components and to fit comfortably within the palms of the
hands. In one embodiment, the cases are formed of plastic or other
resilient material.
[0024] The electronic circuitry translates the corresponding
activation of the control elements into electrical signals, formats
the electrical signals into the correct protocol, and inserts the
signals back into the bi-directional data stream which is processed
by the console system (16).
[0025] The control elements are associated with a particular action
within the video game and can be manipulated by the user to perform
the action. Upon manipulation of the control element, the input
provided by the user is converted to electrical signals which are
then translated by the console system (16) to manipulate images
output to the video display (18). Suitable control elements
include, for example, buttons, switches, analog sticks,
thumbsticks, joysticks, dials, scroll wheels, trackballs, standard
video game controls and the like. Control elements are typically
formed of mobile and soft rubber parts.
[0026] In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) comprises
standard left hand video game controls mounted on electronic
circuits. In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) has
control elements (24) including standard video game controls such
as, for example, a directional pad (D-pad); L1, L2, L3, Select or
Analog buttons; and a thumbstick or analog stick (26). The D-pad
comprises a digital, cross-shaped pad which allows the user to
input the desired direction of events within the video game (for
example, left, right, up, down or diagonal movements of a video
character or vehicle). Motion features are generally adjusted
within a video game menu and thus may vary from game to game. The
L1, L2, L3, Select or Analog buttons comprise depressible buttons
to perform distinctive actions specified by the particular video
game. Each button generally has a curved disk attached to its base.
When the button is depressed, the disk is pushed against a
conductive strip mounted on the circuit board. The thumbstick (26)
comprises an upwardly extending protrusion which is rotatable by
the user's thumb. The thumbstick (26) enables two-dimensional input
based upon the position of the protrusion, and uses continuous
electrical activity running through potentiometers. In one
embodiment, the thumbstick (26) controls "camera" movements for the
video game. The thumbstick (26) is formed of rubber or other
suitable materials as commonly used in the art.
[0027] In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) includes a
sensitivity button for adjusting the overall speed of the video
game. In one embodiment, the sensitivity button is positioned to be
depressed by the user's left hand thumb. The sensitivity button
enables fine-tuning of the overall speed in a particular video game
to minimize user fatigue.
[0028] In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) includes a
speed adjustment button for providing accelerated speed. In one
embodiment, the speed adjustment button is positioned to be
depressed by the user's left index finger to accelerate the
movement of the video game temporarily while it is pressed.
Releasing the speed adjustment button returns the video game to its
normal speed. This feature is advantageous for slowing down the
video game for example, when accurate targeting or aiming in a
shooting game is required. In one embodiment, the speed button has
electronic chips to control the speed of events which have been
activated by control elements of the right hand controller (14). It
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
sensitivity and/or speed adjustment buttons may be included in the
right hand controller (14) or lap pad (10).
[0029] In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) comprises
standard right hand video game controls mounted on electronic
circuits, and motion detection means. In one embodiment, the right
hand controller (14) has control elements (28) including standard
video game controls such as, for example, Start, R1, R2, R3,
Circle, Square, Triangle, X and Y buttons which comprise
depressible buttons to perform distinctive actions specified by the
particular video game. Each button generally has a curved disk
attached to its base. When the button is depressed, the disk is
pushed against a conductive strip mounted on the circuit board.
[0030] The right hand controller (14) includes motion detection
means (not shown) so as to function similar to an optical computer
mouse to enhance video game interactivity. In one embodiment, the
motion detection means detects motion in two dimensions. Suitable
motion detection means include for example, an optical infrared
sensor; a roller ball and shaft encoders; inertial components; and
a light-emitting diode and photodiodes to detect motion relative to
the underlying lap pad (10) and to translate such motion to the
electronic circuitry for input into the console system (16).
[0031] In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) includes
an optical infrared sensor on its undersurface to detect motion
over the lap pad (10). The user drags the right hand controller
(14) over the lap pad (10) in the manner of moving a computer
mouse. Electronic circuitry detects motion via the infrared
transmitter and translates the motion into corresponding electrical
signals which are input into the bi-directional data stream.
[0032] In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) may
include a roller ball and shaft encoders as are commonly used in a
ball-type computer mouse. As the right hand controller (14) is
moved, the roller ball rolls in the direction of the movement
which, in turn, moves a roller which represents an X or Y axis
(i.e., the horizontal or vertical movement of the right hand
controller). Rotation of the roller causes rotation of a gear
having notches formed within or around its edges. As the gear
rotates, light shines through the notches and is detected by light
sensors which send a signal to the console system. The offset of
the light received by the light sensors determines the direction of
each axis.
