GB2405190A - Rotatable and pressable input device for an entertainment machine - Google Patents
Rotatable and pressable input device for an entertainment machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2405190A GB2405190A GB0417843A GB0417843A GB2405190A GB 2405190 A GB2405190 A GB 2405190A GB 0417843 A GB0417843 A GB 0417843A GB 0417843 A GB0417843 A GB 0417843A GB 2405190 A GB2405190 A GB 2405190A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- input device
- input
- rotatable
- input means
- entertainment machine
- 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- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
- H01H25/06—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being along the axis of angular movement
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
- G05G1/02—Controlling members for hand actuation by linear movement, e.g. push buttons
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
- G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
- G05G1/08—Controlling members for hand actuation by rotary movement, e.g. hand wheels
- G05G1/10—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles
- G05G1/105—Details, e.g. of discs, knobs, wheels or handles comprising arrangements for illumination
-
- 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
- G06F3/0362—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H19/00—Switches operated by an operating part which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof and which is acted upon directly by a solid body external to the switch, e.g. by a hand
- H01H19/005—Electromechanical pulse generators
- H01H2019/006—Electromechanical pulse generators being rotation direction sensitive, e.g. the generated pulse or code depends on the direction of rotation of the operating part
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
- H01H25/06—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being along the axis of angular movement
- H01H25/065—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being along the axis of angular movement using separate operating parts, e.g. a push button surrounded by a rotating knob
Abstract
A rotatable input device for an entertainment machine, such as an arcade or home gaming machine, is also able to generate a second input. The device may be a cylindrical knob 104a which may be pressed, or a rotatable collar 302 with a cylindrical button 304 positioned inside. Pressing produces the second input signal. An electrical circuit is described (fig 4), and the second signal may latch or may relate to the length of time the button or knob was pressed for. The device may be translucent and illuminated by LED's.
Description
2405 1 90
AN INPUT DEVICE
This invention relates to an input device particularly, but not exclusively, for use on an entertainment machine.
Entertainment machines, which include 'pay-to-play' machines such as can be found in gaming arcades as well as home gaming machines can be controlled in a variety of familiar fashions. For example, a player could use a joystick, buttons, a mouse, a D-pad (four buttons arranged under a single, usually cross-shaped, pressure pad) or a roller ball. More imaginative designs include 'dance mats', where pressure pads are activated with a player's weight, wheels and pedals in driving games, and skis' which a person can stand on and move from side to side to simulate skiing. This list, though not exhaustive, demonstrates that the means of controlling a game can be a significant factor in game design. Further, the type of control used can contribute to the enjoyment of a player, either by providing a more realistic impression of the scenario played out in the game, or simply as a novelty feature.
There is ever a desire to increase the player appeal of a game and providing an appealing control device may make a game more attractive to a player.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device for an entertainment machine comprising a rotatable input means arranged to generate a first signal indicative of the rotation of the rotatable input means and a second input means arranged to generate a second signal indicative of a further input to the device.
Such an input means may be advantageous as a player will appreciate a novel control for a game. Further, the rotatable input means may provide l an intuitive input means to assist in controlling a game. The rotation of the rotatable input means may relate to an aspect of the game- for example, the angle of a shot in a game of pool or a putt in a golf game.
Additionally or alternatively, the rotatable input means may provide a "scroll" function for selecting choices from a list. The input device may provide a means of controlling a range of features operable with one hand.
The input device may be arranged to provide the second signal when pressure is applied to at least a portion of the input device.
The second signal may be indicative of the length of time for which pressure is applied. This is advantageous as it allows a further control of a game that may be familiar to players of entertainment machines. One such control may comprise, in a game such as pool or golf, the force of a shot being linked to the length of time for which an input is made.
Preferably, the second input means comprises a button, which is preferably a 'push-to-make' button.
Preferably, the device is arranged such that the rotatable input means can rotate continuously in any one direction. Such an arrangement is convenient because it may prove mechanically simpler and may also be easier to use for a player.
The rotatable input means may comprise a movement detection means with may be any one or more of each of the following: Hall effect sensors; light source/detector pairs.
Advantageously, at least two movement detection means are provided.
Such an arrangement is desirable since it allows the direction of rotation of the rotatable input means to be determined.
Preferably, the second input means is arranged to rotate with the rotatable input means. The rotatable input means may rotate relative to the second input means in other embodiments. However, having the rotatable and second rotate together may be mechanically simpler.
