Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02615033 2007-12-14
GAME CONTROLLER DEVICE
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a video game controller device which is
intended to
allow the user to have better control and minimize fatigue while playing a
video game.
Backsround of the Invention
To date, the Sony PlaystationTM has been in existence since the Sony
PlaystationTM 1
and has evolved to the Sony PlaystationTM 2 and the Sony PlaystationTM 3. The
Microsoft
XBOXTM has been in existence since the first generation XBOXTM and more
recently has been
replaced with the XBOX 360TM. Nintendo's Game CubeTM has evolved into the
WiiTM. With
the continuing development of such sophisticated video game consoles and video
games, the
number of users and the amount of time spent on game playing have increased
considerably.
A controller is typically connected to a video game console and allows the
user to interact
with the video game, governing the movement or action of a game element, for
example, a
character's movement or control of a vehicle. The controller usually provides
buttons for
simulating shooting, flight or driving; scrolling or carrying out sport
actions. Video games
often require accuracy for targeting, aiming and shooting.
All leading video game consoles have limitations with respect to their
controllers
which have been similarly designed to include left and right controllers,
thumbsticks, and a
single control pad containing buttons for manipulation by both left and right
hand fingers.
Controllers for the Sony Playstation 2TM, XBOXTM, and XBOX 360TM consoles have
two
thurnbsticks positioned on the top of the controller which are programmed to
allow a user's
CA 02615033 2007-12-14
character or vehicle to move forward, backward, to the left or to the right
with the left
thumbstick, and to move left, right, up or down with the right thumbstick.
Both the left and
right thumbsticks are moved by the user's thumbs. Thumbstick movements are
extensive in
video games as the main means by which a user can move his character or
vehicle. Since
complex video games require the user to play for longer time periods before
game completion,
the user may be more susceptible to fatigue and injuries (i.e., calluses and
sores on the thumbs
and repetitive strain injuries).
Current controllers include electronics which translate movements of the left
and right
thumbsticks. The controllers are fixed with respect to the movement that the
thumbsticks
allow. The thumbsticks are hardwired to an average game; however, not all
video games use
the same movement standards for their own programming. Consequently, certain
video
games respond far too little or far too much, hampering video game accuracy.
Further, current controllers may be suitable for only certain styles of games
such as
side scrolling or puzzle games; however, they may not enable the quick
response time
required for driving or shooting games, or competitive play among several
users. What is
needed is an improved video game controller device which mitigates these
disadvantages of
the prior art.
Summary Of The Invention
The present invention is directed to a video game controller device. In one
aspect of
the invention, the invention comprises a video game controller device
comprising a left hand
controller comprising standard left hand video game controls, and a right hand
controller
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comprising motion detection means to translate game user input into video game
movement,
wherein both left hand and right hand controllers are operatively connected to
a video game
console.
In one embodiment, the device further comprises a lap pad having a planar
surface for
supporting the left and right hand controllers. In one embodiment, the lap pad
defines a
longitudinal, curved seat or cradle shaped to rest the left hand controller.
In one embodiment, the motion detection means are selected from an optical
infrared
sensor; a roller ball and shaft encoders; inertial components; and a light-
emitting diode and
photodiodes. In one embodiment, the right hand controller further comprises
standard right
hand video controls. In one embodiment, the left hand controller includes a
speed module. In
one embodiment, one or both of the left hand controller and right hand
controller have
sensitivity modules.
In one embodiment, the left and right hand controllers are electrically
connected to the
controller by cable or wireless connection. In one embodiment, the device
further comprises
synchronous programmable electronic chips.
Brief Description Of The Drawin~s
The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with
reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawing.
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the present
invention.
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Detailed Description Of Preferred Embodiments
The present invention provides a video game controller device. When describing
the
present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-
recognized meanings.
To the extent that the following description is of a specific embodiment or a
particular use of
the invention, it is intended to be illustrative only, and not limiting of the
claimed invention.
The following description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications
and equivalents
that are included in the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the
appended claims.
The invention will now be described having regard to the accompanying Figure.
The
video game controller device is shown generally at 1 in Figure 1 to include a
lap pad (10), a
left hand controller (12) and a right hand controller (14). The controller
device (1) is used
with a video game console system (16) which is electrically connected to a
conventional video
display (18).
The controller device (1) includes electronic circuitry to communicate via the
bi-
directional signals output from the console system (16). The controller device
(1) translates
the desired movements activated by the user and inputs the data into the bi-
directional data
stream of the console system (16), thus controlling onscreen activity of the
video game. The
alteration of the data stream includes the insertion of corresponding button
and thumbstick
data from the left and right hand controllers (12, 14) into the bi-directional
data stream which
is processed by the console system (16) and video game programming.
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Suitable video displays include, for example, a computer monitor, a TV screen,
a
projection screen or any other device which displays the video and graphics of
the video game
for viewing by the user. In one embodiment, the console system (16) is
electrically connected
to the video display (18) by a cable (20). In one embodiment, the console
system (16) is
electrically connected to the video display (18) by a wireless connection such
as, for example,
radio frequency or infrared communication. In one embodiment, the console
system (16) may
have an integral video display.
The video game console system (16) may be a personal computer or a
commercially
available console such as, for example, Sony's PlayStationTM, Microsoft's
XBOXTM and
Nintendo's Game CubeTM or WiiTM. Although the controller device (1) of the
present
invention is described for currently available computers and consoles, it is
contemplated tliat
the controller device (1) of the present invention can be adapted for use with
older or future
computers or consoles. In one embodiment, the console system (16) accommodates
a game
memory (for example, a removable cartridge or disc) and a central processing
unit (CPU) for
executing the game software stored in the game memory and depicting game play
elements
(for example, characters, background, vehicles) associated with the game
software on the
video display (18). The CPU manipulates the game play elements in response to
user inputs
transmitted from the left hand controller (12) and the right hand controller
(14).
The console system (16) may also transmit signals to either or both the left
hand
controller (12) and the right hand controller (14) to provide tactile or
visual feedback. In one
embodiment, the console system (16) activates one or more rumble or vibration
motors
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housed within either or both the left hand controller (12) and the right hand
controller (14) to
vibrate. In one embodiment, the console system (16) activates stationary or
flashing lights
positioned on either or both the left hand controller (12) and the right hand
controller (14) to
provide visual feedback.
The lap pad (10) comprises a planar surface for supporting the left hand
controller (12)
and the right hand controller (14). The lap pad (10) is sized to accommodate
the left hand
controller (12) and the right hand controller (14) on its surface. The lap pad
(10) may be in
the form of any number of different symmetrical (for example, square,
rectangular, etc.) or
asymmetrical configurations (for example, wedge-shaped, etc.). In one
embodiment, the lap
pad (10) is in the shape of a rectangle as shown in Figure 1. The lap pad (10)
can be formed
of any suitable material, although for strength and to withstand prolonged
use, the lap pad (10)
may be formed of resilient, rubber-like materials, foam rubber, plastics, or
high-tech fibres. In
one embodiment, the lap pad (10) is formed of a rigid material. In one
embodiment, the lap
pad (10) has an undersurface formed of a tacky or non-slip material to prevent
the lap pad (10)
from sliding on the user's lap or other surface such as for example, a TV
tray, dinner tray or
table.
In one embodiment, the lap pad (10) defines a longitudinal, curved seat or
cradle
shaped to rest the left hand controller (12). The user's left hand thus holds
the left hand
controller (12) and grips the lap pad (10) simultaneously, thereby applying a
firm hold to both
components (10, 12).
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In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) and the right hand controller
(14) are
operatively connected to the console system (16) or computer. In one
embodiment, the left
and right hand controllers (12, 14) are electrically connected to the console
system (16) by a
cable (22) which extends from the bases of the left and right hand controllers
(12, 14) into
suitable parallel, serial, or Universal Serial Bus ports of the console system
(16) or computer.
In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) and the right hand controller
(14) are
electrically connected to the console system (16) by a wireless connection
such as, for
example, radio frequency or infrared communication, or other wireless
technologies such as,
for example, BluetoothTM or Wi-FiTM. The wireless connection allows the user
additional
freedom of movement, since the user is not limited by the length of a cable
connecting the
controller device (1) to the console system (16). It will be appreciated by
those skilled in the
art that more than one controller device (1) may be operatively connected to
the console
system (16) or computer to allow more than one player to play the video game
simultaneously.
The left hand controller (12) and the right hand controller (14) are
ergonomically
shaped to be held under the respective hands of the user, and to maintain the
hands in a
relaxed position to ieduce cramping and soreness and to avoid injuries with
prolonged use. In
one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) is held stationary under the
user's left hand,
while the right hand controller (14) is moved under the right hand over the
lap pad (10).
In one embodiment, the left and right hand controllers (12, 14) comprise
durable cases
which house and protect the electronic circuitry and control elements. The
cases are sized to
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accommodate these components and to fit comfortably within the palms of the
hands. In one
embodiment, the cases are formed of plastic or other resilient material.
The electronic circuitry translates the corresponding activation of the
control elements
into electrical signals, formats the electrical signals into the correct
protocol, and inserts the
signals back iiito the bi-directional data stream which is processed by the
console system (16).
The control elements are associated with a particular action within the video
game and
can be manipulated by the user to perform the action. Upon manipulation of the
control
element, the input provided by the user is converted to electrical signals
which are then
translated by the console system (16) to manipulate images output to the video
display (18).
Suitable control elements include, for example, buttons, switches, analog
sticks, thumbsticks,
joysticks, dials, scroll wheels, trackballs, standard video game controls and
the like. Control
elements are typically formed of mobile and soft rubber parts.
In one embodiinent, the left hand controller (12) comprises standard left hand
video
game controls mounted on electronic circuits. In one embodiment, the left hand
controller
(12) has control elements (24) including standard video game controls such as,
for example, a
directional pad (D-pad); Ll, L2, L3, Select or Analog buttons; and a
thumbstick or analog
stick (26). The D-pad comprises a digital, cross-shaped pad which allows the
user to input the
desired direction of events within the video game (for example, left, right,
up, down or
diagonal movements of a video character or vehicle). Motion features are
generally adjusted
within a video game menu and thus may vary from game to game. The Ll, L2, L3,
Select or
Analog buttons comprise depressible buttons to perform distinctive actions
specified by the
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particular video game. Each button generally has a curved disk attached to its
base. When the
button is depressed, the disk is pushed against a conductive strip mounted on
the circuit board.
The thumbstick (26) comprises an upwardly extending protrusion which is
rotatable by the
user's thumb. The thumbstick (26) enables two-dimensional input based upon the
position of
the protrusion, and uses continuous electrical activity running through
potentiometers. In one
embodiment, the thumbstick (26) controls "camera" movements for the video
game. The
thumbstick (26) is formed of rubber or other suitable materials as commonly
used in the art.
In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) includes a sensitivity button
for
adjusting the overall speed of the video game. In one embodiment, the
sensitivity button is
positioned to be depressed by the user's left hand thumb. The sensitivity
button enables fine-
tuning of the overall speed in a particular video game to minimize user
fatigue.
~
In one embodiment, the left hand controller(12) includes a speed adjustment
button for
providing accelerated speed. In one embodiment, the speed adjustment button is
positioned to
be depressed by the user's left index finger to accelerate the movement of the
video game
temporarily while it is pressed. Releasing the speed adjustment button returns
the video game
to its normal speed. This feature is advantageous for slowing down the video
game for
example, when accurate targeting or aiming in a shooting game is required. In
one
embodiment, the speed button has electronic chips to control the speed of
events which have
been activated by control elements of the right hand controller (14). It will
be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that the sensitivity and/or speed adjustment buttons
may be included in
the right hand controller (14) or lap pad (10).
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In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) comprises standard right
hand video
game controls mounted on electronic circuits, and motion detection means. In
one
embodiment, the right hand controller (14) has control elements (28) including
standard video
game controls such as, for example, Start, R1, R2, R3, Circle, Square,
Triangle, X and Y
buttons which comprise depressible buttons to perform distinctive actions
specified by the
particular video game. Each button generally has a curved disk attached to its
base. When the
button is depressed, the disk is pushed against a conductive strip mounted on
the circuit board.
The right hand controller (14) includes motion detection means (not shown) so
as to
function similar to an optical computer mouse to enhance video game
interactivity. In one
embodiment, the motion detection means detects motion in two dimensions.
Suitable motion
detection means include for example, an optical infrared sensor; a roller ball
and shaft
encoders; inertial components; and a light-emitting diode and photodiodes to
detect motion
relative to the underlying lap pad (10) and to translate such motion to the
electronic circuitry
for input into the console system (16).
In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) includes an optical infrared
sensor
on its undersurface to detect motion over the lap pad (10). The user drags the
right hand
controller (14) over the lap pad (10) in the manner of moving a computer
mouse. Electronic
circuitry detects motion via the infrared transmitter and translates the
motion into
corresponding electrical signals which are input into the bi-directional data
stream.
In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) may include a roller ball
and shaft
encoders as are commonly used in a ball-type computer mouse. As the right hand
controller
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(14) is moved, the roller ball rolls in the direction of the movement which,
in turn, moves a
roller which'represents an X or Y axis (i.e., the horizontal or vertical
movement of the right
hand controller). Rotation of the roller causes rotation of a gear having
notches formed within
or around its edges. As the gear rotates, light shines through the notches and
is detected by
light sensors which send a signal to the console system. The offset of the
light received by the
light sensors determines the direction of each axis.
In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) may include inertial
components as
are commonly used in an inertial computer mouse. Such inertial components
include for
example, inertial sensors or accelerometers to detect movement for each axis
supported.
In one embodiment, the right hand controller (14) includes a camera which
takes
thousands of images every second, and a red light-emitting diode which bounces
light off the
lap pad (10) onto a complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor sensor (CMOS). The
CMOS
sensor sends each image to a digital signal processor (DSP) for analysis. The
DSP detects
pattems in the images and examines how the patterns have moved since the
previous image.
Based upon the change in patterns over a sequence of images, the DSP
determines how far the
right hand controller (14) has moved and sends the corresponding coordinates
to the console
system (16). The console system (16) outputs the actions on the video display
(18) based on
the coordinates received from the right hand controller (14). This sequence
repeats each
second, making the actions on the video display (18) move smoothly. The right
hand
controller (14) with the aid of the lap pad (10) provides greater accuracy,
speed and user
comfort.
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In one embodiment, one or both of the left hand controller (12) and right hand
controller (14) have an adjustable switch for adjusting the sensitivity of the
controller device
(1). In one embodiment, the left hand controller (12) includes a left switch
(30) connected to
electronic circuitry within the left hand controller (12). The left switch
(30) has an electronic
chip or circuitry which adjusts the sensitivity by augmenting or diminishing
the movement
signal.
In one embodiment, both of the left and right hand controllers (12, 14)
include
adjustable switches. In one embodiment, the adjustable switches are slider
switches. In one
embodiment, the switches may have five different adjustments, which add
offsets in the
amounts of -2, -1, 0, +1, and +2 to the SPI protocol which is sent to the
console system (16).
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the amounts of the
offsets can be varied.
The video game software processes the offsets as if the user pressed the left
thumbstick or
controller right thumbstick or controller less or more depending upon the
offsets chosen by the
user. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative electrical
components can be
used to adjust the offsets; for example, adjustment may be performed by a
thumbwheel.
In one embodiment, the controller device (1) includes programmable electronic
chips
which decode, modify and encode the bi-directional electronic signals sent
among the left
hand controller (12), the right hand controller (14) and the console system
(16). In one
embodiment, two programmable electronic chips are used. In one embodiment,
synchronous
programmable electronic chips are used. In one embodiment, two synchronous
programmable
electronic chips are used. In one embodiment, pre-programmed chips which
include
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compatible SPI protocols already used by the Sony Playstation 2TM are used.
Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that a variety of synchronous chip arrays may be
employed to
accomplish the same results. Further, it will be appreciated that electronic
configurations
other than electronic programmable chips may be employed to decode, modify and
encode the
bi-directional electronic signals. In one embodiment, a programmable
electronic ship array
and electronic circuit may be placed in between the cable (22) and the console
system (16).
Where power requirements for the controller device or any component thereof is
described, one skilled in the art will realize that any suitable power source
may be used,
including, without limitation, electrical systems, rechargeable and non-
rechargeable batteries,
self-contained power units, power adapters, electrical generators, wall power
outlets or other
appropriate sources.
During game play, the user is seated with the lap pad (10) resting on his lap,
and faces
the console system (16) and video display (18). The user may hold the left
hand controller
(14) freely with the left hand, or hold.the left hand controller (14) under
the hand within the
cradle of the lap pad (10). The user holds the right hand controller (14)
under the right hand
to rest upon the lap pad (10). The user drags the right hand controller (14)
over the lap pad
(10) in the intended direction. In one embodiment, the user drags the right
hand controller
(14) over the lap pad (10) in the direction of any of two axes (i.e.,
horizontal or vertical). The
motion detecting means of the right hand controller (14) detects such motion
relative to the
underlying lap pad (10). Electronic circuitry translates the detected motions
into the formatted
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protocol of the bi-directional data stream. The console system (16) translates
the electrical
signals to manipulate images output to the video display (18).
The present invention is advantageous over designs of the prior art.
Importantly, there
is provided a video game controller device which allows a user to play more
accurately and
rapidly, while minimizing fatigue and injuries. The controller device includes
a left hand
controller comprising standard left hand video game controls, and a right hand
controller
comprising motion detection means. The ability to move the right hand
controller freely in
any direction upon the lap pad in the manner of a computer mouse confers
greater control over
the video game elements, allows the user to play more intuitively and
spontaneously, and
enhances video game interactivity. Reduction in reaction time adds excitement
to the video
game. The left hand controller can be held separately or rest within a cradle
of the lap pad,
thereby minimizing user fatigue. Further, the controller device is constructed
of durable
materials which can withstand prolonged use and wear.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications,
adaptations and
variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing
from the scope
of the invention claimed herein. The various features and elements of the
described invention
may be combined in a manner different from the combinations described or
claimed herein,
without departing from the scope of the invention.
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