U.S. patent application number 12/912651 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for hand-held gaming device with touch sensitive panel(s) for gaming input.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROADCOM CORPORATION. Invention is credited to QIANG FU, JEYHAN KARAOGUZ, TOM W. KWAN, BOB LUKAS, SUMANT RANGANATHAN, DAVID A. SOBEL.
Application Number | 20110118029 12/912651 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44010905 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110118029 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LUKAS; BOB ; et al. |
May 19, 2011 |
HAND-HELD GAMING DEVICE WITH TOUCH SENSITIVE PANEL(S) FOR GAMING
INPUT
Abstract
Operating a game controller by receiving touch pad input from at
least one touch sensitive pad of the game controller that has a
plurality of touch sensitive elements. The touch pad input
corresponds to the user's touch of at least some of the plurality
of touch sensitive elements. The touch pad input is at least
partially processed by processing circuitry of the game controller
and the at least partially processed touch pad input is transmitted
to a game console via a communications interface of the game
controller for use as gaming input. At least partially processing
the touch pad input can be by determining hand/foot position,
changes in hand/foot position, hand grip/foot pressure, changes in
hand grip/foot pressure based upon the touch pad input.
Inventors: |
LUKAS; BOB; (Delta, CA)
; SOBEL; DAVID A.; (Los Altos, CA) ; FU;
QIANG; (Irvine, CA) ; RANGANATHAN; SUMANT;
(Saratoga, CA) ; KARAOGUZ; JEYHAN; (Irvine,
CA) ; KWAN; TOM W.; (Cupertino, CA) |
Assignee: |
BROADCOM CORPORATION
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
44010905 |
Appl. No.: |
12/912651 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61261702 |
Nov 16, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/033 20130101;
G06F 21/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/37 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/00 20060101
A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a game controller, the method comprising:
receiving touch pad input from at least one touch sensitive pad of
the game controller that has a plurality of touch sensitive
elements, the touch pad input corresponding to the user's touch of
at least some of the plurality of touch sensitive elements; at
least partially processing the touch pad input by processing
circuitry of the game controller; and transmitting the at least
partially processed touch pad input to a game console via a
communications interface of the game controller for use as gaming
input.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least partially processing the
touch pad input by processing circuitry of the game controller is
selected from the group consisting of: determining hand position
based upon the touch pad input; determining changes in hand
position based upon the touch pad input; determining hand grip
pressure based upon the touch pad input; determining changes in
hand grip pressure based upon the touch pad input; determining foot
position based upon the touch pad input; determining changes in
foot position based upon the touch pad input; determining foot
pressure based upon the touch pad input; and determining changes in
foot pressure based upon the touch pad input.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least partially processing the
touch pad input by processing circuitry of the game controller
comprises determining a sequence of user touches based upon the
touch pad input.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the sequence of user touches is
determined based upon user touches of differing portions of the
touch sensitive pad.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: establishing a
baseline hand position based upon the touch pad input; determining
a current hand position based upon the touch pad input; and wherein
the gaming input is based upon a difference between the current
hand position and the baseline hand position.
6. The method of claim 1: further comprising receiving other touch
pad input from at least one touch sensitive pad of a
communicatively coupled secondary game controller; wherein at least
partially processing the touch pad input by processing circuitry of
the game controller comprises processing both the touch pad input
and the other touch pad input to produce combined processed touch
pad input; and wherein transmitting the at least partially
processed touch pad input to the game console via the
communications interface of the game controller comprises
transmitting the combined processed touch pad input to the game
console for use as gaming input.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising configuring operation
of the at least one touch sensitive pad to receive gaming input
based upon at least one of: a game being played; at least one game
parameter; at least one user selection; an orientation of the game
controller; and receipt of a touch sensitive pad configuration
direction from the game console.
8. A game controller comprising: a communications interface; at
least one touch sensitive pad having a plurality of touch sensitive
elements; and processing circuitry coupled to the communications
interface and to the at least one touch sensitive pad, the
processing circuitry is operable to: receive touch pad input from
the at least one touch sensitive pad, the touch pad input
corresponding to the user's touch of at least some of the plurality
of touch sensitive elements; at least partially process the touch
pad input; and transmit the at least partially processed touch pad
input to a game console via the communications interface for use as
gaming input.
9. The game controller of claim 8, wherein in at least partially
processing the touch pad input, the processing circuitry is
operable to perform operations selected from the group consisting
of: determine hand position based upon the touch pad input;
determine changes in hand position based upon the touch pad input;
determine hand grip pressure based upon the touch pad input;
determine changes in hand grip pressure based upon the touch pad
input; determine foot position based upon the touch pad input;
determine changes in foot position based upon the touch pad input;
determine foot pressure based upon the touch pad input; and
determine changes in foot pressure based upon the touch pad
input.
10. The game controller of claim 8, wherein in at least partially
processing the touch pad input, the processing circuitry is
operable to determine a sequence of user touches based upon the
touch pad input.
11. The game controller of claim 10, wherein the sequence of user
touches is determined based upon user touches of differing portions
of the touch sensitive pad.
12. The game controller of claim 8, wherein the processing
circuitry is further operable to: establish a baseline hand
position based upon the touch pad input; determine a current hand
position based upon the touch pad input; and wherein the gaming
input is based upon a difference between the current hand position
and the baseline hand position.
13. The game controller of claim 8, wherein the processing
circuitry is further operable to: receive other touch pad input
from at least one touch sensitive pad of a communicatively coupled
secondary game controller; process both the touch pad input and the
other touch pad input to produce combined processed touch pad
input; and transmit the combined processed touch pad input to the
game console for use as gaming input.
14. The game controller of claim 8, wherein the processing
circuitry is further operable to configure operation of the at
least one touch sensitive pad to receive gaming input based upon at
least one of: a game being played; at least one game parameter; at
least one user selection; an orientation of the game controller;
and receipt of a touch sensitive pad configuration direction from
the game console.
15. A method for operating a game console, the method comprising:
receiving touch pad input from a game controller via a
communications interface, the touch pad input captured by at least
one touch sensitive pad of the game controller that has a plurality
of touch sensitive elements, the touch pad input corresponding to
the user's touch of at least some of the plurality of touch
sensitive elements; and processing the touch pad input for use as
gaming input.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein processing the touch pad input
for use as gaming input is selected from the group consisting of:
determining hand position based upon the touch pad input;
determining changes in hand position based upon the touch pad
input; determining hand grip pressure based upon the touch pad
input; determining changes in hand grip pressure based upon the
touch pad input; determining foot position based upon the touch pad
input; determining changes in foot position based upon the touch
pad input; determining foot pressure based upon the touch pad
input; and determining changes in foot pressure based upon the
touch pad input.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein processing the touch pad input
for use as gaming input comprises determining a sequence of user
touches based upon the touch pad input.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the sequence of user touches is
determined based upon user touches of differing portions of the
touch sensitive pad.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: establishing a
baseline hand position based upon the touch pad input; determining
a current hand position based upon the touch pad input; and wherein
the gaming input is based upon a difference between the current
hand position and the baseline hand position.
20. The method of claim 15: receiving other touch pad input via the
communications interface, the other touch pad input from at least
one touch sensitive pad of a secondary game controller; processing
both the touch pad input and the other touch pad input to produce
combined touch pad input; and using the combined touch pad input as
gaming input.
21. The method of claim 15, further comprising: determining a
configuration for the at least one touch sensitive pad to receive
gaming input based upon at least one of: a game being played; at
least one game parameter; at least one user selection; and
transmitting the configuration of the at least one touch sensitive
pad to receive gaming input to the game controller.
25. A game console comprising: a communications interface; and
processing circuitry coupled to the communications interface, the
processing circuitry operable to: receive touch pad input from a
game controller via the communications interface, the touch pad
input captured by at least one touch sensitive pad of the game
controller that has a plurality of touch sensitive elements, the
touch pad input corresponding to the user's touch of at least some
of the plurality of touch sensitive elements; and processing the
touch pad input for use as gaming input.
26. The game console of claim 25, wherein in processing the touch
pad input for use as gaming input, the processing circuitry is
operable to perform operations selected from the group consisting
of: determine hand position based upon the touch pad input;
determine changes in hand position based upon the touch pad input;
determine hand grip pressure based upon the touch pad input;
determine changes in hand grip pressure based upon the touch pad
input; determine foot position based upon the touch pad input;
determine changes in foot position based upon the touch pad input;
determine foot pressure based upon the touch pad input; and
determine changes in foot pressure based upon the touch pad
input.
27. The game console of claim 25, wherein in processing the touch
pad input for use as gaming input the processing circuitry is
operable to determine a sequence of user touches based upon the
touch pad input.