In a preferred embodiment, the second input means comprises a circular button and the rotatable input means comprises a circular collar, and the second input means is arranged about the circumference of the rotatable input means.
The input device may include at least a portion of transparent and/or translucent material.
The input device may further comprise one or more light sources arranged such that the light therefrom may be visible to a user of the input device through at least a portion of the input device.
This is advantageous as it provides a visually attractive feature to a player. Further, the or each light source could be used to provide prompts to a player and/or indications of the status of the machine or a game being played thereon.
Preferably, the or each light source comprise one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LED's). LED's have the advantage of consuming low energy, and are therefore cheap to run and produce minimal heat. In other embodiments the or each light source may be provided by any other suitable means such as lamps, or the like.
The or each LED may comprise a multicolour LED. Such a device is advantageous as it may be capable if generating a more appealing display to a player.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an entertainment machine comprising processing means arranged to provide a game comprising at least one input means according to the first aspect of the invention arranged to make inputs to the processing means, wherein at least one function of the machine is controllable by the at least one input means.
Any of the features of the first aspect of the invention may apply to the second aspect of the invention.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling an entertainment machine, said method comprising providing an input device, said input device providing a first input in response to an angular displacement of at least a portion of said input device and providing a second input.
Preferably, the first and second inputs are provided in response to a user input.
The second signal may be provided in response to pressure applied to at least a portion of the input device.
The second signal may be indicative of the length of time for which pressure is applied.
Preferably, the method may further comprise illuminating at least a portion of the input device. This is advantageous as it may provide an attractive feature to users of the machine. Further, the illumination of the input device may provide prompts to a user, may indicate the status of the machine or a game being played on that machine or may indicate some other feature of the machine.
Embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying Figures of which; Figure 1 shows an entertainment machine incorporating an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows one embodiment of an input device according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of an input device according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of the components driving the input device; Figure 5 shows a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout diagram of the components driving the input device; and Figure 6 shows an input device arranged on a PCB according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows an entertainment machine 100 comprising a cabinet 101 in which is housed a screen 102, in this case a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) screen arranged to display a game. The machine also comprises at a convenient user operable height an input device 104 and a coin slot 106.
The machine further comprises a coin-retrieval slot 107 from which a player may collect his/her coins should they be rejected by the machine and a payout slot 109 from which a player can collect his/her winnings.
Such machines are commonly referred to in the art as video machines, although the invention may be applicable to machines that are not video machines, such as those relying on physical reels Inside the cabinet 101 there is processing circuitry 108 comprising of a controller 110 and an associated memory 112 and providing a processing means. The processing circuitry 108 is arranged to provide the game and to control the screen 102 in order to display the game to the player. The processing circuitry 108 is capable of receiving inputs from the input device 104, allowing, during use of the machine 100, a player to control the game being played on the machine of Figure 1.
Two embodiments of the input device 104 are shown in Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 2 shows an integrated cylindrical input device 104a that can be rotated to provide a first input and pressed to provide a second input.
The integrated input device 104a is, in this example, manufactured from a translucent plastics material.
Figure 3 shows a two-section input device 104b, which comprises a cylindrical rotating collar 302 and a cylindrical button 304. The button 304 is positioned inside the collar 302 and both, in this example, are manufactured from a translucent plastics material.
The skilled person will appreciate that, while only two embodiments are illustrated herein, there are many further possible embodiments that fall within the present invention.
The electrical components that receive the inputs are now described with reference to the circuit diagram of Figure 4 and the PC board layout diagram of Figure 5. In those Figures, like features are labelled with like references. In general, the circuit comprises resistors R. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) LE, capacitors C, transistors TR, a header box HDR1, a rotary encoder RE1 and an integrated circuit ICI. These are described in more detail below.
The integrated input device 104a or the collar 302 of the two-section input device 104b is connected to a shaft SET, which is in turn connected to a rotary encoder RET. As will be familiar to those skilled in the art, a rotary encoder typically comprises a pair of optical interrupters, each providing movement detection means that provide outputs A, B comprising quadrature pulses (i.e. a series of square waves) 90 out of phase as the input device 104 is turned. By providing the pluses in quadrature, it is possible to determine which way the input device 104 is being turned. An advantage of using a rotary encoder is that there is no stop limit; the shaft can be turned through multiple rotations.
In this embodiment the shaft encoder outputs square waves. As the skilled person will appreciate a variety of such encoders are available but a suitable encoder is available from Piher under the reference Cl-llCT, The output from the optical interrupters A, B is then supplied to two inputs ICla, IClb of a Schmitt trigger ICI, in this example the 74HCT14 Hex Inverting Schmitt trigger. The Schmitt trigger ICI has six inputs, the four of which not previously discussed- IClc-IClf - are connected to ground. The Schmitt trigger acts as a pulse shaper and ensures that eh square waves are of sufficient quality to be processed by further circuitry.
The Schmitt trigger ICI also has six outputs, each corresponding to a particular input. An output is produced in the output pin corresponding to the larger input. If output A is greater, a signal is supplied to the base of a first transistor TR1. If output B is greater, a signal is supplied to the base of a second transistor TR2.
Switching the first transistor TR1 or the second transistor TR2 by applying a signal to either base supplies a signal to a box header HDR1, in this case a 16W box header, which supplies an input to the processing circuitry 108 indicative of the rotational movement of the input device 104, which can therefore be used to control a machine.
The integrated input device 104a or the button 304 of the two-section input device 104b is further connected to a switch SW-1. When the input device 104 is pushed, the switched is closed for as long as pressure is maintained on the device 104 and a signal is supplied to the box header HDR1, which supplies an input to the processing circuitry 108.
The input is a binary input: either on or off and can be used as an input to control the game. This arrangement is shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment the switch SW-1 is non-latching, but in other embodiments, a latching switch may be provided. In some embodiments the processing circuitry 108 times the length of time that the button 304 is pressed in order that parameter, such as strength of shot, etc., may be determined based upon the length of time that the button 304 is pressed.
The input device 104 of this example further comprises four LEDs LET, LE2, LE3, LE4. The operation of these LEDs is controlled via the box header HDR1 by the processing circuitry 108. The LEDs illuminate the translucent input device 104a, 104b and can be used to prompt inputs from a user, indicate status of a game or to attract a player to the machine.
The machine 100 could, for example, provide a pool game. Rotating the input device 104 could set the angle of a shot, pressing the input device 104 could cause a simulated cue ball to be struck. In some embodiments, the length of time for which pressure is applied to the input device 104 could determine the force of the shot, the cue ball being struck on release of the input device 104. Similarly, the input device 104 could be used in golf games, basket ball games, driving games, 'platform' games, etc. The input device 104 may be used to scroll though menu options displayed on a screen 102, the options being highlighted then selected when the input device 104 is pressed.
The options may be selecting game options or maybe, for example, selecting 'hold' or 'nudge' features on a fruit machine. For example, the machine on which the device is mounted could be arranged to illuminate buttons and/ or regions of the display in a predetermined sequence to be moved through and a press on the device may further cause an action provided by the region and/or button to be performed by the machine.
These examples are given as a guide to the possible uses and are not intended as an exhaustive list.
Claims (26)
1. An input device for an entertainment machine comprising a rotatable input means arranged to generate a first signal indicative of the rotation of the rotatable input means and a second input means arranged to generate a second signal indicative of a further input to the device.
2. An input device according to claim 1, in which the input device is arranged to provide the second signal when pressure is applied to at least a portion of the second input means.
3. An input device according to claim 2, in which the second signal is indicative of the length of time for which pressure is applied.
4. An input device according to claim 2 or claim 3, in which the second input means comprises a button.
5. An input device according to claim 4, in which the button is a push-tomake' button.
6. An input device according to any preceding claim, which is arranged such that the rotatable input means can rotate continuously in any one direction.
7. An input device according to claim 6, in which the rotatable input means comprises a movement detection means comprising any one or more of each of the following: Hall effect sensors; light source/detector pairs.
8. An input device according to claim 7, in which at least two movement detection means are provided.
-
9. An input device according to any preceding claim, in which the second input means is arranged to rotate with the rotatable input means.
10. An input device according to any preceding claim, in which the second input means comprises a circular button and the rotatable input means comprises a circular collar, and the second input means is arranged about the circumference of the rotatable input means.
11. An input device according to any preceding claim, which includes at least a portion of transparent and/or translucent material.
12. An input device according to claim 11, which comprises one or more light sources arranged such that the light therefrom is visible to a user of the input device through at least a portion of the input device.
13. An input device according to claim 12, in which the or each light source provides prompts to a user.
14. An input device according to claim 12 or claim 13, in which the or each light source comprises one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LED's).
15. An input device according to claim 14, in which the or each LED comprises a multicolour LED.
16. An entertainment machine comprising processing means arranged to provide a game comprising at least one input means according to any preceding claim which is arranged to make inputs to the processing means, wherein at least one function of the machine is controllable by the at least one input means.
17. An entertainment machine according to claim 16, in which the rotation of the rotatable input means is arranged to provide an input to the machine.
18. An entertainment machine according to claim 16 or claim 17, in which one of the features comprises a " scroll " function for selecting choices from a list.
19. A method of controlling an entertainment machine, said method comprising providing an input device, said input device providing a first input in response to an angular displacement of at least a portion of said input device and providing a second input.
20. A method according to claim 19, in which the first and second inputs are provided in response to a user input.
21. A method according to claim 19 or 20, in which the second input is provided in response to pressure applied to at least a portion of the input device.
22. A method according to claim 21, in which the second input is indicative of the length of time for which pressure is applied.
23. A method according to any of claims 19 to 22, which further comprises illuminating at least a portion of the input device.
24. An input device substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying Figures 1 to 6.
25. An entertainment machine substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying Figures 1 to 6.
26. A method of controlling an entertainment machine substantially as described herein and as illustrated in the accompanying Figures 1 to 6.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0318736A GB0318736D0 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2003-08-11 | An input device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0417843D0 GB0417843D0 (en) | 2004-09-15 |
| GB2405190A true GB2405190A (en) | 2005-02-23 |
Family
ID=27839942
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0318736A Ceased GB0318736D0 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2003-08-11 | An input device |
| GB0417843A Withdrawn GB2405190A (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2004-08-11 | Rotatable and pressable input device for an entertainment machine |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0318736A Ceased GB0318736D0 (en) | 2003-08-11 | 2003-08-11 | An input device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB0318736D0 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1727100A1 (en) | 2005-05-26 | 2006-11-29 | Bell-Fruit Games Limited | Amusement apparatus |
| US10598429B2 (en) | 2012-12-14 | 2020-03-24 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Cooling device comprising of a knob providing the adjustment of the compartment temperature |
| US11019218B2 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2021-05-25 | Riedel Communications International GmbH | Talk station for intercom network |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB474104A (en) * | 1936-09-23 | 1937-10-26 | Gen Electric Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to silencing devices in wireless receiving sets |
| JPH06259836A (en) * | 1993-03-04 | 1994-09-16 | Sony Corp | Operation unit |
| US5893798A (en) * | 1994-11-23 | 1999-04-13 | Tiger Electronics, Ltd. | Hand-held electronic game devices |
| US6154201A (en) * | 1996-11-26 | 2000-11-28 | Immersion Corporation | Control knob with multiple degrees of freedom and force feedback |
| GB2361292A (en) * | 2000-04-11 | 2001-10-17 | Flux Res Pty Ltd | Control apparatus for selecting and varying at least two parameters |
-
2003
- 2003-08-11 GB GB0318736A patent/GB0318736D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2004
- 2004-08-11 GB GB0417843A patent/GB2405190A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB474104A (en) * | 1936-09-23 | 1937-10-26 | Gen Electric Co Ltd | Improvements in or relating to silencing devices in wireless receiving sets |
| JPH06259836A (en) * | 1993-03-04 | 1994-09-16 | Sony Corp | Operation unit |
| US5893798A (en) * | 1994-11-23 | 1999-04-13 | Tiger Electronics, Ltd. | Hand-held electronic game devices |
| US6154201A (en) * | 1996-11-26 | 2000-11-28 | Immersion Corporation | Control knob with multiple degrees of freedom and force feedback |
| GB2361292A (en) * | 2000-04-11 | 2001-10-17 | Flux Res Pty Ltd | Control apparatus for selecting and varying at least two parameters |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1727100A1 (en) | 2005-05-26 | 2006-11-29 | Bell-Fruit Games Limited | Amusement apparatus |
| US10598429B2 (en) | 2012-12-14 | 2020-03-24 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Cooling device comprising of a knob providing the adjustment of the compartment temperature |
| US11019218B2 (en) | 2017-11-29 | 2021-05-25 | Riedel Communications International GmbH | Talk station for intercom network |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0417843D0 (en) | 2004-09-15 |
| GB0318736D0 (en) | 2003-09-10 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |