GB2334114A - Controller interface - Google Patents

Controller interface Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2334114A
GB2334114A GB9801429A GB9801429A GB2334114A GB 2334114 A GB2334114 A GB 2334114A GB 9801429 A GB9801429 A GB 9801429A GB 9801429 A GB9801429 A GB 9801429A GB 2334114 A GB2334114 A GB 2334114A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
ancillary
signals
controller
interface device
data stream
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9801429A
Other versions
GB9801429D0 (en
Inventor
Steven Lavache
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Leda Media Products Ltd
Original Assignee
Leda Media Products Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Leda Media Products Ltd filed Critical Leda Media Products Ltd
Priority to GB9801429A priority Critical patent/GB2334114A/en
Publication of GB9801429D0 publication Critical patent/GB9801429D0/en
Publication of GB2334114A publication Critical patent/GB2334114A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/016—Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/23—Input arrangements for video game devices for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/25—Output arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/28—Output arrangements for video game devices responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • A63F13/25—Output arrangements for video game devices
    • A63F13/28—Output arrangements for video game devices responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light
    • A63F13/285—Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/038—Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1025—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals details of the interface with the game device, e.g. USB version detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
    • A63F2300/1037—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
    • A63F2300/30—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by output arrangements for receiving control signals generated by the game device
    • A63F2300/302—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by output arrangements for receiving control signals generated by the game device specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

An electronic interface device is connectable electronically between a computing device, a controller and an ancillary device. The controller is an input device such as a joypad, gamepad or joystick. The ancillary device is preferably a vibrating device worn on the wrist. The interface device operates to interrupt the data stream transmitted by the computing device and to transmit operating signals present in the data stream. In playing a computer game, signals relating to game events (e.g. sounds, impacts or rumbles) are interrupted by the interface device. The interface device may comprise a signal splitting device operating to direct separate data streams to both the controller and the ancillary device. Alternatively the interface device may operate to detect particular signals or signal sequences present in the data stream and transmit actuating signals to the ancillary device in response to such particular signals or signal sequences. The ancillary device feeds tactile sensations to the game player according to the signal relayed by the interface device.

Description

ELECTRONIC APPARATUS This invention relates to electronic apparatus which provides an interface between an electronic computing device and an external controller able to receive electronic signals from the computing device and to transmit such signals to the computing device.
The term "computing device" as used herein includes computers, consoles, personal computers, video gaming consoles, gaming machines and other computing and electronic devices which operate to transmit electronic signals to and/or receive such signals from an external controller.
The term "controller" as used herein includes game and joy pads, and any electronic device connectable to a computing device and operable to transmit a stream of electronic data to and/or receive such data from the computing device.
The term "interface device" as used herein includes any device connectable between data stream carrying cables linking a computing device and a controller, and capable of responding to particular electronic signals within the data stream to transmit signals to an electronic ancillary device to operate the same. Interface devices include signal splitters which transmit data signals to both the ancillary device and the controller, and switching mechanisms which operate to detect and divert particular electronic signals to the ancillary device.
Computers operated by remote controllers are, of course, well known.
It is also known to connect such controllers via cabling to some form of motor which is activated by particular signal sequences present within a data stream to cause a housing within which the motor is located to vibrate or "rumble". Thus, vibrations can be transmitted to a user through the housing in response to an event created visually on the monitor screen of the computer, for example, a car making contact with a wall or other object.
The present invention sets out to provide a similar responding device which is remote from both the computer and the controller and which could, for example, form part of a wrist strap worn by a user.
According to the present invention in one aspect, there is provided apparatus comprising an interface device connectable electronically between a computing device, a controller and an ancillary electronic device, the interface operating to receive data from the computing device and to transmit electronic signals representative of that data stream (or a part thereof) to the ancillary device to operate the same.
In another aspect, the invention provides an electronic interface device connectable electronically between a computing device, a controller and an ancillary device, the interface device operating to interrupt the data stream transmitted by the computing device and to transmit operating signals to the ancillary device in response to particular signals or sequences of signals present in the data stream.
The interface device may comprise a signal splitting device operating to direct separate data streams to both the controller and the ancillary device. Alternatively, the interface device may operate to detect particular signals or signal sequences present in the data stream and transmit actuating signals to the ancillary device in response to such particular signals or signal sequences.
The ancillary device may be carried by or form part of or be embedded in an elasticated band to be worn by a user of the apparatus.
The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of the invention; and Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate three alternative embodiments of the invention.
As shown in Figure 1, a computer console 1 is connected by a cable 2 to an interface device 3, and then by a cable 4 to a controller 5. The cables 2, 4 transmit streams of electronic data between the console 1 and controller 5, the electronic data passing through the interface device 3.
Sockets and plugs are provided to facilitate the interconnections between the console, interface device and controller. The interface device 3 has one or more additional outlets to receive connecting cabling 6 to a transducer in the form of a vibrating or rumble device 7. Additional vibrating or other ancillary devices 8 may be connected to the interface device 3 via additional cabling 9. The or each vibrating device may include attachments 10.
In use, a stream of electronic data passes through the interface device 3 as this data is transmitted between the console 1 and the controller 5.
Particular signals or signal sequences are recognised by the device 3, converted to electronic signals and transmitted via the cable 6 to the vibrating device 7. The device 7 includes one or more motors which are activated by the signals to cause the device 7 to vibrate or rumble. Thus, electronic signals representative of particular images created on the console screen are used to impart vibrational movements to the device 7. For example, an image of a vehicle making contact with an object can be reinforced by vibrations transferred to a game user through the device 7.
In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 2, a computer or gaming device 11 is connected through an input-output connection 1 2 carrying a data stream between a controller 1 4 and the device 11 and via an inputoutput interface device 1 5. The device 1 5 is connected via a communications channel 16 to an actuator/transducer 17.
The interface device 1 5 intercepts the data stream passing between the computer 11 and the controller 1 4 and inteprets the data selectively to activate the transducer 1 7. Control signals may be transmitted via one of many communications media, these including cabling, fibre optics, infrared signalling, radio tranmissions and ultrasonic sound waves.
As will be seen from Figure 3A, the transducer 1 7 (equivalent to the vibrating device 7 of Figure 1) is carried by an elasticated band 18 which may, for example, be worn on the wrist of a user. In Figure 3B, the device is embedded in the band 1 8. In Figure 3C, the device is physically mounted on the controller 14.
The apparatus described may be powered by the host system or by its own power supply whether internal or external. The apparatus will not interfere with or modify the data stream between the host system and its input-output controller.
It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of apparatus in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

