KR20230085016A - Game Controller Apparatus to Improve Accessibility for Disabled People - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a game controller device for improving accessibility for the disabled, and the device according to the present invention includes a main body, a plurality of game control key buttons mounted on the main body to sense physical pressure, a digital joystick connected to the main body, and a plurality of game controls. An interface unit including a key button and a plurality of connection terminals respectively corresponding to the operation direction of the digital joystick, a connector connected to a video game console or a computer device, and a plurality of game operation key buttons, a digital joystick, and a plurality of connection terminals and a control unit generating a user manipulation signal corresponding to a user manipulation of at least one of the connected external switches and transmitting the generated user manipulation signal to a video game console or a computer device through a connector.

Description

Game Controller Apparatus to Improve Accessibility for Disabled People}

The present invention relates to a game controller device for improving accessibility for the disabled.

A conventional arcade gamepad has a digital joystick in one main body, and the keys are arranged from left to right. In addition, the controllers of console games such as Xbox and PS4 are trapezoidal and have a structure to be held and used with both hands.

Conventional console controllers were held in both hands, and trigger button analog joysticks and digital joysticks were used with each finger. The arcade controller was operated with a single joystick and a push switch. These controllers are activated by physically pushing a switch.

However, in the conventional console controller, the joystick and the switch are not installed in a place where the handicapped having difficulty in fine motor movement can use them, and their positions are fixed so that they cannot be changed. For example, in the case of a one-handed user, it was not possible to install a joystick and switch corresponding to the dominant hand (left or right handed). It also didn't work to map multiple switches per user. In addition, since the input method of the switch is to physically press the switch, it is difficult for the disabled to press the switch with a small force for a long time.

Korean Patent Publication No. 2021-0070692 (published date: 2021-06-15)

Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a game controller device for improving accessibility for the disabled.

A game controller device according to the present invention for solving the above technical problem is a main body, a plurality of game control key buttons mounted on the main body to detect physical pressing, a digital joystick connected to the main body, and the plurality of game control keys An interface unit including a button and a plurality of connection terminals respectively corresponding to the manipulation direction of the digital joystick, a connector connected to a video game console or a computer device, and the plurality of game control key buttons, the digital joystick, and the plurality of connections and a control unit generating a user manipulation signal corresponding to a user manipulation of at least one of external switches connected to the terminal and transmitting the generated user manipulation signal to the video game console or the computer device through the connector.

When a user manipulation for the external switch is input, the control unit may process the input as a user manipulation for a manipulation direction of a game control key button or a digital joystick corresponding to a connection terminal to which the external switch is connected.

A plurality of infrared sensors respectively provided inside the plurality of game operation key buttons may be further included.

The game controller device may further include a key mapping button.

The control unit may receive a user manipulation by activating an infrared sensor that detects reflected infrared rays for a predetermined time or longer after the key mapping button is pressed.

The controller may cause the activated infrared sensor to operate as an analog button receiving a user manipulation according to a sensing distance of the user's finger.

The control unit maps, as one group, a plurality of infrared sensors detecting reflected infrared rays for a predetermined time or more sequentially after the key mapping button is pressed, and maps one of the plurality of infrared sensors mapped to the one group during a game operation. When reflected infrared rays are sensed from , it may be treated as that all game control key buttons corresponding to the plurality of infrared sensors mapped to the one group are pressed.

The game controller device may further include an analog joystick and an analog conversion switch.

The control unit may set an operation mode of the game controller device to an analog operation mode and a digital operation mode according to selection of the analog changeover switch, and may invalidate a user manipulation input to the analog joystick when setting the digital operation mode.

The game controller device may include a detachable part capable of attaching and detaching the analog joystick and the digital joystick to the main body.

The game controller device may further include a left/right conversion switch.

The control unit may switch functions between left and right symmetrical game control key buttons among the plurality of game control key buttons according to selection of the left and right switch buttons.

The game controller device may further include a touchpad and a touchpad switch.

The controller may process a user manipulation input through the touchpad when activating the touchpad is selected by the user according to selection of the touchpad switch.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve game accessibility for people with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and muscular people. Using a dominant hand (either left-handed or right-handed) and body parts capable of small force or voluntary movement of the wrist and fingers, it can be used to support game play with joysticks and external switches.

1 is a perspective view of a game controller device for improving accessibility for the disabled according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the back.
2 is a perspective view of a game controller device for improving accessibility for the disabled according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front.
3 illustrates an example in which a left preferred key is arranged in a game control key button according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 shows an example in which a right preference key is arranged in a game control key button according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 illustrates an example in which an external switch is connected to a connection terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram for explaining an infrared sensor corresponding to a game control key button according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram illustrating an activated infrared sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 illustrates an example of mapping a plurality of infrared sensors into one group according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Then, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention.

1 is a perspective view of a game controller device for improving accessibility for the disabled according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the back, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a game controller device for improving accessibility for the disabled according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the game controller device for improving accessibility for persons with disabilities according to the present invention may output manipulation signals according to user manipulations to a video game console or a computer device.

The game controller device according to the present invention includes a main body 200, an analog joystick 300, a digital joystick 400, a key mapping button 500, connection cables 600 and 620, a plurality of connection terminals 710, and a connector 800. ), joystick detachable part 900, touch pad 1000, touch pad switch 1200, left and right conversion switch 1300, analog conversion switch 2000, and game control keys consisting of a plurality of game control key buttons 3510 A button array 3500 may be included.

The main body 200 may include a controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of the game controller device for improving accessibility for the disabled according to the present invention, and each component of the game controller device may be mounted.

The control unit executes a processor, controller, ALU (arithmetic logic unit), digital signal processor, microcomputer, FPGA (field programmable gate array), PLU (programmable logic unit), microprocessor, or instructions. It can be implemented using a device, memory, communication module, etc. that can respond and respond.

The analog joystick 300 and the digital joystick 400 may each receive direction manipulation from the user in an analog or digital manner. An analog joystick or a digital joystick can be implemented as a commercially available device.

The analog joystick 300 and the digital joystick 400 may be connected to the main body 200 through connection cables 600 and 620 to exchange signals.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present invention, although described as including one analog joystick 300, two or more analog joysticks 300 may be included. Of course, the digital joystick 400 may also include two or more according to embodiments. When two analog joysticks 300 are included, the two analog joysticks 300 can be used in correspondence with the direction of running and the point of view when playing an adventure game. And at this time, the digital joystick 400 can be used as a direction key to move the manual of the game.

The main body 200 may include as many joystick detachable parts 900 as the number of analog joysticks 300 and digital joysticks 400 .

A plurality of game control key buttons 3510 are mounted on the upper part of the main body 200 to detect physical pressing. For example, it can be implemented as a physical button such as a push button that has a high value while the user presses the button and a low value when released.

3 shows an example in which the game operation key buttons have a left preference key arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows an example in which the game operation key buttons have a right preference key arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention. is shown.

Referring to FIG. 3, the game control key buttons 3510 arranged at the top of the game control key button array 3500 correspond to '□', '△', 'R1', 'L1', and 'L3' from the left. In an example in which functions corresponding to 'X', 'O', 'R2', 'L2', and 'R3' are assigned to the game control key buttons 3510 arranged at the bottom, from the left it is shown

The left/right conversion switch 1300 may receive a left/right conversion selection of the game operation key button arrangement 3500 from the user. The control unit may switch the functions of left and right symmetrical game control key buttons among the plurality of game control key buttons 3510 according to the user's selection of the left and right switch. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the game operation key buttons 3510 arranged at the top are 'L3', 'L1', 'R1', '△', and '□' from the left. It is switched symmetrically with the key button arrangement, and the game operation key buttons 3510 arranged at the bottom are also operated as illustrated in FIG. 3 with 'R3', 'L2', 'R2', 'O', and 'X' from the left. It can be switched left and right symmetrically with the key button arrangement.

Referring back to FIG. 1 , the interface unit 700 may include a plurality of game control key buttons 3510 and a plurality of connection terminals 710 respectively corresponding to the manipulation directions of the digital joystick 330 .

5 illustrates an example in which an external switch is connected to a connection terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5 , an external switch 10 may be connected to each of the plurality of connection terminals 710 . The external switch 10 may be a non-contact switch such as an infrared sensor in addition to a physical switch such as a push button switch. In addition, the external switch 10 may be implemented as a pedal switch that a user can press with a foot, in addition to being implemented in a size that a user can press with a hand. There are no restrictions on the shape or operation method of the external switch 10 .

When a user's manipulation of the external switch 10 is input, the controller controls the user's manipulation of the manipulation direction of the game control key button 3510 or the digital joystick 300 corresponding to the connection terminal 710 to which the external switch 10 is connected. This input can be processed.

For example, if the game control key button 3510 corresponding to the connection terminal 710 to which the external switch 10 is connected is the 'L1' control key, the control unit responds to the 'L1' control key when the external switch 10 is pressed. It is processed that the game operation key button 3510 is pressed, and a corresponding operation signal can be output.

Meanwhile, assuming that there are 4 directions of manipulation of the digital joystick 300, '→', '←', '↑', and '↓', four connection terminals 710 may correspond to each manipulation direction. Therefore, the user operates the external switch 10 connected to the four connection terminals 710 corresponding to '→', '←', '↑', and '↓' without manipulating the digital joystick 300 in the direction. operation can be replaced.

Meanwhile, according to embodiments, one of the connection terminals 710 included in the interface unit 700 may be connected to an external touch pad (not shown) instead of the external switch 10 . Accordingly, the external touch pad can be placed and used at a location convenient for the user to use.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the game controller device may be connected to a video game console or computer device via connector 800 . For example, the connector 800 may be implemented as a USB connector or a C-type connector. Of course, it is also possible to connect the game controller device to a video game console or computer device through other types of connectors other than those illustrated here.

Of course, the connector 800 may include not only a wired interface such as a USB connector and a C-type connector, but also a short-range wireless communication module such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

The touchpad 1000 is a device made to move a cursor using a finger or a pen by having a pressure sensor attached to a flat plate, and can be implemented as an input means that allows a user to move a cursor using a finger or a pen.

The touchpad switch 1200 may receive a user's selection of whether to activate the operation of the touchpad 1000 .

The controller may activate or deactivate the touch pad 1000 according to a user's selection input through the touch pad switch 1200 .

6 is a diagram for explaining an infrared sensor corresponding to a game control key button according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6 , an infrared sensor 3600 may be provided inside each game control key button 3510 . The game control key button 3510 includes a structure such as a button cover 3511 pressed by a user, and an infrared sensor 3600 may be disposed under the button cover 3511.

The infrared sensor 3600 may emit emitted infrared rays IR1 and detect reflected infrared rays IR2 reflected by an external object 20 such as a finger.

The control unit detects the reflected infrared light emitted from the plurality of infrared sensors 3600 provided for each game control key button 3510 and reflected by an external object, and the plurality of game control key buttons 3510 ), and transmits a user manipulation signal corresponding to the recognized user manipulation to the video game console or computer device.

Meanwhile, when all the infrared sensors 3600 are activated, the user's manipulation may be detected even in the infrared sensors 3600 corresponding to other game control key buttons other than the user's intended game control key button. Accordingly, it is also possible to activate only some of the infrared sensors 3600 and inactivate the others.

For example, after the key mapping button 500 is pressed, the control unit activates the infrared sensor 3600 that detects reflected infrared rays for a predetermined time (for example, for 3 seconds) or more, and inputs a user operation to the corresponding infrared sensor 3600. It is also possible to implement to receive. The infrared sensor 3600, which is not activated by the key mapping button 500, may be implemented in an inactive state so as not to detect user input.

7 is a diagram illustrating an activated infrared sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the game control key button 3510 corresponding to the activated infrared sensor 3600 or around it may be lit using LEDs. In FIG. 7 , it is represented that LEDs are lit around the game control key button 3510 . After mapping and activating the infrared sensor 3600 to the game control key button 3510 in this way, the user approaches the game control key button 3510 within a certain distance without physically pressing the game control key button 3510. If so, the controller may process the game operation key button 3510 as being pressed.

8 illustrates an example of mapping a plurality of infrared sensors into one group according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 , after the key mapping button 500 is pressed, the controller may sequentially map a plurality of infrared sensors 3600 that sense reflected infrared rays for a predetermined time or longer as one group. In addition, when reflected infrared rays are detected from one of the plurality of infrared sensors 3600 mapped as one group during game operation, the game control key button 3510 corresponding to the plurality of infrared sensors 3600 mapped as one group is displayed. All can be treated as pressed.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , even if the user does not physically press all of the three game control key buttons 3510 with his or her fingers, the user's finger in the infrared sensor 3600 corresponding to any one of the three game control key buttons 3510. When access is recognized, all three game control key buttons 3510 may be processed as being pressed.

Of course, when the infrared sensor 3600 corresponding to the three game control key buttons 3510 recognizes all of the user's finger approaches, it is also possible to process all three game control key buttons 3510 as being pressed. In this case, even if the user does not take the shape of the finger as illustrated in FIG. 8, if the infrared sensor 3600 corresponding to the three game control key buttons 3510 detects the reflected infrared rays with the palm of the hand by spreading the hand wide, It may be processed as if all of the two game control key buttons 3510 were pressed.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the analog conversion button 2000 may receive a user input for setting the operation mode of the game controller device according to the present invention to one of an analog operation mode and a digital operation mode.

When setting the digital operation mode, the control unit may invalidate a user manipulation input to the analog joystick 300 . Further, the control unit may process only the user's manipulation by the digital joystick 330 as valid.

On the other hand, when setting the digital operation mode, the control unit may process the user input to the game control key button 3510 and the user input by the infrared sensor 3600 only as high value input and low value input in a push method. On the other hand, when the analog operation mode is set, the user manipulation may be received in certain stages according to the sensing distance of the user's finger by the infrared sensor 3600 . That is, the controller may operate the activated infrared sensor 3600 as an analog button that receives a user manipulation according to a sensing distance of the user's finger. For example, the shorter the sensing distance of the user's finger, the more strongly pressed the game control key button 3510 is processed, and accordingly, the control unit may output a different control signal. For example, in a car racing game, when the finger 20 and the game control key button 3510 get closer, the finger detection distance is shortened by the infrared sensor 3600, and in this case, the car operates to go faster. It is to manipulate to go slowly. Of course, in other content games other than car racing games, the infrared sensor 3600 can be used as an analog button as described above.

Meanwhile, the main body 200 may include detachable parts 210 and 220 capable of attaching and detaching the analog joystick 300 and the digital joystick 400 .

The analog joystick 300 and the digital joystick 400 may include detachable units 310 and 410 corresponding to the detachable units 210 and 220 , respectively.

When the detachable parts 210 and 220 are implemented as magnets, the detachable means 310 and 410 may be implemented as magnets having different polarities from those of the attachable and detachable parts 210 and 220 . Therefore, when the analog joystick 300 and the digital joystick 400 are brought to the body 200, they can be attached by magnetic force. In addition, the detachable parts 210 and 220 may be formed as coupling grooves (or coupling protrusions), and the detachable means 310 and 410 may be formed as coupling protrusions (or coupling grooves) so as to fit into each other. Of course, it is also possible to implement the detachable parts 210 and 220 and the detachable means 310 and 410 with a Velcro tape or the like.

The embodiments described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and/or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may include, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate (FPGA). array), programmable logic units (PLUs), microprocessors, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. A processing device may run an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. A processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to execution of software. For convenience of understanding, there are cases in which one processing device is used, but those skilled in the art will understand that the processing device includes a plurality of processing elements and/or a plurality of types of processing elements. It can be seen that it can include. For example, a processing device may include a plurality of processors or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations are also possible, such as parallel processors.

Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of the foregoing, which configures a processing device to operate as desired or processes independently or collectively. The device can be commanded. Software and/or data may be any tangible machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, intended to be interpreted by or provide instructions or data to a processing device. , or may be permanently or temporarily embodied in a transmitted signal wave. Software may be distributed on networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer readable media.

The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination. Program commands recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be known and usable to those skilled in computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. - includes hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as magneto-optical media, and ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, as well as machine language codes such as those produced by a compiler. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques may be performed in an order different from the method described, and/or components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. may be combined or combined in a different form than the method described, or other components may be used. Or even if it is replaced or substituted by equivalents, appropriate results can be achieved.

Claims (10)

main body,
A plurality of game control key buttons mounted on the main body to detect physical pressing;
A digital joystick connected to the main body;
an interface unit including a plurality of connection terminals respectively corresponding to the plurality of game control key buttons and the manipulation directions of the digital joystick;
A connector to a video game console or computer device; and
A user operation signal corresponding to a user operation of at least one of the plurality of game operation key buttons, the digital joystick, and an external switch connected to the plurality of connection terminals is generated and transmitted to the video game console or the computer device through the connector. control unit that transmits
A game controller device comprising a.
In claim 1,
The control unit,
When a user operation for the external switch is input, a game controller device that processes a user operation for a control direction of a digital joystick or a game control key button corresponding to a connection terminal to which the external switch is connected as input
In claim 1,
Game controller device further comprising a plurality of infrared sensors provided inside the plurality of game operation key buttons, respectively.
In paragraph 3,
Further provided with a key mapping button,
The control unit,
A game controller device that receives a user operation by activating an infrared sensor that detects reflected infrared light for a predetermined time or longer after the key mapping button is pressed.
In paragraph 4,
wherein the control unit causes the activated infrared sensor to operate as an analog button for receiving a user manipulation according to a sensing distance of a user's finger.
In paragraph 4,
The control unit,
After the key mapping button is pressed, sequentially mapping a plurality of infrared sensors detecting reflected infrared rays for a predetermined time or more into one group;
When reflected infrared rays are detected by one of the plurality of infrared sensors mapped to the one group during game operation, the game controller device processes all game control key buttons corresponding to the plurality of infrared sensors mapped to the one group as being pressed. .
In paragraph 3,
analog joystick and
Further comprising an analog changeover switch,
The control unit,
Setting the operation mode of the game controller device to an analog operation mode and a digital operation mode according to the selection of the analog changeover switch;
A game controller device that invalidates a user's manipulation input to the analog joystick when a digital operation mode is set.
In paragraph 7,
A game controller device having a detachable portion capable of attaching and detaching the analog joystick and the digital joystick to the main body.
In claim 1,
Further including a left and right changeover switch,
The control unit,
A game controller device for switching functions between left and right symmetrical game control key buttons among the plurality of game control key buttons according to selection of the left and right switch buttons.
In claim 1,
a touchpad; and
touchpad switch
Including more,
The control unit,
A game controller device processing a user manipulation input through the touchpad when activating the touchpad is selected by the user according to the selection of the touchpad switch.

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