[0033] In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) may
include inertial components as are commonly used in an inertial
computer mouse. Such inertial components include for example,
inertial sensors or accelerometers to detect movement for each axis
supported.
[0034] In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) includes a
camera which takes thousands of images every second, and a red
light-emitting diode which bounces light off the lap pad (10) onto
a complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor sensor (CMOS). The CMOS
sensor sends each image to a digital signal processor (DSP) for
analysis. The DSP detects patterns in the images and examines how
the patterns have moved since the previous image. Based upon the
change in patterns over a sequence of images, the DSP determines
how far the right hand controller (14) has moved and sends the
corresponding coordinates to the console system (16). The console
system (16) outputs the actions on the video display (18) based on
the coordinates received from the right hand controller (14). This
sequence repeats each second, making the actions on the video
display (18) move smoothly. The right hand controller (14) with the
aid of the lap pad (10) provides greater accuracy, speed and user
comfort.
[0035] In one embodiment, one or both of the left hand controller
(12) and right hand controller (14) have an adjustable switch for
adjusting the sensitivity of the controller device (1). In one
embodiment, the left hand controller (12) includes a left switch
(30) connected to electronic circuitry within the left hand
controller (12). The left switch (30) has an electronic chip or
circuitry which adjusts the sensitivity by augmenting or
diminishing the movement signal.
[0036] In one embodiment, both of the left and right hand
controllers (12, 14) include adjustable switches. In one
embodiment, the adjustable switches are slider switches. In one
embodiment, the switches may have five different adjustments, which
add offsets in the amounts of -2, -1, 0, +1, and +2 to the SPI
protocol which is sent to the console system (16). It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the amounts of the
offsets can be varied. The video game software processes the
offsets as if the user pressed the left thumbstick or controller
right thumbstick or controller less or more depending upon the
offsets chosen by the user. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that alternative electrical components can be used to
adjust the offsets; for example, adjustment may be performed by a
thumbwheel.
[0037] In one embodiment, the controller device (1) includes
programmable electronic chips which decode, modify and encode the
bi-directional electronic signals sent among the left hand
controller (12), the right hand controller (14) and the console
system (16). In one embodiment, two programmable electronic chips
are used. In one embodiment, synchronous programmable electronic
chips are used. In one embodiment, two synchronous programmable
electronic chips are used. In one embodiment, pre-programmed chips
which include compatible SPI protocols already used by the Sony
Playstation 2.TM. are used. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that a variety of synchronous chip arrays may be
employed to accomplish the same results. Further, it will be
appreciated that electronic configurations other than electronic
programmable chips may be employed to decode, modify and encode the
bi-directional electronic signals. In one embodiment, a
programmable electronic ship array and electronic circuit may be
placed in between the cable (22) and the console system (16).
[0038] Where power requirements for the controller device or any
component thereof is described, one skilled in the art will realize
that any suitable power source may be used, including, without
limitation, electrical systems, rechargeable and non-rechargeable
batteries, self-contained power units, power adapters, electrical
generators, wall power outlets or other appropriate sources.
[0039] During game play, the user is seated with the lap pad (10)
resting on his lap, and faces the console system (16) and video
display (18). The user may hold the left hand controller (14)
freely with the left hand, or hold the left hand controller (14)
under the hand within the cradle of the lap pad (10). The user
holds the right hand controller (14) under the right hand to rest
upon the lap pad (10). The user drags the right hand controller
(14) over the lap pad (10) in the intended direction. In one
embodiment, the user drags the right hand controller (14) over the
lap pad (10) in the direction of any of two axes (i.e., horizontal
or vertical). The motion detecting means of the right hand
controller (14) detects such motion relative to the underlying lap
pad (10). Electronic circuitry translates the detected motions into
the formatted protocol of the bi-directional data stream. The
console system (16) translates the electrical signals to manipulate
images output to the video display (18).
[0040] The present invention is advantageous over designs of the
prior art. Importantly, there is provided a video game controller
device which allows a user to play more accurately and rapidly,
while minimizing fatigue and injuries. The controller device
includes a left hand controller comprising standard left hand video
game controls, and a right hand controller comprising motion
detection means. The ability to move the right hand controller
freely in any direction upon the lap pad in the manner of a
computer mouse confers greater control over the video game
elements, allows the user to play more intuitively and
spontaneously, and enhances video game interactivity. Reduction in
reaction time adds excitement to the video game. The left hand
controller can be held separately or rest within a cradle of the
lap pad, thereby minimizing user fatigue. Further, the controller
device is constructed of durable materials which can withstand
prolonged use and wear.
[0041] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various
modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific
disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the
invention claimed herein. The various features and elements of the
described invention may be combined in a manner different from the
combinations described or claimed herein, without departing from
the scope of the invention.
* * * * *