  1. CLAIMS 1. An electronic interface device connectable electronically between a computing device, a controller and an ancillary device, the interface device operating to interrupt the data stream transmitted by the computing device and to transmit operating signals to the ancillary device in response to particular signals or sequences of signals present in the data stream.
  2. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interface device comprises a signal splitting device which operates to direct separate data streams to both the controller and the ancillary device.
  3. 3. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the interface device operates to detect particular signals or signal sequences present in the data stream and transmit actuating signals to the ancillary device in response to such particular signals or signal sequences.
  4. 4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the ancillary device is carried by an elasticated band to be worn by a user of the device.
  5. 5. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the ancillary device forms part of an elasticated band to be worn by a user of the device.
  6. 6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the ancillary device is embedded in an elasticated band to be worn by a user of the device.
  7. 7. An electronic interface device substantially as herein described and as described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.
GB9801429A 1998-01-23 1998-01-23 Controller interface Withdrawn GB2334114A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9801429A GB2334114A (en) 1998-01-23 1998-01-23 Controller interface

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9801429A GB2334114A (en) 1998-01-23 1998-01-23 Controller interface

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9801429D0 GB9801429D0 (en) 1998-03-18
GB2334114A true GB2334114A (en) 1999-08-11

Family

ID=10825749

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9801429A Withdrawn GB2334114A (en) 1998-01-23 1998-01-23 Controller interface

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2334114A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011128768A1 (en) * 2010-04-16 2011-10-20 Ooo "Parität-Zentr" Games simulator

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996007965A2 (en) * 1994-09-07 1996-03-14 Philips Electronics N.V. Virtual workspace with user-programmable tactile feedback
WO1996009617A1 (en) * 1994-09-21 1996-03-28 Craig Thorner A tactile sensation generator
WO1996009695A1 (en) * 1994-09-21 1996-03-28 Craig Thorner A tactile sensation generator
WO1997028847A1 (en) * 1996-02-09 1997-08-14 Mattel, Inc. Combination computer mouse and game play control
US5669818A (en) * 1995-03-23 1997-09-23 Thorner; Craig Seat-based tactile sensation generator

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1996007965A2 (en) * 1994-09-07 1996-03-14 Philips Electronics N.V. Virtual workspace with user-programmable tactile feedback
WO1996009617A1 (en) * 1994-09-21 1996-03-28 Craig Thorner A tactile sensation generator
WO1996009695A1 (en) * 1994-09-21 1996-03-28 Craig Thorner A tactile sensation generator
US5669818A (en) * 1995-03-23 1997-09-23 Thorner; Craig Seat-based tactile sensation generator
WO1997028847A1 (en) * 1996-02-09 1997-08-14 Mattel, Inc. Combination computer mouse and game play control

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011128768A1 (en) * 2010-04-16 2011-10-20 Ooo "Parität-Zentr" Games simulator
US20130116021A1 (en) * 2010-04-16 2013-05-09 Ooo "Parität-Zentr" Games simulator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9801429D0 (en) 1998-03-18

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)