CN1676186A

CN1676186A - Video game controller with integrated trackball control device

Info

Publication number: CN1676186A
Application number: CNA200510062474XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 赛德·哈赛尼; 马可·伊阿科维利
Original assignee: Intec Corp
Current assignee: Intec Corp
Priority date: 2004-03-29
Filing date: 2005-03-28
Publication date: 2005-10-05

Abstract

A hand-held video game controller for interaction with a computer gaming unit. The video game controller comprises a hollow casing defining a central control section, and left and right hand grip sections extending from the control section. The control section includes a plurality of switches which a user will utilize to enter data and control signals. Those switches are intended to be individually operated by one or both thumbs of the user. The video game controller further includes at least one trackball input device integrally mounted to the control section of the casing for manipulation by the user for producing a game input signal indicative to the amount and direction of rotational movement of a trackball relative to the casing in each of orthogonal directions. The game controller also includes at least one joystick integrally mounted to the control section of the casing for manipulation by the user.

Description

The electronic game executor that has integrated trace ball control device

The cross reference of related application

The application requires to obtain on March 29th, 2003 by Hussaini according to 35 U.S.C 119 (e), the priority that No. 60/556874, the U.S. Provisional Application that people such as S submit to, and described provisional application is in this application involved by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to handheld electronic recreation executor, has more particularly related to the handheld electronic recreation executor of the ball control element of track integrated, and described control element has optional programmable features.

Background technology

Computer video game is well known in the art.This kind equipment comprises little of hand-held full built-in, arrives the relatively large self-contained unit with the interaction of independent manipulation device greatly.For comparatively complicated recreation, independently computer installation can provide powerful disposal ability, and with relevant ancillary equipment collaborative work-such as remote controller and television display equipment, in the hope of the game experiencing of taking and more shaking more than handheld device for the player.One has independently comprised the required basic handling element of operation computer game in the central control unit.An executor is connected, so that transmit the operation control command that the user sends.As previously mentioned, this traditional being configured in the present technique field is well-known.

Because the huge business success of stand-alone computer games system, also rise thereupon whole neighboring markets, and its scope comprises advanced Video Controller, control stick input equipment, the steering wheel equipment that is used for car race game, multitap controller, vibrations executor, television support, audio system or the like.Also have programmable manipulator can allow the user customize the action of control button by the different operator scheme of programming.

Trace ball (track ball) has been applied in notebook meter computer and other electronic equipments.In these equipment, such as notebook computer, a control ball rotatably is placed on the surface of console, and has optical pickocff to respond to the motion of this ball.The equipment of these prior aries has been used to control simple move of cursor on the notebook computer display screen.Yet, also do not comprise the hand-held control device of trace ball control element in the prior art, or the trace ball control element be used for the individual video gaming platform.Comprise some kinds of embodiment among the present invention, realize trace ball is used for hand-held executor with the control video-game.

Figure 1A and 1B show a kind of hand-held executor of prior art, comprising a traditional steering wheel, a pair of rocking bar control element and four control buttons.Steering wheel only limits to the limited control on the four direction, more particularly, the video-game executor 10 of prior art comprises that a plurality of button 14, a multi-direction telegraph key 16-are commonly called D keyboard (steering wheel), rocking

bar input unit

18a and 18b, and trigger (shoulder button) 20.In recreation executor technical field, the D keyboard is well-known, and its effect is to provide specific engage contacts according to the position that the user exerts pressure to the button of working on the keyboard.When top or the northern position that the user depresses the D keyboard, just be equal to a key of supressing on the QWERTY keyboard.When right part or the position, east that the user depresses the D keyboard, just be equal to a different key of supressing on the QWERTY keyboard.Similarly, by depressing south or western position, just can realize different button inputs.By pressing the part between D keyboard Shang Bei, east, south, the position, west, other button input can also be provided, this does not depart from scope of the present invention.

Video-game executor 10 has various buttons and realizes multiple modes of operation.Contain circuit and driver in video-game executor 10 and the computer game device, send to the instruction of computer game device by video-game executor 10 in order to realize the user.For example, in case computer game device is unlocked, begins key 24 so and just can be used to start a video-game.Usually, a startup screen can be presented to the player on display device.Another example with button of specific function is exactly an options button 28.

In many cases, each button 14, rocking

bar input unit

18a or 18b, trigger (shoulder button) 20 can be carried out a specific instruction.For example, when a user is carrying out ice hockey game-this recreation is loaded in the computer game device, D keyboard 16 just control is in athletic moving under the control of video-game executor 10.Other sportsmen will be controlled by another video-game executor by other users, or be controlled by computer game device oneself.When the user presses when having foursquare button 14, the sportsman on the display screen will pass to another sportsman to ice hockey, and if the user supress and have leg-of-mutton button 14, the sportsman will be with ice hockey directive goal so.Similarly, right trigger 20 can allow video game device control down sportsman's obstruction or impact another sportsman on the screen.The button 14 that has a circle quickens the sportsman and moves sooner than usual.This shows that each button 14, trigger 20, keyboard 16 and rocking

bar input unit

18a, 18b have been assigned with different functions.

Many recreation allow the user to select " turbo (enhancing) " pattern to realize specific function.Usually people wish and can realize specific function with the speed of accelerating, or the action on display provides extra motive force.Therefore, the user will use " turbo " or program schema by starting " turbo " button 30.For example, when the ice hockey player in the above-mentioned example is sliding and user when wishing to start " turbo " function, he can have the button 14 of circle and press " turbo " key 30 simultaneously by the next top.So just circle button 14 can be inserted " turbo " or program schema.When circle button 14 was in " turbo " pattern, athletic sliding speed will be higher than that circle button 14 is pressed but the situation that do not place " turbo " or program schema.Therefore, a specific button can optionally be compiled and is common or " turbo " pattern.

Although existing handheld video games executor-can be accepted by the people including, but not limited to above-mentioned those-be proved to be, these devices still need to be improved, so that improve their performance and easy-to-use degree.Understood this point, just be necessary to develop improved handheld video games executor, they can promote development of technology.

Summary of the invention

Target of the present invention is a kind of computer game executor, and it comprises that a hand-held housing, regular a plurality of control buttons-confession user who is placed in the shell operate and produces multiple game control signal and at least one and operated by the trace ball input unit-confession user of integral installation in shell and produce a recreation input signal.Communication cable has connected described executor and computer game device independently.Described cable has been set up a communication link, so that the transfer instruction signal.The video-game executor that the present invention proposes provides the two-way interaction with stand-alone computer equipment.Perhaps, described video-game executor also can be a wireless operating device.

Meet and comprised two integrated trace ball control device in the handheld video games executor of first kind of example embodiment of the present invention: the first trace ball control device and the second trace ball control device, and a rocking bar input unit.This video-game executor also comprises first and second sensitivity switch that is installed in the shell, in order to optionally to control the sensitivity of first and second trace ball control device.

Meet in the handheld video games executor of the present invention's second example embodiment and comprise a trace ball control device and left and right rocking bar input unit.Described video-game executor also comprises a sensitivity switch that is installed in the shell, in order to optionally to control the sensitivity of trace ball input unit, also have a trace ball mode switch, this switch makes the trace ball input unit can be taken as direction keyboard, right rocking bar input unit or left rocking bar input unit and uses.

Meet in the handheld video games executor of the present invention's the 3rd example embodiment and comprise a trace ball control device, a direction keyboard (D-keyboard) and the right side, left rocking bar input unit.Described video-game executor also comprises a sensitivity switch that is installed in the shell, in order to optionally to control the sensitivity of trace ball control device, also have a trace ball mode switch, this switch makes the trace ball input unit can be taken as direction keyboard, right rocking bar input unit or left rocking bar input unit and uses.

Therefore, handheld video games executor according to the invention has been represented a kind of brand-new structure of video-game executor, thisly is configured in integrated trace ball input unit in the portable game executor, in order to a variable in the controlling application program.The sensitivity of described trace ball input unit is controlled, and can select to allow the trace ball input unit substitute which traditional input element.Have the video-game executor of integrated trace ball input unit thereby the excellence control of application programs variable just can be provided, and allow control and the operation of customization application program to satisfy the ability of their demands of individuals.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A shows the vertical view of the conventional video game executor under a kind of prior art;

Figure 1B shows the bottom view of the conventional video game executor under the prior art;

Fig. 2 A shows the vertical view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's first example embodiment;

Fig. 2 B shows the front view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's first example embodiment;

Fig. 2 C shows the left side view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's first example embodiment;

Fig. 3 shows the electronic circuit schematic of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's first example embodiment;

Fig. 4 A shows the part perspective plan view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's first example embodiment;

Fig. 4 B shows the part perspective back view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's first example embodiment;

Fig. 5 A shows the cross sectional view of looking in plane that the A-A line from Fig. 4 A identified;

Fig. 5 B shows the cross sectional view of looking in plane that the B-B line from Fig. 4 A identified;

Fig. 6 A shows the vertical view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's second example embodiment;

Fig. 6 B shows the front view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's second example embodiment;

Fig. 6 C shows the left side view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's second example embodiment;

Fig. 7 A shows the vertical view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's the 3rd example embodiment;

Fig. 7 B shows the front view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's the 3rd example embodiment;

Fig. 7 C shows the left side view of the video-game executor that meets the present invention's the 3rd example embodiment.

The specific embodiment

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to accompanying drawings.In order to carry out the following description, used some term in the explanation hereinafter for simplicity, these terms are without any restricted.Word " right side " " left side " D score " on " all represent the direction in the accompanying drawing of institute's reference.Word " inwardly " " outwards " respectively presentation surface to or deviate from the direction of the geometric center of the present invention and specified portions thereof.But need should be appreciated that except situation about spelling out, the present invention also can suppose various alternative directions.Described term comprises the amplification of the above word of mentioning especially, these words, and the word with similar meaning.

Also it will be appreciated that the example embodiment that concrete article shown in the drawings and that describe are notion of the present invention in the following description book.Unless illustrate especially, otherwise the concrete size relevant with embodiment disclosed herein and other physical characteristics should not be counted as determinate.In addition, employed word " a kind of " means " at least one " in the claim.

Fig. 2 A-2C, 3,4A, 4B, 5A and 5B show a handheld video games executor 110 that meets the present invention's first example embodiment.Video-game executor 110 has the moulding that meets ergonomics, so that the user hands.Video-game executor 110 comprises a plurality of executive components, supplies user's manual operation so that carry out interaction with recreation.Described executor can be a programmable type, also can comprise one and be used for the vibrating elements of enhanced gaming and luminous button or the like.Article one, communication cable 111 is used to independently computer game device or game console (not shown) transmission operational order, the action of described executive component being made with the response user.The end of communication cable 111 has a plug 111a.This plug 111a is used to connect communication cable 111 and computer game device.Plug 111a has a series of electric connection, and they are corresponding to the electric connection in the socket on the computer game device.In addition, described video-game executor 110 also can be a wireless operating device, comprising a radio frequency or infrared transmitter, be used for transmitting control signal to game console, wherein said game console comprises that also a receiver is used to receive the control signal from the recreation executor.

Computer game device comprises a CD driving mechanism usually, wherein can play the disc that there is video game program-such as CD, also comprise and be used to carry out the traditional circuit that is stored in the video game program on the CD.For example, described game station intrinsic system program, executor interface circuit and the audio/video that can comprise processor, a memory and be used to control game station work generates and output circuit.The example of this class computer game device comprises Nintendo N64TM, SEGA Genesis, X-Box, Gamecube, Sony Playstation games system or the like.The handheld video games executor 10 that meets this embodiment of the invention links to each other with game station by the direct link of communication cable 111 forms.In addition, also can the wireless operating device be linked to each other with game station by for example direct link or by the joint that mates.

As shown in Fig. 2 A-2C, comprise a hollow shell 112 in the recreation executor 110, it has defined central control section 114, left and right sides portion of the

handle

116a and 116b, and the latter extends out from control section 114.Therefore, recreation executor 110 will be used by user's both hands.Two hands of user are held left and right sides portion of the

handle

116a and 116b respectively, and thumb keeps covering on the central control section 114.Usually, the player will hold left and right sides portion of the

handle

116a and 116b in recreation, and handles corresponding to the gauge tap of being held part by shaking hands.

Control section 114 comprises a plurality of operating elements, and the user can utilize them to import data and control signal.These operating elements that are installed on the control section 114 will be operated with one or two thumb by the user.

A keypad 118 has been installed on the control section 114 of shell 112, and this keypad has the button (or switch) 119 that a plurality of users trigger, and can touch this keypad from the outer peripheral surfaces of shell 112.Recreation executor 110 also comprises a battery (not shown), and this battery provides electric power for the inner member of executor.

Recreation executor 110 also has a rocking bar input unit 122, and it is positioned at the left side of the control section 114 on the shell 112, also has trigger (shoulder button) 124a, 124b and 126a, 126b.Rocking bar input unit 122 is a kind of direction-control apparatus, it is a kind of be used for controlling the played two dimension of object of executor 110 control or input unit of three-dimensional motion, and

trigger

124a, 124b, 126a and 126b then can be used to realize at least a control function relevant with described object.Usually, the weapon during trigger is used to play is opened fire.