28. The game console of claim 27, wherein the sequence of user
touches is determined based upon user touches of differing portions
of the touch sensitive pad.
29. The game console of claim 25, wherein the processing circuitry
is further operable to: establish a baseline hand position based
upon the touch pad input; determine a current hand position based
upon the touch pad input; and wherein the gaming input is based
upon a difference between the current hand position and the
baseline hand position.
30. The game console of claim 25, wherein the processing circuitry
is further operable to: receive other touch pad input via the
communications interface, the other touch pad input from at least
one touch sensitive pad of a secondary game controller; process
both the touch pad input and the other touch pad input to produce
combined touch pad input; and use the combined touch pad input as
gaming input.
31. The game console of claim 25, wherein the processing circuitry
is further operable to: determine a configuration for the at least
one touch sensitive pad to receive gaming input based upon at least
one of: a game being played; at least one game parameter; at least
one user selection; and transmit the configuration of the at least
one touch sensitive pad to receive gaming input to the game
controller.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION
[0001] The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 61/261,702, entitled "TOUCH PAD USER IDENTIFICATION,
GAMING INPUT, AND PREFERENCE INPUT," (Attorney Docket No. BP20924),
filed Nov. 16, 2009, pending, which is hereby incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety and made part of the present U.S.
Utility Patent Application for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to electronic gaming
devices; and more particularly to game controllers of video gaming
devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] User gaming devices are fairly well known. These devices
include game consoles with communicatively coupled controllers such
as Nintendo game consoles, Sony game consoles, Microsoft game
consoles, and various other game console devices. These game
consoles couple to a television, may couple to an audio system, and
support user game playing. Some of these game consoles support
wireless communications with handheld game controllers and/or other
game controllers. For example, the Nintendo Wii includes handheld
controllers that detect their orientation to some degree,
acceleration to some degree, and receive standard button inputs
from a user. This information is wirelessly relayed to the game
controller to control operation of corresponding game elements
within the gaming environment. Other game controllers may include
simulated game pieces such as musical instruments, baseball bats,
golf clubs, and various other types of simulated devices.
[0006] With the continued advancement of technology, the
complexities and capabilities of game consoles have become
advanced. The game controllers support sophisticated gaming inputs
received via numerous input sources, e.g., buttons, accelerometers,
IR orientation detectors, positional detectors, and various other
gaming inputs. The gaming environment in which these gaming inputs
are received is very complex, providing a fairly realistic
experience for a user of the gaming device/console. While some
games supported by a game console may support only a few gaming
inputs, other games require a large number of gaming inputs.
[0007] Most game consoles support many differing games, which are
software controlled via respective software programming. Sometimes
game controllers are specific to the particular game being
supported, e.g., guitar hero, rock star, and various other
particular types of games. In such a case, these various types of
inputs must be supported by differing unique game controllers. The
expense and complexity of the multiple game controllers can be
overwhelming for some users from a cost standpoint.
[0008] Many gaming systems are contained within one unit such as
the Nintendo Game Boy and its successors and the Sony Play Station
and its successors, for example. These gaming systems include
processing resources and a user interface contained within a single
unit. With these units, various buttons receive user input while a
display and speakers provide user output. Because of the limited
battery life available for these units, their functionality has
been limited in some regard.
[0009] Audio/video entertainment systems that include cable boxes,
satellite boxes, and audio visual components typically include one
or more remote control devices. These remote control devices allow
users to remotely control system operation. Such technology is very
old and has been prevalent for a number of years. However, one
problem with these devices is that the operation generally of the
set-top box is generic to all users and must be uniquely programmed
if desired for a particular user. However, this particular
programming in other settings is typically applied across the board
to all potential users of the device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods
of operation that are further described in the following Brief
Description of the Drawings, the Detailed Description, and the
claims. Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of the
invention made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating a video game system
constructed according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a game console
constructed according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a first perspective view of a game controller
constructed according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a second perspective view of the game controller
of FIG. 3A that is constructed according to one or more embodiments
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a game controller and
coupled secondary game controller, both of which are constructed
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a game controller
constructed according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a touch sensitive pad
and touch pad circuitry constructed according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating how a user's hand may
overlay a touch sensitive pad according to one or more embodiments
of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating the manner in which a
user's hand upon the touch sensitive pad may produce a particular
pattern of capacitance upon the touch sensitive pad;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a game
controller and a game console to receive and process touch pad
input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating other operations of a
game controller and a game console to receive and process touch pad
input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a game
controller and a game console to identify a user using touch pad
input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a game
controller to identify a user using touch pad input and to alter
game operations/settings/choices according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating at least partially
processing touch pad input by processing circuitry of a game
controller for use to identify a user based upon finger
characteristics according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 13A is a flowchart illustrating at least partially
processing touch pad input to determine heat transfer
characteristics of a user's fingers based upon touch pad input
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 13B is a flowchart illustrating at least partially
processing touch pad input to determine pulse rate characteristics
of a user's fingers based upon touch pad input according to one or
more embodiments of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 14A is a flowchart illustrating the use of motion data
to assist in identifying a user according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 14B is a flowchart illustrating the use of voice data
to assist in identifying a user according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating multiple modes of user
identification operations of a game controller and game console
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a game
controller and/or game console in deleting non-matched users after
expiration of a user identification period according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the use of user
preference data to assist in identifying a user by a gaming system
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a game
controller and game console to use touch pad input as gaming input
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating at least partially
processing touch pad input by a game controller or game console for
gaming input use according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention to determine gaming input;
[0034] FIG. 20A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a game
controller or game console to receive a sequence of user touches as
gaming input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 20B is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a game
controller or game console to determine gaming input using
determined differences between a current hand/foot position and a
baseline hand/foot position according to one or more embodiments of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating operations of a game
controller and/or game console to configure at least one touch
sensitive pad for receipt of gaming input according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a
gaming system in altering video game operations according to one or
more embodiments of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a
gaming system in applying at least one game setting to at least one
corresponding game operation based upon user identification
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the alteration of video
game operations based upon at least one game setting according to
one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating altering at least one
game operation based upon a determined game controller use
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 26A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a
gaming system in the receipt of a sequence of user touches to
determine game alteration data according to one or more embodiments
of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 26B is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a
gaming system in determining game alteration data based upon a
difference between current hand/foot position and baseline
hand/foot position according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a game
console to alter operational parameters of a touch sensitive pad of
a game controller according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention;
[0044] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a game
controller to alter the operations/operational parameters of a
touch sensitive pad according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating various options for
altering operations/operational parameters of a touch sensitive pad
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 30A is a flowchart illustrating the selection of
operational parameters of a touch sensitive pad based upon
environmental operating conditions according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 30B is a flowchart illustrating various environmental
operating conditions that may be used to select operational
parameters according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention; and
[0048] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating usage of various
operational parameter alteration conditions to trigger alteration
of operational parameters of a touch sensitive pad according to one
or more embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating a video game system
constructed according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. The gaming system 100 of FIG. 1 includes a game console
102 and a plurality of game controllers 108A, 108B, and 108C. The
game console 102 couples to an audio/visual system 104 that
includes a video monitor and an audio system. The game console 102
also couples to an infrared (IR) detector 106.
[0050] The game controllers 108A, 108B, and 108C communicate with
the game console 102 via one or more of a wired and/or wireless
communication link. The wired communication link may be a tethered
controller including conductors that support wired communications.
Wireless communications may be in various RF frequency bands and/or
in the infrared range. Thus, each of the game controllers 108A,
108B, and 108C includes communication circuitry that allow the game
controllers 108A, 108B, and 108C to communicate with the game
console 102.
[0051] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, each of game controllers 108A, 108B, and 108C includes
one or more touch sensitive pads/touch pads/touch pads (referred to
herein interchangeably) 110A, 110B, and 110C, respectively.
According to some aspect of the present invention, the touch pads
of the game controllers are used to identify users of the game
controllers, to provide gaming input, to determine whether a user
is active, and/or to provide other information to the game console
102 for subsequent action. Data captured by the touch pads may be
solely processed by a host game controller, e.g., 108A, may be
partially processed and transmitted to the game console 102 for
further processing, or may be transferred in an unprocessed format
from the game controller 108A to the game console 102. Based upon
one or more embodiments of the present invention, touch pads are
coupled to touch pad circuitry that measures capacitance
(inductance or RF propagation) characteristics observed by a
plurality of touch sensitive elements of the touch pads. Based upon
the capacitive (inductance/RF propagation) information gathered
from the touch pads, a user may be identified by game console 102
and/or game controller 108A, 108B, or 108C.
[0052] According to one aspect of the present invention as will be
further described with reference to the FIGs., the touch pad of a
particular game controller includes a plurality of touch sensitive
elements, each of which measures a characteristic at its location,
i.e., capacitance, inductance, RF propagation characteristics, a
combination of these, etc. In various embodiments, capacitance,
inductance, RF propagation characteristics, and/or other
characteristics of touch sensitive elements are measured over time.
Based upon particular touch sensitive element
characteristics/values as measured over time, the game controller
and/or game console may identify the particular user of the game
controller. The user identity may then be used to set the
characteristics of the particular game being operated or supported
by the game console.
[0053] Alternatively, the input received via the touch pads 110A,
110B, and/or 110C may be used for gaming input to the game console
to modify operations of the game currently being supported by a
game console to modify operation of the game currently being
supported by a game console. According to another operation of the
present invention, the input received via the touch pad 110A, 110B,
and/or 110C may be used to replace button functionality of previous
generation game controllers. In such case, the touch pads may have
a back lit display that provides representations of replaced
buttons. According to various other operations of the present
invention, the touch pads are calibrated so as to provide accurate
input and/or altered in their operation to enact improved input
operations.
[0054] The inventive concepts described herein may also be applied
to/embodied by a single package video game, i.e., a video game
system that is contained in a single housing. In such embodiments,
the video game system includes a display, a user input, which
includes one or more touch pads, processing components, memory
components, and powering components, such as a battery and power
circuitry.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a game console
constructed according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. The game console 202 of FIG. 2 includes a wireless
interface(s) 204, an infrared interface 206, an IR Transmit/Receive
element 207, processing circuitry 208, one or more wired interfaces
210, and memory 212. The game console 202 typically also includes a
user interface 214, a video interface 216, an audio interface 218,
and may include a video camera/video camera interface 220. The
wireless interface(s) 204 support wireless communications with at
least the game controllers 108A, 108B, and 108C described with
reference to FIG. 1. This wireless interface may be a Bluetooth
interface, a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, or
another type of wireless communication interface that supports
communications between the game console 202 and one or more game
controllers. Further, the wireless interface 204 may support
communications with a WLAN router or access point, a cellular
infrastructure, a satellite communications network, or another type
of wireless communications systems.
[0056] The IR interface 206 couples to the IR transmit/receive
element 207 and supports IR communications with game controllers
108A, 108B, and 108C as shown in FIG. 1. The IR communications
between the game console 202 and the game controllers 108A, 108B,
and 108C may support an industry standard or proprietary
communications protocol. The processing circuitry 208 may include
one or more of a system processor, a digital signal processor, a
processing module, dedicated hardware, application specific
integrated circuit, or other circuitry that is capable of executing
software instructions and for processing data. The memory 212 may
be RAM, ROM, FLASH RAM, FLASH ROM, an optical memory, magnetic
memory, or other types of memory that is capable of storing data
and/or instructions in allowing processing circuitry to access
same. The wired interface(s) 210 may include a USB interface, a
fire wire interface, a serial interface, a parallel interface, an
optical interface, or another type of interface supported by a
media that is copper, metal, or optical.
[0057] The user interface 214 may include a keypad, a video
display, cursor control, a touch pad, or other type of interface
that allows a user to interface with the game console 202. The
video interface 216 couples the game console 202 to one or more
video monitors to provide display for the gaming environment
supported by game console 202. The communications link between the
video interface 216 and the video monitor(s) may be an HDMI
interface, a composite video interface, component video interface,
an S-video interface, or another type of video interface supported
by both the video monitor and the game console 202. The audio
interface 218 couples the game console 212 to speakers and/or
microphones for audio content delivery and receipt. The video
camera/video camera interface 202 may include an onboard video
camera or may couple the game console 202 to an external video
camera. The external video camera may be used to provide gaming
input or other types of information that the game console 202 uses
within its operation to produce a gaming environment.
[0058] FIG. 3A is a first perspective view of a game controller
constructed according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, a game controller 302 includes a
cursor control 304, mechanical buttons 310 and 306, and may include
a touch pad 308. The cursor control 304 may be a touch pad. When
304 and 308 are both touch pads, they receive touch pad input that
may be used for user identification, gaming input, or other
operations supported by the gaming system and includes game
controller 302.
[0059] FIG. 3B is a second perspective view of the game controller
302 of FIG. 3A that is constructed according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3B, a
reverse portion of the game controller 302 may include a touch pad
352. The touch pad 352 may wrap around a back portion of the game
controller 302. Alternatively, the touch pad 352 may reside on a
battery cover of the game controller 302. As will be described
further herein, the touch pad 352 includes a plurality of touch pad
locations/touch sensitive elements that receive touch pad input
that may be used for user ID, gaming input, and/or other
purposes.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a game controller and
coupled secondary game controller, both of which are constructed
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 4, primary game controller 402 includes a display
406, a circular input device 408, and button inputs 410, 412, 414,
416, 418, and 420. Any of these input devices 408, 410, 412, 414,
416, 418, and 420 of primary game controller 402 may be touch pads,
as is further described herein. These touch pads receive gaming
input in a manner that is consistent with mechanical counterparts
that were previously implemented according to prior devices.
Further these touch pads may receive input that is used to identify
a user or to provide other information.
[0061] The primary game controller 402 couples to secondary game
controller 404 via either a wired or a wireless interface. The
secondary game controller 404 includes input components 421, 422,
and 424. These input components of the secondary game controller
404 may be embodied by either mechanical input devices or touch
pads. The manner in which touch pads are implemented are described
further herein. Data collected from these input components 421,
422, and 424 are relayed to game controller 402, which may process
the inputs. Alternately, the input received from input components
421, 422, and/or 424 may be relayed to a servicing game console.
The primary game controller 402 and the secondary game controller
404 may both be hand-held devices. Alternately, one or the other of
these game controllers may be placed on the floor, inserted into a
simulated gaming piece, e.g., guitar, drums, simulated golf club,
simulated baseball bat, etc. Each of these game controllers 402 and
404 may capture touch pad input as is further described herein with
reference to the FIGs. The touch pad input captured by game
controllers 402 and 404 may be processed to produce combined gaming
input or transmitted separately to a game console 202. The combined
or separate touch pad input may be used as gaming input, may be
processed to identify a user, or may be processed to otherwise
provide input to a supported video game.
[0062] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a game controller
constructed according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. The game controller 502 includes one or more wireless
interfaces 504, an Infrared (IR) interface 506 that includes an IR
transmit/receive element 508, processing circuitry 510, wired
interface(s) 512, memory 514, and user interface(s) 516. These
particular components of the game controller 502 may be similar to
the like named components of the game console 302 illustrated in
FIG. 3 and described with reference thereto. However, in other
embodiments, these like named components may have differing
construct/functionality, e.g., smaller memory, less processing
capability, lower power wireless interfaces, etc. Thus, commonly
named components will not be described further herein as they have
been previously described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0063] The game controller 502 includes one or more touch pad(s)
518, motion/position detector 520, orientation detector 522,
display 524, speaker/microphone 526, and a video camera 528. The
game controller 502 may also include other components such as one
or more environmental conditions detectors 530 that are used to
sense environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and
other environmental conditions. The structure and operations of the
touch pads 518 will be described further herein with reference to
subsequent FIGs. The motion/position detector 520 detects
motion/acceleration/position of the game controller 502. Detection
of such motion/acceleration/position may be performed in
conjunction with the game controller, using a GPS system, using an
accelerometer or gyrator of the game controller 502 and/or using
external components to determine motion/acceleration position of
the game controller. The motion/position detector 520 may also
determine position of the game controller. The manner in which the
motion/position detector 520 determines the position of the game
controller 502 is not described further herein. However, the
position detector 520 may use external reference devices in order
to determine position of the game controller within a gaming
environment. Motion, acceleration, and position of the game
controller 502 may be provided to a servicing game console as
gaming input.
[0064] The orientation detector 522 determines an orientation
and/or direction in which the game controller is pointed. Such
orientation detection provided by orientation detector 522 may be
accomplished in conjunction with the IR interface 506 of the game
controller 502. Such orientation detection may be performed in
conjunction with the IR detector 106 of the gaming system 100 of
FIG. 1.
[0065] The display 524 of the game controller 502 may have a
relatively small size or relatively large size that presents
information to a user and that allows the user to respond
accordingly. The speaker/microphone 526 may receive audio input and
provide audio output to a user of the game controller 502. Audio
input captured by the microphone may be used in conjunction with
touch pad 518 input for user identification and/or for gaming
input. Video camera 528 of the game controller may be used to
determine a location of the game controller and/or may be used to
provide additional gaming input for gaming environments supported
by the game controller 502.
[0066] According to one particular aspect of the gaming system of
FIG. 1, the touch pad(s) 518 of the game controller 502 (and/or
game console) may be capacitive, inductive, or RF based. With
regard to input received via the touch pads of the game controller,
the raw data (touch pad input) received by a touch pad of the game
controller may be fully communicated to the game console of the
gaming system. Alternatively, information captured via the touch
pad(s) 518 of the game controller may be processed by the
processing circuitry 510 of the game controller 502 (or other
processing circuitry such as the touch pad circuitry shown in FIG.
6, which may be different or the same as the processing circuitry
510) prior to communicating such information to the game console
102 of FIG. 1. Such processing may be full or partial to determine
whether to upload data and what data to upload to the game
console.
[0067] Referring again to FIG. 4, the touch pad input received by
game controller may be received at both primary 402 and secondary
404 game controllers of FIG. 4. The input received from multiple
touch pads of the primary and secondary game controllers 402 and
404 may be received and at least partially processed by processing
circuitry of the game controller(s) prior to uploading the data to
a game console. The basis for touch pad input processing may be
based upon a current usage of the game controllers. For example,
the primary game controller 402 may be relevant to a first portion
of a user's body while the secondary game controller 404 may be
relevant to a second portion of a user's body. In one particular
example, input device receives touch pad input corresponding to one
or more feet of a user, e.g., secondary controller 404 is a foot
pad. In such case, a foot pattern of a user may be employed to
identify the user or to receive gaming input from the user within
the gaming system.
[0068] The data received from one or more touch pads according to
the present invention may be used to identify a user of the gaming
system. Data captured by one or more touch pads or panels is used
to distinguish a user from a plurality of users based upon finger
width, finger length, finger spacing, knuckle joint location,
finger angle, and other characteristics of a user's hand/fingers
that is used to grasp the game controller. Identification of the
user is done based upon pattern matching using various techniques,
some of which are known. Further, the touch pads and related
operations supported by the structures of the present invention may
identify users based upon their heat transfer characteristics,
their pulse rate characteristics, and other characteristics that
would be gathered via input at a touch pad.
[0069] In establishing user characteristic/user ID correspondence,
there may be multiple levels of training. With one level of
training, a user sets-up his or her identity within the gaming
system. Then, a first operation establishes correspondence between
touch pad characteristics and the user. The gaming system may query
a user to confirm that he or she is currently using the game
controller with this operation by receiving input from a touch pad
and then confirming that the particular user identity is correct.
Further, the training may proceed so that it is initially intrusive
and asks a number of questions of the user but then decreases its
intrusions when matching stored users with touch pad input
characteristics.
[0070] Alternatively, the game controller may simply automatically
relate user characteristics as received from a touch pad with game
characteristics or settings of the gaming system. Generally, the
user identification learning process should be as automatic as
possible so as not to be burdensome to users of the system.
Further, the user identification system of the present invention
should delete inactive users from the database so that they are not
considered as candidates when determining whether or not a current
user is one of a plurality of registered or prior users of a
system.
[0071] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
touch pad input that is used to identify the user may be used in
conjunction with auxiliary information to identify a particular
user. This auxiliary information may include game usage levels,
game selections, time of day at which game is performed, day of
week at which game is performed, gyrator input (accelerometer
input), coupled secondary gaming devices or service devices, and/or
additional auxiliary information. For example, one particular user
may select generally games A, B and C while another user may select
generally games C, D, and E. Based upon a particular game selection
and data input received from a touch pad, the auxiliary information
of game selection may be used to assist in identifying the user
that is currently using the gaming system. Moreover, a particular
user may only use the system during certain times of the day or
days of the week and such information is further used to determine
identity of the user of the gaming system. Some users may only use
certain auxiliary devices such as nun chucks, guitars, drums, car
driving accessories, plane control accessories, or other coupled
devices of the game controllers. In such case, the operations of
the present invention may use the fact that these devices are
coupled to further limit the number of potential users that are
considered for identification at a particular time.
[0072] Once a user is identified, a user ID is employed to enact a
user's custom game data or settings for the gaming system. For
example, a particular user is identified and this user's game
selection, game settings, and other preferences that have been
previously inputted into the game system are automatically enacted.
According to another aspect of the present invention, once a user
is identified, the gaming environment settings are altered based
upon such identification. For example, once the user is identified,
the game difficulty level, game entry point, game controller button
functions, game controller touch sensitive panel/touch pad gaming
input functions, and/or other custom settings of the gaming system
may be altered. In one particular example, once a user is
identified, a sequence of touches on the touch pad may alter some
game operation or game selection operations. These particular
custom operations are based upon the fact that a particular user is
identified as currently operating the gaming system. Further, menus
and other user input selections may be altered after a user is
identified. For example, the user may have previously indicated
that he or she only wants to use certain games. Once that user is
identified the gaming system only gives that particular user the
option of selecting from a list of previously selected games.
Further, the user may have customized the menu of the gaming system
previously and when the user is identified the customized user
interface of the gaming system is enacted.
[0073] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
touch pad is operable to determine a relative hand position of the
user of the game controller. For example, some types of video games
such as tennis or golf require that a user hold the game controller
at a particular position. While other games require that the user
holds the game controller at a differing position. According to one
aspect of the present invention, the game controller and/or the
game console is able to determine the position that the user is
holding onto the game controller based upon touch pad input. Once
this position is identified, the game controller/game console is
able to limit the types of games that the user may play based upon
the position of the hand with regard to the position of the
controller. Thus, the game is customized to some degree based upon
a hand position of the user with respect to the controller.
[0074] According to another aspect of the present invention, touch
pad input received via touch pads or panels may be used for gaming
input. For example, the touch pads may be used to determine that a
user has changed his or her hand or finger positions, changed his
or her grip positions or otherwise abruptly changed an input to a
game controller that is used within a gaming system. Such detection
may be used with one scanning rate of the touch pad. Alternatively,
the scanning rate of the touch pad may be altered based upon a game
being played. For example, when the game being played is one that
has minimal input requirements, the scanning rate may be relatively
lower. However, when a game is being played that has a relatively
higher input rate such as a fitness program, the scanning rate of
one or more touch pads of one or more game controllers may be
increased. Further, scanning of one or more of the touch pads may
be enabled for some portions of the game while not enabled for
another portion of the game. For example, grip/finger position
movement or pressure changes may be enabled during a first portion
of the game and not enabled for other portions of the game. Such is
the case because the particular gaming input that is being sensed
by changing finger position or grip pressure is only relevant
during some portions of the game and not others.
[0075] The gaming input may be based upon a change from a prior
hand position or a prior relationship between the hand and the game
controller and a current position of the hand with respect to the
game controller. For example also, a baseline position for the hand
with respect to the game controller may be established during a
baseline mode of operation. Then, any alteration of the position of
the hand with respect to the game controller will serve as a
differing gaming input while operation of the game progresses.
[0076] Further, each of a plurality of touch sensitive pads of the
game controller may be reconfigured by the game console based upon
a game being played. Because each game being played may have
particular gaming input requirements, the configuration of the
touch pad may be required to be customized for the particular game
being played so that the gaming input is most relevant to the
particular game. For example, a game in which the touch pad
provides multiple types of input to the game may require a
configuration of the touch pad other than when the game controller
touch pad only indicates whether or not the user has picked up the
game controller. Further, configuration of the touch pads may be
selected by user based upon the gaming parameters. For example, the
configuration of the gaming panels may change a particular game
point based upon a selection of the user.
[0077] Moreover, configuration of touch pad functions may be based
upon the orientation of a controller. For example, when a golf,
baseball, tennis or sword input is selected, the touch pad
functions may differ for each of the particular types of games.
Such is the case because the game controller may be held in
different relative positions with respect to the hands for each of
these types of games. Thus, the manner in which the touch pads
provide gaming input will change based upon not only orientation of
the controller but with regard to its simulated game piece
function.
[0078] Further, each game may have its own particular touch input
language that implements particular game function(s). Such game
touch input language may be considered as a sequence of touches
with the touches in particular portions of the touch pad providing
input to the game. The sequence of touches provided to the touch
pad is similar to those that may be provided via sequence of button
selections via mechanical buttons of the prior game controller.
However, because the touch pad of the present invention game
controller is very configurable and not limited by mechanical
button limitations, the touch pad may be configured at different
points in time to have particular touch sequence input
functions.