The video-game executor has various buttons realize playing various operator schemes in the executor 110.Comprised circuit and driver in video-game executor 110 and the computer game device, sent to the order of computer game device by video-game executor 110 to realize the user.For example, " START " button 128 is used to start video-game when computer game device is opened.Usually, a startup picture can be presented to the operator on display device.Another kind of button example with specific function is " SELECT " button 130.SELECT button 130 makes the user to browse the variety of option that computer game device provides by scrolling." TURBO " button 132 permits a user to a certain specific function and selects " TURBO " pattern.Usually (user) wishes to realize a certain specific function with the speed of accelerating, or provides extra power for the action on the display screen.Simultaneously, the user can also realize program schema by " PROGRAM " button 134.

Also comprise a frequency respective element in the video-game executor 110, the form of this element is a kind of at traditional shaking device well known in the art.This class device comprises the triggering of a rotating eccentricity hammer, and it is well-known for the people who is proficient in present technique.Video-game executor 110 among the present invention comprises a 3-position vibration switch 131, in order to closing the vibrations element, or selects between low, high vibrating mode.

In addition, the recreation executor 110 that meets the present invention's first example embodiment also contains two integrated trace ball control device: the first trace ball control device 140 and the second trace ball control device 150.Can find by comparison diagram 2A and Figure 1A, D-keyboard 16, the second trace ball control device 150 that the first trace ball control device 140 has substituted the video-game executor 10 under the prior art then substituted under the prior art the rocking bar input unit 18b of play executor.Ideally, first and second trace

ball control device

140 and 150 is basic identical, and their form can be any suitable finished product track-ball structure, and this is well-known for those people that are proficient in present technique.For instance, trace

ball control device

140 and 150 can be similar to disclosed mechanical type track-ball structure in No. 5410332,5171978,5162780,5078019,4933670,4575086,4505165 and 4404865, the United States Patent (USP), and these patents are in the present invention involved by reference.Ideally, according to the present invention, first and second trace

ball control device

140 and 150 all is the Trackball device of optical type, comprising trace ball and relevant optical element, 6586720,6552716,6124587,6084574,5854482 and No. 5680157 promptly they are well-known under prior art as can be known referring to United States Patent (USP), and above-mentioned patent is in the present invention involved by reference.The Trackball device of optical type is well known in the prior art, and is used in various application occasions, for example is used as cursor control and mouse device in notebook computer.

According to routine, Trackball device is taken as the input unit (positioning equipment) of positional information usually, be used to import locating information in case on messaging device such as computer screen moving cursor.In order to save the operating space, Trackball device comprises a spheroid-such as a ball, this spheroid rotatably is placed on the roller support, so that outside its a part of circular arc portion is exposed to, also comprise a circuit in the described Trackball device, be used for converting the amount of spin of this spheroid to a signal of telecommunication.Described trace ball can be independent of described roller support and rotate in any direction.Corresponding to this signal, positional information just be imported into a station information treatment facility-as computer-control device in.

Referring to Fig. 2 A-2C and Fig. 3, the first trace ball control device 140 is described optical type Trackball devices, it comprises first trace ball 140 that is installed on first roller support 144, this trace ball can be with respect to shell 112 rotations on normal axis, described trace ball control device also comprises the first trace ball rotational position sensor 146, and a first selector switch 148 (shown in Fig. 3 and 4B), this switch will be triggered when first trace ball 142 is pressed.In this certain embodiments, first trace ball 142 is the balls that the surface is essentially smooth.As shown in Fig. 2 A-2C, first roller support 144 is integrated in the groove in the control section 114 that is installed in shell 112, thereby described first trace ball, 142 parts have extended to the outside of shell 112.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, this accompanying drawing shows the electronic circuit 160 of the video-game executor 110 that meets the present invention's first example embodiment, the described first trace ball control device 140 comprises the associated array of first optics (sensitization) element 147, and it has constituted two relative rotational position sensors 146 that are perpendicular to one another.Yet, in other embodiments, can adopt rotational position sensor, and their direction relative to each other can be decided to be any suitable direction greater or less than two.Optical element 146 and electronic circuit 160-as a microprocessor-an electronic control component (ECU) 162 link to each other.

Therefore, the first trace ball control device 140 is provided to produce a signal, this signal indicated first trace ball 142 on each orthogonal direction with respect to shell 112 rotational movement amount of mobile and direction.

The second trace ball control device 150 is basic identical with the first above-mentioned trace ball control device 140, it comprises second trace ball 152 that is positioned on second roller support 154, so that opposite shell 112 is rotated on normal axis, also comprise the second trace ball rotational position sensor 156, and a second selector switch 158 (shown in Figure 3), this switch just is triggered when second trace ball 152 is pressed.As shown in Fig. 2 A-2C, second roller support 154 is integrated in the groove in the control section 114 that is installed on the shell 112, thereby second trace ball, 152 parts extend to the outside of shell.Also show in Fig. 3, comprise the associated array of second optics (sensitization) element 157 in the second trace ball control device 150, it has constituted two the relative rotational position sensors 156 that are perpendicular to one another.

Ideally, the second trace ball control device 150 is less than the first trace ball control device 140.Better situation is, the diameter of first trace ball 142 is 22 millimeters, and the diameter of second trace ball 152 then is 20 millimeters.Similar with the first trace ball control device 140, the second trace ball control device 150 is the Trackball device of optical type preferably, and comprising the associated array of optics (sensitization) element 156, to constitute two relative rotational position sensors that are perpendicular to one another.Optical element 156 is electrically connected on the ECU 162 of electronic circuit 160.Thereby the second trace ball control device 150 just can produce a signal and indicate second trace ball 152 rotational movement amount of mobile and direction with respect to shell 112 on two vertical direction.

Fig. 4 A-5B shows other part perspective view and sectional views of first exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 2 A-2C and Fig. 3.In this embodiment, first and second trace

ball control device

140 and 150 all comprises the

selector switch

148 and 158 of a microswitch form separately, in order to realize the enhanced kind of operation of trace ball control device.As shown in Fig. 4 B and 5B,

trace ball

142 and 152 is suspended in the support that is made of the spring deformation support component separately.Pressing trace ball just can allow trace ball move.Described microswitch-promptly first or

second selector switch

148 and 158 are switches of closure/disconnection form, and they are placed on below the described trace ball.When trace ball is firmly depressed, just can overcome the resistance of spring, produce contact.This switch closure lead to the circuit of ECU (microcontroller) 162.It is to be pressed that thereby microcontroller 162 just can identify this trace ball, still keeps suspending so that be rotated control.After switch was closed, microcontroller still utilized the last known direction of controller institute perception and speed to send the control command signal to game station.Thereby the user can be used as the trace ball control device device of a flexibility and changeability, both can be used for continuous opening fire as a gun post, also can be used for controlling the racing car or the motion of other moving objects.For example, when the user wishes a game object on certain specific direction during continuous motion, this user motion track ball simply just so, up to described game object on needed direction with the ideal velocity movement position.Then, after having reached such direction and speed, the user just can press trace ball simply, and described microcontroller will be responded to control signal continuously, to keep the control of direction and speed.When needs changed direction or speed, the user only need decontrol trace ball and get final product.

Video-game executor 110 also has an ON/OFF switch 133, as shown in Fig. 2 A.Under the OFF of switch 133 state, the second trace ball control device 150 on the rocking bar input unit 122 in left side and right side just plays predetermined effect.Yet when switch 133 was in the ON state, left rocking bar input unit 122 and right trace ball control device 150 will be exchanged.In other words, under the ON state, left side rocking bar input unit 122 has produced the control signal (when switch 133 is in the OFF state) that is produced by right trace ball control device 150 usually, and right trace ball control device 150 has then produced the control signal that is produced by left rocking bar input unit 122 usually.

Integrated trace

ball control device

140 and 150 can provide the color control that goes out to variable signal in handheld video games executor 110, this is particularly suitable for aiming (direction) and dynamics control, the for example such golf video-game of the TigerWoods on the Playstation II platform, and other Games Softwares.

Existing commercial trace ball control device for example is used as cursor control and mouse device in notebook computer, produce in some applied field credit union to be difficult to the control signal of controlling and operating.In addition, different application scenario may require to control variable signal in the application with different sensitivity.In addition, user's personal like and skill ability also require different sensitivity to realize specific user's optimum control.

Thereby, the integrated device that can optionally control the sensitivity of trace

ball control device

140 and 150 in handheld video games executor 110.As shown in Fig. 2 A, video-game executor 110 also comprises first and

second sensitivity switch

170 and 172, and they are installed in the shell 112, controls the sensitivity of first and second trace

ball control device

140 and 150 respectively selectively.

Sensitivity switch

170 and 172 can and slide between the L muting sensitivity in three diverse locations-H height that trace

ball control device

140 and 150 is drawn, M at least, to realize the accurate motion control in the video-game.Shown in the principle schematic of the electronic circuit among Fig. 3 162 like that, move their change in location or infinitely variable, or between discrete position, change between

sensitivity switch

170 and 172 each comfortable a plurality of different position.Sensitivity switch 170,172 forms contact in a different manner or disconnects contact, to change the impedance between sensitivity switch 170,172 and the ECU 162.Therefore, the electric current on the variable resistor will change along with voltage drop.ECU 162 can respond to different conditions, and in house software is programmed and handles input (control) signal from trace ball control device 140,150 by different way according to the select location of sensitivity switch 170,172.Optionally controlling the special algorithm of trace ball control device 140,150 according to different sensed conditions (position of sensitivity switch), is not a part of the present invention, and these algorithms can be released and realize by the ordinary skill in the present technique field.

Fig. 6 A-6C in the accompanying drawing shows the second example embodiment of handheld video games executor according to the invention.With components identical or working method components identical in Fig. 2 A-2C and the first example embodiment shown in Figure 3, all use identical Reference numeral, and can not be described in detail usually, because the similitude between the counter element in two kinds of embodiments is easily reader's finding.

Handheld video games executor 210 in the second example embodiment comprises the shell 212 of a sky, and it comprises a central control section 214, and from left and right sides portion of the

handle

216a and 216b that control section 214 extends out.Have the keypad 118 that a plurality of users trigger button (or switch) and be installed on the control section 214 of shell 212, and can touch from the outer surface of shell 212.

Recreation executor 210 also has the right side (first) and a left side (second) rocking

bar input unit

222a and 222b, and trigger (shoulder button) 124a, 124b and 126a, 126b.Right and left rocking

bar input unit

222a and 222b are direction-control apparatus, be a kind of be used for controlling the played two dimension of object of executor 210 control or input unit of three-dimensional motion, trigger 124a, 124b, 126a and 126b then can be used to realize at least a control function relevant with described object.Usually, the weapon during trigger is used to play is opened fire.

In addition, the recreation executor 210 that meets the present invention's second example embodiment also comprises a trace ball input unit 240, and it has replaced traditional D-keyboard 16 of the video-game executor 10 under the prior art, as shown in Figure 1A.Trace ball input unit 240 is identical with 150 cardinal principles with the trace ball input unit 140 that meets the present invention's first example embodiment.As shown in Fig. 6 A, video-game executor 210 also comprises a sensitivity switch 170, and this switch is installed in the shell 212 so that control the sensitivity of trace ball control device 240 alternatively.

Recreation executor 210 also comprises a trace ball mode switch 272, and it selects to allow the trace ball input unit substitute the ability of which kind of traditional control element (being the D keyboard 16 shown in Figure 1A, right and left rocking bar input unit 18a and 18b) for recreation executor 210 provides.Trace ball mode switch 272 can slide between three different positions at least, and promptly on behalf of D keyboard, L-, D-represent left rocking bar input unit, and R-represents right rocking bar input unit.In other words, when trace ball mode switch 272 is in position D, just can allow trace ball input unit 240 substitute traditional D keyboard.When being in position L, trace ball input unit 240 just can be controlled the variable that is associated with first (left side) rocking bar input unit 222b usually, and when the R of position, then replaces second (right side) rocking bar input unit 222a.In this embodiment, switch 272 is selectively located equally with impedance between the ECU that changes switch and game console 210.Like this, ECU just can identify to have selected which kind of mode of operation at an easy rate, and utilize the input signal of trace ball control originally with prior art under the relevant operation of traditional input unit.The raising of this programmability makes the user can define the control of game variable according to the personal like voluntarily.

Many software applications are developed with the traditional game controller 10 shown in Figure 1A and together use.For example, some recreation associates some controlled variable and D keyboard 16, left rocking bar input unit 18b or right rocking bar input unit 18a.Therefore, the recreation executor 210 among the present invention will allow the user to select to allow trace ball input unit 240 control which traditional input unit voluntarily.

Fig. 7 A-7C in the accompanying drawing shows the 3rd example embodiment of handheld video games executor according to the invention.With components identical or working method components identical in the first example embodiment shown in Fig. 2 A-2C, Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 A-6C, all use identical Reference numeral, and can not be described in detail usually, because the similitude between the counter element in two kinds of embodiments is easily reader's finding.

Handheld video games executor 310 in the 3rd example embodiment comprises the shell 312 of a sky, and it comprises a central control section 314, and from left and right sides portion of the

handle

316a and 316b that control section 314 extends out.Have the keypad 118 that a plurality of users trigger button (or switch) and be installed on the control section 314 of shell 312, and can touch from the outer surface of shell 312.Recreation executor 310 also has right and left rocking

bar input unit

222a and 222b, the D keyboard as direction-control apparatus, and trigger (shoulder button) 124a, 124b and 126a, 126b.Right and left rocking

bar input unit

In addition, the recreation executor 310 that meets the present invention's second example embodiment also comprises a trace ball input unit 340, and it is positioned at the middle of the control section 314 on the shell 312.This trace ball input unit 340 can be operated by user's the right hand or the thumb of left hand.Trace ball input unit 340 is identical substantially with the trace ball input unit 240 that meets the present invention's second example embodiment.

As shown in Figure 7A, video-game executor 310 also comprises a sensitivity switch 170 that is installed in the shell 312, so that control the sensitivity of trace ball control device 340 alternatively.Recreation executor 310 also comprises a trace ball mode switch 372, and it selects to allow the trace ball input unit substitute the ability of any traditional control element (D keyboard 350, right rocking bar input unit 222a and left rocking bar input unit 222b) for recreation executor 310 provides.Trace ball mode switch 372 can slide between three different positions at least, and promptly on behalf of D keyboard, L-, D-represent left rocking bar input unit, and R-represents right rocking bar input unit.When being in position D, trace ball input unit 340 just substitutes traditional D keyboard.When being in position L, trace ball input unit 340 just substitutes first (left side) rocking bar input unit 222b, and when the R of position, then replaces second (right side) rocking bar input unit 222a.In this embodiment, switch 372 is selectively located equally with impedance between the ECU that changes switch and game console 310.

Therefore, handheld video games executor according to the invention just provides a kind of video-game manipulator structure of novelty, and it is integrated in the portable game executor trace ball input unit so that the variable in the control application.The sensitivity of trace ball input unit can be controlled, and can also select to allow the trace ball input unit substitute which traditional input element in addition.Have the video-game executor of integrated trace ball input unit thereby the excellence control of application programs variable just be provided, and allow the user voluntarily the ability of the control of definition application and operation to satisfy user's demands of individuals.

Herein according to the regulation of patent statute, for the purpose of demonstration is illustrated the preferred embodiment for the present invention.These explanations are not exhaustive, neither be for the present invention being defined in disclosed concrete form.Above the disclosed embodiments are through selecting so that show principle of the present invention and practical application best, thereby allow those people with the basic general knowledge of present technique can be best with the present invention's utilization in various embodiments, and can carry out various modifications to adapt to specific application to the present invention following under the prerequisite of principle described herein.Thereby the application is intended to be encompassed under the basic principle of the present invention any modification, application or improvement to the present invention did.In addition, the application also will contain those and departed from this description but relate to the situation that the known or convention in the technical field of the invention is used.Therefore, can under the prerequisite that does not depart from purport of the present invention and scope, modify foregoing invention.In addition, scope of the present invention should be limited by appended herein claim.

Claims

1. one kind is used for and the mutual handheld video games executor of computer game device, and described executor comprises:

A hand-held housing; And

Rationally be distributed in a plurality of executive components on the described shell, operate producing multiple game control signal for the user;

One of described executive component comprises at least one trace ball input unit, and this trace ball input unit is integrated and is installed on the described shell, for user's operation.

2. handheld video games executor according to claim 1 comprises that also at least one sensitivity switch is used for controlling alternatively the sensitivity of described at least one trace ball input unit.

3. handheld video games executor according to claim 2, wherein said at least one sensitivity switch is integrated in the described shell.

4. handheld video games executor according to claim 2, wherein said at least one sensitivity switch is controlled the sensitivity of described at least one trace ball input unit by the electric current between the electronic control component that changes described at least one trace ball input unit and described video-game executor alternatively.

5. handheld video games executor according to claim 2, wherein said at least one sensitivity switch comprises a variable resistor, is used for optionally changing the resistance between the electronic control unit of described at least one trace ball input unit and described video-game executor.

6. handheld video games executor according to claim 1, wherein said at least one trace ball input unit are installed in the groove in the upper surface of described hand-held housing.

7. handheld video games executor according to claim 1, wherein said shell have comprised a control section; And wherein said a plurality of executive component is installed on the control section of described shell.

8. handheld video games executor according to claim 7, wherein said at least one trace ball input unit comprises a roller support on the described control section that is installed in described shell, one can be on described roller support be spherical trace ball substantially with what freely rotate with respect to any direction of described shell, and be used for the described trace ball of sensing on each orthogonal direction with respect to the rotational movement amount of mobile of described shell and the element of direction, described trace ball input unit produces a signal and indicates described trace ball rotational movement amount of mobile and direction with respect to described shell on each orthogonal direction.

9. handheld video games executor according to claim 1, wherein said a plurality of executive components also comprise at least one direction-control apparatus, operate with one of the right hand or left hand for the user.

10. handheld video games executor according to claim 9 also comprises a trace ball mode switch, and it makes described at least one trace ball input unit can suppress and substitute described at least a direction-control apparatus alternatively.

11. handheld video games executor according to claim 9, wherein said at least one direction-control apparatus comprises a direction keyboard.

12. handheld video games executor according to claim 9, wherein said at least one direction-control apparatus comprises the rocking bar input unit.

13. handheld video games executor according to claim 9, also comprise a switch of being reequiped switching control parameter, described control parameter is produced by described at least one trace ball input unit and described at least one direction-control apparatus.

14. handheld video games executor according to claim 1, wherein said at least one direction-control apparatus comprise the right-hand operated of at least one first executive component for the user, and at least one second executive component, for user's left-handed operation.

15. handheld video games executor according to claim 14, also comprise a trace ball mode switch, this switch makes described at least one trace ball input unit can suppress and substitute any one in described first and second executive component alternatively.

16. handheld video games executor according to claim 15, wherein said trace ball mode switch make described trace ball input unit to come work as in direction keyboard, described at least one first executive component and described at least one second executive component.

17. handheld video games executor according to claim 15, wherein said at least one first executive component comprises one first rocking bar input unit, and described second executive component then comprises one second rocking bar input unit.

18. handheld video games executor according to claim 17, wherein said trace ball mode switch make described at least one trace ball input unit can suppress and substitute in described first rocking bar input unit and the described second rocking bar input unit alternatively.

19. handheld video games executor according to claim 17, wherein said at least one second executive component also comprises a direction keyboard.

20. handheld video games executor according to claim 19, wherein said trace ball mode switch make described at least one trace ball input unit can suppress and substitute in described direction keyboard, the described first rocking bar input unit and the described second rocking bar input unit alternatively.

21. handheld video games executor according to claim 1, wherein said at least one trace ball input unit comprises one first trace ball input unit and one second trace ball input unit.

22. handheld video games executor according to claim 21, the wherein said first trace ball input unit are provided to the left-handed operation for the user, the described second trace ball input unit then is provided to the right-hand operated for the user.

23. handheld video games executor according to claim 21, comprise that also one first sensitivity switch controls the sensitivity of the described first trace ball input unit alternatively, and one second sensitivity switch is controlled the sensitivity of the described second trace ball input unit alternatively.

24. handheld video games executor according to claim 23, wherein said first and second sensitivity switch all is integrated in the described shell.

25. handheld video games executor according to claim 14, also comprise a switch that is come switching control parameter by repacking, described control parameter is by described at least one trace ball input unit, and the generation of one of described at least one first executive component and described at least one second executive component.

26. handheld video games executor according to claim 1, also comprise at least one communication cable that links to each other with described hand-held housing, it is provided to the operation described a plurality of buttons and described at least one trace ball input unit done according to the user, transmits described recreation input and control signal to computer game device.

27. handheld video games executor according to claim 21 also comprises a rocking bar input unit that is installed on the described shell, makes for the user to be used for producing described game control signal.

28. handheld video games executor according to claim 27 also comprises a switch of being reequiped switching control parameter, described control parameter is produced by described second trace ball input unit and rocking bar input unit.

29. handheld video games executor according to claim 1 also comprises first and second rocking bar input unit, and a direction keyboard, they all are installed on the described shell, operate producing described recreation input signal for the user.

30. handheld video games executor according to claim 29, also comprise a trace ball mode switch, this switch makes described at least one trace ball input unit can substitute in described direction keyboard, the described first rocking bar input unit and the described second rocking bar input unit.

31. handheld video games executor according to claim 1, wherein said at least one trace ball input unit is for user's left-handed operation.

32. handheld video games executor according to claim 1, wherein said at least one trace ball input unit is for user's right-hand operated.

33. handheld video games executor according to claim 1, wherein said at least one trace ball input unit are manual for arbitrary in user's the left hand and the right hand.