[0079] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a touch sensitive pad
and touch pad circuitry constructed according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention. A touch pad 602 includes a
plurality of touch sensitive elements 604 each of which corresponds
to a particular location of the touch pad 602. With the embodiment
of FIG. 6, the touch pad includes an array of touch sensitive
elements 604, each of which may be a particular capacitively
coupled location, inductively coupled location, or a radio
frequency (RF) touch sensitive element. Touch pad circuitry 606
couples via a grid structure to the plurality of touch sensitive
elements 604 to sense the particular capacitance, inductive, or RF
characteristics at each of the touch sensitive elements.
[0080] Touch pad circuitry 606 scans the plurality of touch
sensitive elements 604 via access of particular row-column
combinations at particular times. The frequency or voltage at which
the touch pad circuitry 606 scans the plurality of touch sensitive
elements 604 may be altered over time. Choosing the scanning
frequency or scanning voltage may be based upon a particular
operational use of the touch pad. For example, at some points in
time the manner in which the touch pad is scanned will change based
upon a particular point in a game of a gaming system with which the
touch pad functions as a gaming input device. Further, a first
scanning frequency/scanning voltage may be employed for user
identification while a second scanning frequency/scanning voltage
may be employed for gaming input functions.
[0081] The scanning done by the touch pad circuitry 606 of the
plurality of touch sensitive elements 604 may be made using a
spread spectrum frequency scanning technique. Such technique may be
employed to more efficiently capture information from the touch pad
602 at the various touch sensitive elements 604 or to determine
which particular scanning frequencies are more successful than
others in capturing input information.
[0082] Further, the scanning of each row and column corresponding
to a particular touch sensitive element 604 may be altered based
upon a detected capacitance (inductance/RF propagation) at the
location. For example, one particular touch sensitive element 604
may have a fixed capacitance that does not vary over time. Such
fixed capacitance may indicate that the particular touch sensitive
element 604 is inoperable or that it receives no discernable input.
In such case, by not scanning the particular touch sensitive
element, other touch sensitive elements may be more frequently
scanned or energy may be saved by not scanning all touch sensitive
elements.
[0083] According to another aspect of the present invention, some
portions of the touch pad may be disabled while others are enabled
at differing points in time. Enablement of some touch sensitive
elements and not others may be based upon a custom configuration of
the touch pad for a particular input function provided.
[0084] The touch pad 602 may also be calibrated by the touch pad
circuitry 606 based upon the environmental factors such as
temperature, humidity, and surrounding noise from the capacitance,
inductance, or RF perspective. Calibration of the touch pad 602
allows the touch pad 602 to have more efficient and effective touch
pad input for user identification and/or for other input
purposes.
[0085] The touch pad 602 may also be calibrated by the touch pad
circuitry 606 based upon the environmental factors such as
temperature, humidity, and surrounding noise as detected by
measured capacitance, inductance, or RF propagation
characteristics. Calibration of the touch pad 602 allows the touch
pad 602 to be more efficient and more effectively receive touch pad
input for user identification and/or for other input purposes. The
calibration of the touch pad 602 by the touch pad circuitry 606 may
be initiated at particular points in time. The touch pad circuitry
606 may simply initiate calibration of the touch pad 602 upon the
expiration of a timer such that the touch pad is calibrated at a
particular regular time interval. Alternatively, the touch pad 602
may be calibrated after a period of inactivity, i.e., the touch pad
circuitry 606 performs calibration when it determines that no input
is present on the touch pad 602. With other operations or
embodiments, the touch pad 602 may be calibrated by the touch pad
circuitry 606 using other input criteria as well.
[0086] FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating how a user's hand may
overlay a touch pad according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention. The touch pad 602 has a plurality of touch
sensitive elements 604 and is mounted upon a portion of a vehicle
so that it is adjacent a user's hand when the user holds the
portion of the vehicle. The outline 702 of users hand is shown as
overlaying the touch pad 602 and the plurality of touch sensitive
elements 604. While the touch pad 602 of FIG. 7A is generally
illustrated as planar, the touch pad 602 may wrap around a steering
wheel, gear shifter, door handle, or another vehicle component.
[0087] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating the manner in which a
user's hand upon the touch pad produces a particular pattern of
capacitance (inductance/RF propagation) upon the touch pad. A
relative capacitance, inductance, or RF propagation pattern of the
user's hand 702 is shown on touch pad 602. The depiction in FIG. 7B
is illustrated in general only of relative capacitance at each of
the user's finger location positions upon the touch pad 602. For
example, where the user's fingers touch physically the touch pad
602, stronger capacitance lines 752 and 754 are shown. Where the
user's fingers overlay the touch pad 602, lesser capacitance,
inductance, or RF propagation characteristic lines 754 are shown.
While other capacitance lines on the touch pad 602 are not shown in
FIG. 7B are numbered, the various capacitance lines would be
present for the other fingers as well.
[0088] The capacitance pattern of the user's hand 702 upon the
touch pad 602 is a signature of a particular user. The size of
user's hands, the positions of their knuckles, the relative angle
at which they grip the location in the vehicle. Thus, based upon
this variation of the capacitive pattern upon the touch screen 602,
differing users can be identified. Further, considering that the
touch pad 602 may serve as an input device, the capacitance of the
touch sensitive elements 604 of the touch pad of 602 over time as
it varies may be used to indicate touch pad input. Based upon the
scanning frequency, the scanning voltage, and other scanning
factors of the touch pad 602 at the various touch sensitive
elements 604, the characteristics measured at each touch sensitive
element 604 over time will enable the device to identify a user or
to try particular input via the touch pad 602.
[0089] The apparatus of FIGS. 1-6 can singularly or jointly perform
the operations of the following FIGS. 8-31. With some of these
FIGs. processing performed is not identified as being performed by
a particular device. In such case the processing may be performed
by one or both of a game controller and/or a game console. In other
operations the processing or operations performed are attributed to
one of a game console or game controller. In such cases, the
processing could alternatively be performed by the other of the
game console or game controller or jointly by the game console and
game controller. Further, the operations of FIGS. 8-31 may be
performed by an all-in-one gaming system.
[0090] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating operations 800 of a game
controller and a game console to receive and process touch pad
input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. In FIG. 8, operations 800 begin when touch pad input is
received from at least one touch sensitive pad of a game
controller, step 802. As previously shown, the at least one touch
sensitive pad of a game controller has a plurality of touch
sensitive elements. Each of these touch sensitive elements is
individually scanned to detect capacitance, inductance, or RF
propagation characteristics of the touch sensitive element.
[0091] The touch pad input corresponds to a user's touch of at
least some of the plurality of touch sensitive elements. The touch
pad input is processed by processing circuitry of the game
controller, step 804. The game controller may perform first
processing operations on the touch pad input and transmit the touch
pad input to the game console for second processing operations such
that processing operations on the touch pad input are shared
between the game controller and the game console. Alternately the
game controller may simply transmit raw touch pad input to the game
console for processing. In still other operations, all processing
of the touch pad input is performed by the game controller.
[0092] The at least partially processed touch pad input is
transmitted to the game console via a communications interface of
the game controller, step 806. The game console processes the touch
pad input for user identification, gaming input, game operation
alterations (e.g. power down game, pause game, game settings, and
the like), step 808. The game console may then direct the game
controller to alter its operations at step 810, including altering
operations of the touch sensitive pad.
[0093] Generally, the manner with which touch pad input is used to
identify users is described with reference to FIGS. 11-17, the
manner with which touch pad input is used as gaming input is
described with reference to FIGS. 18-21, the manner with which
touch pad input is used to configure gaming operations is described
with reference to FIGS. 22-26B, and the manner in which
configuration/operation of the touch pad is performed is described
with reference to FIGS. 27-31. Of course, these various operations
may be combined in many different ways and still practice teachings
of the present invention.
[0094] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating other operations 900 of a
game controller and a game console to receive and process touch pad
input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. Operations 900 begin with first touch pad input received
from a first touch sensitive pad of a game controller, step 902.
First touch pad input is received via a first touch pad that has a
first plurality of touch sensitive elements. Second touch pad input
is then received from a second touch pad of the game controller or
from a touch pad of a second game controller that communicatively
couples to the first game controller, step 904. The second touch
pad input is separate and distinct from the first touch pad input.
The first and second touch pad inputs are processed and/or combined
to produce combined touch pad input, step 906.
[0095] The first touch pad input may be user finger touch pad
input, user thumb touch pad input, user hand touch pad input, or a
combination of these. The user finger touch pad input can be
combined with the user thumb touch pad input to produce combined
user touch pad input. Further, the first touch pad input may be
captured by a touch pad of the first game controller and the second
touch pad input may be captured by a touch pad of the second game
controller and combined to produce the combined touch pad input. In
such case, the first touch pad input may be from a first hand of a
user and the second touch pad input may be from a second hand of
the user (or from the hand of another user). Alternately, the first
touch pad input may be of a hand of the user and the second touch
pad input may be of a foot of the user. Of course, the teachings of
the present invention apply to other combinations of input(s) as
well.
[0096] The combined touch pad input is transmitted to the game
console via a communications interface of the game controller, step
908. The game console then uses the touch pad input for user
identification, gaming input, game operation alterations (e.g.
power down game, pause game, game setting, and the like), step 910.
The game console may direct the game controller to alter operations
of at least one touch sensitive pad, step 912.
[0097] In one embodiment, initial operational parameters are set
for the least one touch sensitive pad of the game controller by
either the game controller or the game console. Based upon further
input received by the game controller, the operations of the touch
sensitive pad are altered. These operations will be described
further herein with reference to FIGS. 27-31. It is understood that
the game console could make the decision to direct the game
controller to alter operations of at least one touch sensitive pad,
as will be described herein, even though the game controller may
make such operational decisions alone.
[0098] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations 1000 of a
game controller and a game console to identify a user using touch
pad input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. Operations 1000 begin when touch pad input is received
from at least one touch sensitive pad of a game controller, step
1002. The touch pad input has components from a plurality of touch
sensitive elements of the touch pad of the game controller. The
touch pad input is at least partially processed by processing
circuitry of the game controller, step 1004. The at least partially
processed touch pad input is then transmitted to the game console
via a communications interface, step 1006. The game console
processes the touch pad input to identify a user via pattern
matching operations, step 1008. The game console may then alter
game operations/settings/choices based upon user identity, step
1010.
[0099] In another embodiment, other touch pad input is received
from at least one touch sensitive pad of a communicatively coupled
secondary game controller. The game controller transmits the
combined processed touch pad input for processing to identify the
user via pattern recognition. The pattern recognition used at step
1008 may be based upon user finger characteristics, hand
characteristics, foot characteristics, or a combination of these.
These characteristics and processing employed to determine these
characteristics are described further herein with reference to FIG.
12. In another embodiment, heat transfer characteristics of a
user's fingers are also determined based upon touch pad input and
the heat transfer characteristics can be used to assist in
identifying a user. Pulse rate characteristics of a user's fingers
can be determined based upon the touch pad input and can be used to
assist in identifying a user. Motion data can be received from a
motion detector of the game controller via the communications
interface and can be used to assist in identifying a user. Voice
data can be received from a microphone of the game controller via
the communications interface and can be used to assist in
identifying a user.
[0100] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating operations 1100 of a
game controller to identify a user using touch pad input and to
alter game operations/settings/choices according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention. Operations 1100 begin when
touch pad input is received from at least one touch sensitive pad
of a game controller, step 1102. The game controller processes the
touch pad input to identify a user via pattern matching operations,
step 1104. The game controller alters game
operations/setting/choices based upon user identity, step 1106, and
the process ends. In FIG. 11, all operations are performed by a
single device that performs both game controller/game console
operations, and is referred to in FIG. 11 as a game controller,
although it could be referred to as a gaming system. The reader
should understand that with the process described herein, various
processes described may be fully performed by the game controller,
fully performed by the game console, or may be performed by a
combination of the game controller and game processor.
[0101] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating at least partially
processing touch pad input by processing circuitry of a game
controller for use to identify a user based upon finger
characteristics according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. The operations of FIG. 12 are performed in conjunction
with steps 1004 and 1008 of FIG. 10, and step 1104 of FIG. 11. At
least partially processing the touch pad input by processing
circuitry of the game controller can be performed by one or more of
the following: identifying at least one finger orientation based
upon the touch pad input, step 1202; identifying at least one
finger spacing based upon the touch pad input, step 1204;
identifying at least one finger width based upon the touch pad
input, step 1206; identifying a plurality of finger knuckle/joint
locations based upon the touch pad input, step 1208; identifying a
plurality of finger lengths based upon the touch pad input, step
1210.
[0102] User finger characteristics, e.g., at least one finger
orientation, at least one finger spacing, at least one finger
width, a plurality of finger knuckle/joint locations, and a
plurality of finger lengths, may be determined by either or both of
the game console and the game controller. The touch pad input can
be processed by either/both the game console and the game
controller to determine these characteristics. Once, determined,
these characteristics are compared to stored data of the same type
for user identification. At initial setup, these characteristics
were stored for particular users.
[0103] FIG. 13A is a flowchart illustrating at least partially
processing touch pad input to determine heat transfer
characteristics of a user's fingers based upon touch pad input
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The
touch pad input is at least partially processed by processing
circuitry of the game controller. Heat transfer characteristics of
a user's fingers are determined based upon the touch pad input,
step 1302. The heat transfer characteristics are used to assist in
identifying the user, step 1304. These heat transfer
characteristics can be used in conjunction with user
finger/hand/foot characteristics to identify the user.
[0104] FIG. 13B is a flowchart illustrating at least partially
processing touch pad input to determine pulse rate characteristics
of a user's fingers based upon touch pad input according to one or
more embodiments of the present invention. The touch pad input is
at least partially processed by processing circuitry of the game
controller. Pulse rate characteristics of a user's fingers are
determined based upon the touch pad input, step 1352. The pulse
rate characteristics are used to assist in identifying the user,
step 1354. These pulse rate characteristics can be used in
conjunction with user finger/hand/foot characteristics to identify
the user.
[0105] FIG. 14A is a flowchart illustrating the use of motion data
to assist in identifying a user according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention. Motion data is received from
a motion detector of the game controller, step 1402. The motion
detector may be an accelerometer or another component of the game
controller that is capable of determining the motion of the game
controller with respect to an inertial rest state, with respect to
the immediate surroundings, with respect to the earth, or with
respect to another reference frame. The motion data is transmitted
to the game console via the communications interface of the game
controller for processing to assist in identifying the user, step
1404. The motion data can be used in conjunction with user finger
characteristics to identify the user.
[0106] FIG. 14B is a flowchart illustrating the use of voice data
to assist in identifying a user according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention. Voice data is received from a
microphone of the game controller, step 1452. The voice data is
transmitted to the game console via the communications interface of
the game controller for processing to assist in identifying the
user, step 1454. The voice data can be used in conjunction with
user finger characteristics to identify the user. The voice data
may be processed by the game controller prior to transmission to
the game console. Alternately, the voice data may be captured by
the game console and used by the game console to identify a user to
augment other data used to identify the user, e.g., finger pattern,
foot pattern, etc.
[0107] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating multiple modes of user
identification operations 1500 of a game controller and game
console according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. Operations 1500 begin when a user identification
operations mode is selected, step 1502. When selecting initial user
identification mode, step 1504, a menu is provided to a user, step
1510. The menu allows the user to select a name and, optionally,
other user profile data, such as age, weight, height, favorite
games, etc. Touch pad input is then captured and processed to
determine finger/foot/hand characteristics, step 1512. User
identity and user preference profile/user preference data is
established after fully interacting with the user, step 1514. The
user profile is stored, step 1516, and the process returns to the
step of user identification operations mode selection, step 1502.
The user profile includes a user ID, user game preferences, user
touch pad characteristics, e.g., finger characteristics, foot
characteristics, heat transfer characteristics, pulse
characteristics, motion characteristics, etc., and user
preferences, e.g., game setting preferences, game preferences,
etc.
[0108] When intermediate user identification mode is selected, step
1506, touch pad input is captured, step 1518. The system partially
interacts with the user to correlate processed touch pad input to
user profiles, step 1520. A user is selected based upon touch pad
input and user interaction, step 1522. Such partial interaction may
query the user to indicate that a correct user ID was selected
based upon finger/hand/foot characteristics, for example. However,
the extent of user interaction is much less than that of the
initial user identification mode 1504.
[0109] When automatic user identification mode is selected, step
1508, touch pad input is captured, step 1524. The system correlates
the processed touch pad input to user profiles without user
interaction, step 1526. User is selected based upon only the touch
pad input and user profiles, without additional user interaction,
step 1528. Thus, with the operations beginning at step 1508 no user
interaction is required.
[0110] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a
vehicle control system in deleting non-matched users after
expiration of a user identification period according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention. Operations 1600 begin when a
user profile is retrieved, step 1602. A determination is made
regarding whether the user profile has been accessed prior to
expiration of a deletion period, step 1604. If No is determined at
step 1604, the user profile is deleted for the particular user,
step 1606. If Yes at step 1604, the user profile has been accessed
prior to expiration of deletion period and the user profile is not
deleted. From both a Yes determination at step 1604 and after step
1606, a determination is made regarding whether the process is
complete, step 1608. If a Yes determination is made at step 1608,
the process ends. If No, the next user profile is selected, step
1610, and the process repeats to the determination step 1604.
[0111] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the use of user
preference data to assist in identifying a user by a gaming system
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. User
preference data is identified at step 1702. The user preference
data includes game selection preferences, game setting preferences,
time of day, day of week, game play duration, game usage level, and
auxiliary game controller selection. The user preference data is
used to assist in identifying the user by comparing current game
operations and/or other pertinent information to the user
preference data, step 1704. For example, for one particular video
game, only one or two particular users may be common users for the
currently loaded video game. Thus, at step 1704, only those two
users may be prime candidates for pattern matching of finger/hand
characteristics. As another example, some users may be common
active during particular hours of the day and these users are
favored for pattern matching during those hours of the day.
[0112] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the operation 1800 of a
game controller and game console to use touch pad input as gaming
input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. Operation 1800 begins when touch pad input is received
from at least one touch sensitive pad of a game controller, the
touch sensitive pad having a plurality of touch sensitive elements,
step 1802. The touch pad input corresponds to the user's touch of
at least some of the plurality of touch sensitive elements. The
touch pad input is at least partially processed by processing
circuitry of the game controller, step 1804. The at least partially
processed touch pad input is transmitted to the game console via a
communications interface, step 1806. The game console processes the
touch pad input for use as gaming input, step 1808. The game
console uses gaming input to operate video game, step 1810.
[0113] The touch pad input is based upon a user's touch. The user's
touch may be hand touch, finger touch, thumb touch, foot touch,
stylus touch, or another touch of a user. Processing touch pad
input for use as gaming input can be done by determining hand/foot
position, including finger and/or thumb position, changes in
hand/foot position, hand grip/foot pressure, changes in hand
grip/foot pressure based upon the touch pad input, or from other
user touches. Processing the touch pad input for use as gaming
input may be by determining a sequence of user touches based upon
the touch pad input. The sequence of user touches can be determined
based upon user touches of differing portions of the touch
sensitive pad. A baseline hand/foot position can be established
based on touch pad input. A current hand/foot position can be
determined based upon touch pad input. The gaming input is based
upon a difference between the current hand/foot position and
baseline hand/foot position.
[0114] Other touch pad input can be received via the communications
interface. The other touch pad input is from at least one touch
sensitive pad of a secondary game controller. Both the touch pad
input and the other touch pad input are processed to produce
combined touch pad input that is subsequently used as gaming input.
A configuration for the at least one touch sensitive pad is
determined to receive gaming input based upon at least one of a
game being played, at least one game parameter, and/or at least one
user selection. The configuration of the at least one touch
sensitive pad is transmitted to the game controller for use when
the configuration is determined by the game console.
[0115] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating at least partially
processing touch pad input by a game controller or game console for
gaming input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention to determine gaming input. The touch pad input is at
least partially processed 1900 by processing circuitry of the game
controller by one or more of the following: determining hand
position based upon the touch pad input, step 1902; determining
changes in hand position based upon the touch pad input, step 1904;
determining hand grip pressure based upon the touch pad input, step
1906; determining changes to hand grip pressure based upon the
touch pad input, step 1908; determining foot position based upon
the touch pad input, step 1910; determining changes in foot
position based upon the touch pad input, step 1912; determining
foot pressure based upon the touch pad input, step 1914; and
determining changes in foot pressure based upon the touch pad
input, step 1916. It is understood that a change in finger position
constitutes a change in hand position. Hand position is one or more
of finger position and palm position.
[0116] FIG. 20A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a game
controller or game console to receive a sequence of user touches as
gaming input according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. The touch pad input is at least partially processed by
processing circuitry of the game controller to determine the
sequence of user touches based upon the touch pad input, step 2002.
The sequence of user touches is determined based upon user touches
of differing portions of the touch sensitive pad. The sequence of
user touches is used as gaming input, step 2004. For example, a
particular sequence of touch inputs on particular portions of the
touch pad may serve as a short-hand language input to cause the
video game to perform particular operations. This short-hand
language may be fixed or customized, depending upon the particular
operation. Such short-hand language is analogous to shortcuts that
may be employed with a keypad.
[0117] FIG. 20B is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a game
controller or game console to determine gaming input using
determined differences between a current hand/foot position and a
baseline hand/foot position according to one or more embodiments of
the present invention. A baseline hand/foot position is established
based upon the touch pad input, step 2052. A current hand/foot
position is determined based on the touch pad input, step 2054. The
gaming input is based upon a difference between the current
hand/foot position and the baseline hand/foot position, step 2056.
Examples of such changes include changes in foot position as input
to a snow board game, changes in hand position as input to a sword
fight game, etc.
[0118] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating operations 2100 of a
game controller and/or game console to configure at least one touch
sensitive pad for receipt of gaming input according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention. Operations 2100 begin with a
game console/game controller determining a configuration of the at
least one touch sensitive pad for receipt of gaming input, step
2102. The game console/game controller then configures the at least
one touch sensitive pad for use in receipt of gaming input, step
2104. The configuration is based upon at least one of the
following: game being played; at least one game parameter; at least
one user selection; an orientation of the game controller, step
2106. If the determination is made by the game console at step
2104, the game console directs the game controller to make the
configuration, step 2108. Game controller/game console receives
gaming input from the at least one touch sensitive pad based upon
the configuration, step 2110, and the process ends.
[0119] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the operation 2200 of a
gaming system in altering video game operations according to one or
more embodiments of the present invention. Operations 2200 begin
when touch pad input is received from at least one touch sensitive
pad of a game controller, step 2202. The game controller has a
plurality of touch sensitive elements. The touch pad input
corresponds to a user's touch of at least some of the plurality of
touch sensitive elements. The touch pad input is at least partially
processed by processing circuitry of the game controller, step
2204. The at least partially processed touch pad input from the
game controller is transmitted to the game console via
communications interfaces of the game controller and the game
console, step 2206. The game console processes the touch pad input
to produce game alteration data, step 2208. At least one
corresponding game operation is altered based upon the game
alteration data, step 2210, and the process ends.
[0120] The operations in FIG. 22 could be performed by an
all-in-one game controller/game console device. In such a case, the
steps of transmitting the at least partially processed touch pad
input to the game console via communications interfaces of the game
controller and the game console (step 2206), processing by the game
console the touch pad input to produce game alteration data (step
2208), and altering at least one corresponding game operation based
upon the game alteration data (step 2210) are performed solely by
the combined game controller/game console device.
[0121] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a
gaming system in applying at least one game setting to at least one
corresponding game operation based upon user identification
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The
operations of FIG. 23 are performed in conjunction with steps 2208
and 2210 of FIG. 22. The game console processes the partially
processed touch pad input to produce game alteration data. The at
least partially processed touch pad input is processed to produce
user data, step 2302. Pattern matching is used to match the user
data to a selected user of a plurality of stored users, step 2304.
At least one corresponding game operation is altered based upon the
game alteration data. At least one game setting is selected based
upon the selected user, step 2306. The at least one game setting is
applied to at least one corresponding game operation, step
2308.
[0122] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the alteration of video
game operations based upon at least one game setting according to
one or more embodiments of the present invention. The operations of
FIG. 24 are performed in conjunction with step 2308 of FIG. 23. At
least one game setting is applied to the at least one corresponding
game operation, such as altering game difficulty, step 2402;
altering game entry point, step 2404; altering game duration of
play limit (i.e., limit player time), step 2406; altering at least
one game controller button function, step 2408; altering at least
one game controller touch sensitive pad gaming input function, step
2410; altering game selection options, step 2412; and altering
favorite game settings, step 2414. Alteration of game selection
options can include parental controls based upon the size of the
hand/length of fingers of the hand that is handling the
controller.
[0123] FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating altering at least one
game operation based upon a determined game controller use
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The
operations of FIG. 25 are performed in conjunction with steps 2208
and 2210 of FIG. 22. The game console processes the partially
processed touch pad input to produce game alteration data. The at
least partially processed touch pad input is processed to produce a
hand grip position characterization, step 2502. Pattern matching is
used to match the hand grip position characterization to a selected
game controller use of a plurality of stored game controller uses,
step 2504. At least one corresponding game operation is altered
based upon the selected game controller use, step 2506. Selected
game controller use is one or more of gaming piece selection and
game availability list, step 2508. A gaming piece could include
such attachments as sword, tennis racquet, baseball bat, golf club,
and the like. The game availability list can refer to a subset of
available games. For example, if a controller is held vertically
pointing downward, a golf game may be one of a subset to select
from, and if the controller is held horizontally, a tennis game and
a baseball game would be included in the subset or game
availability list.
[0124] FIG. 26A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a
gaming system in the receipt of a sequence of user touches to
determine game alteration data according to one or more embodiments
of the present invention. A game controller or game console
processes touch pad input to determine a sequence of user touches
based upon the touch pad input, step 2602. At least one
corresponding game operation is altered based upon the game
alteration data. The sequence of user touches is used to determine
all or a portion of game alteration data, step 2604. As was
previously described, the sequence of user touches may be fixed for
a particular game or may be customized by a user as a shortcut to
game operation.
[0125] FIG. 26B is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a
gaming system in determining game alteration data based upon a
difference between current hand/foot position and baseline
hand/foot position according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention. A baseline hand/foot position is established
based upon the touch pad input, step 2652. A current hand/foot
position is determined based upon the touch pad input, step 2654.
The game alteration data is based upon a difference between the
current hand/foot position and the baseline hand/foot position,
step 2656. The game alteration may include changing game points,
game options, game pieces, difficulty level, etc.
[0126] FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation 2700 of a
game console to alter operational parameters of a touch sensitive
pad of a game controller according to one or more embodiments of
the present invention. Initial operational parameters of at least
one touch sensitive pad of the game controller are set. The touch
sensitive pad has a plurality of touch sensitive elements. Touch
pad input is received from at least one touch sensitive pad of a
game controller, step 2702. The touch pad input corresponds to a
user's touch of at least some of the plurality of touch sensitive
elements. The touch pad input is at least partially processed by
processing circuitry of the game controller, step 2704. The at
least partially processed touch pad input is transmitted to a game
console via a communications interface of the game controller for
processing, step 2706. A determination is made regarding whether an
operational parameter alteration condition is met, step 2708. If
Yes, the game console directs the game controller to alter
operational parameters of the at least one touch sensitive pad,
step 2710, and the process ends. If No, the process ends.
Operational parameters and the alteration thereof are described
further with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. Operational parameter
alteration conditions are described further with reference to FIG.
31.
[0127] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the operation 2800 of a
game controller to alter the operations/operational parameters of a
touch sensitive pad according to one or more embodiments of the
present invention. In FIG. 28, there is no interaction with the
game console. Operations 2800 begin by setting the initial
operational parameters of at least one touch sensitive pad of the
game controller are set. The touch sensitive pad has a plurality of
touch sensitive elements. Touch pad input is then received from at
least one touch sensitive pad of a game controller, step 2802. The
touch pad input corresponds to a user's touch of at least some of
the plurality of touch sensitive elements. The touch pad input is
at least partially processed by processing circuitry of the game
controller, step 2804. A determination is made regarding whether an
operational parameter alteration condition is met, step 2806. The
operational parameter may be based upon touch pad input, expiration
of time, batter, and the like. If Yes, the operational parameter is
met, then the game controller alters operational parameters of the
at least one touch sensitive pad, step 2808, and the process ends.
If No, the process ends.
[0128] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating various options for
altering operations/operational parameters of a touch sensitive pad
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The
operations of FIG. 29 are performed in conjunction with step 2710
of FIG. 27, and step 2808 of FIG. 28. Altering the operational
parameters of the at least one touch sensitive pad of the game
controller includes one or more of the following: altering scanning
frequency of a plurality of touch sensitive elements, step 2902;
altering voltage used for scanning of the plurality of touch
sensitive elements, step 2904; initiating spread spectrum scanning
frequency of a plurality of touch sensitive elements, step 2906;
altering scanning rate for scanning of a plurality of touch
sensitive elements, step 2908; disabling scanning of a plurality of
touch sensitive elements when lack of touches is detected, step
2912; and disabling scanning of some of the plurality of touch
sensitive elements and continuing scanning of other of the
plurality of touch sensitive elements, step 2914.
[0129] FIG. 30A is a flowchart illustrating the selection of
operational parameters of a touch sensitive pad based upon
environmental operating conditions according to one or more
embodiments of the present invention. Environmental operating
conditions are determined for the game controller, step 3002. The
operational parameters are selected based upon the environmental
operating conditions, step 3004.
[0130] FIG. 30B is a flowchart illustrating various environmental
operating conditions that may be used to select operational
parameters according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. The environmental operating conditions are one or more
of the following: air temperature, step 3552; game controller
temperature, step 3554; touch sensitive pad temperature, step 3556;
air humidity, step 3558; and air density, step 3560. These
parameters are measured at one or more of the game console and the
game controller. Alternately, these parameters may be related to
the game console or the game controller from an external source
such as a local weather station, a web server, or another
device/location.
[0131] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating usage of various
operational parameter alteration conditions to trigger alteration
of operational parameters of a touch sensitive pad according to one
or more embodiments of the present invention. The operations of
FIG. 31 are performed in conjunction with step 2708 of FIG. 27, and
step 2806 of FIG. 28. Operational parameter alteration conditions
are based upon one or more of the following: game controller
battery condition, step 3102; game being played (e.g., fast touch
pad input required, slow touch pad input required, high resolution
input required, low resolution input required, and the like), step
3104; game play point (e.g., fast touch pad input required, slow
touch pad input required, high resolution input required, low
resolution input required, and the like), step 3106; touch pad
input frequency (e.g., more touches requires more scanning), step
3108; ability to process input from touch sensitive pad(s) (e.g.,
more processing availability support higher scanning frequency and
higher scanning resolution), step 3110; and ability to transfer
touch pad input from game controller to game console (e.g., higher
transmit capacity supports higher scanning frequency and higher
scanning resolution), step 3112.
[0132] Thus, in the decision blocks of steps 2708 and/or 2806, the
game controller or game console considers one or more of the
conditions of FIG. 31 to make a decision on whether the operational
parameters of one or more touch pads should be altered. If one or
more of these conditions 3102 through 3112 of FIG. 31 is met, the
operational parameters of the touch pad(s) is/are altered for
subsequent operations. Of course, the changes in operational
parameters may be temporary or permanent.
[0133] The terms "circuit" and "circuitry" as used herein may refer
to an independent circuit or to a portion of a multifunctional
circuit that performs multiple underlying functions. For example,
depending on the embodiment, processing circuitry may be
implemented as a single chip processor or as a plurality of
processing chips. Likewise, a first circuit and a second circuit
may be combined in one embodiment into a single circuit or, in
another embodiment, operate independently perhaps in separate
chips. The term "chip," as used herein, refers to an integrated
circuit. Circuits and circuitry may comprise general or specific
purpose hardware, or may comprise such hardware and associated
software such as firmware or object code.
[0134] The present invention has also been described above with the
aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified
functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of
these functional building blocks and method steps have been
arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description.
Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the
specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed.
Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the
scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
[0135] The present invention has been described above with the aid
of functional building blocks illustrating the performance of
certain significant functions. The boundaries of these functional
building blocks have been arbitrarily defined for convenience of
description. Alternate boundaries could be defined as long as the
certain significant functions are appropriately performed.
Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily
defined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To
the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence
could have been defined otherwise and still perform the certain
significant functionality. Such alternate definitions of both
functional building blocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences
are thus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. One
of average skill in the art will also recognize that the functional
building blocks, and other illustrative blocks, modules and
components herein, can be implemented as illustrated or by discrete
components, application specific integrated circuits, processors
executing appropriate software and the like or any combination
thereof.
[0136] As may be used herein, the terms "substantially" and
"approximately" provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its
corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an
industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to
fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component
values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature
variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such
relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent
to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s)
"coupled to" and/or "coupling" and/or includes direct coupling
between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an
intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a
component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for
indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the
information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage
level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred
coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by
inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items
in the same manner as "coupled to." As may even further be used
herein, the term "operable to" indicates that an item includes one
or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform
one or more its corresponding functions and may further include
inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further
be used herein, the term "associated with," includes direct and/or
indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded
within another item. As may be used herein, the term "compares
favorably," indicates that a comparison between two or more items,
signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when
the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude
than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the
magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the
magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.
[0137] The present invention has also been described above with the
aid of method steps illustrating the performance of specified
functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of
these functional building blocks and method steps have been
arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of description.
Alternate boundaries and sequences can be defined so long as the
specified functions and relationships are appropriately performed.
Any such alternate boundaries or sequences are thus within the
scope and spirit of the claimed invention.
[0138] Moreover, although described in detail for purposes of
clarity and understanding by way of the aforementioned embodiments,
the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It will
be obvious to one of average skill in the art that various changes
and modifications may be practiced within the spirit and scope of
the invention, as limited only by the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *