GB2437307A

GB2437307A - Game controller having standard function initiators in the mid-plane and/or the lower surface

Info

Publication number: GB2437307A
Application number: GB0607367A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Robert Jake Chambers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-13
Filing date: 2006-04-13
Publication date: 2007-10-24
Also published as: WO2007122420A1; GB0804617D0; GB0607367D0; GB2443780A

Abstract

A game controller having at least two joysticks, 5,17, and a further standard function initiator 8 (such as a button or a D-pad) substantially on a mid-line or mid-plane of the game controller, the game controller may further comprise at least one additional standard function initiator in, on or at an (in normal use) lower surface thereof. The game controller may be provided with at least two rest positions (30-36, 38-44, fig. 2), one for each of at least two adjacent fingers of a user, and at least one standard function initiator generally between the at least two rest positions. The at least two rest positions may have a generally concave shape. The standard function initiator may be a trigger, joystick, directional pad or button.

Description

Game Controller The present invention relates to game controllers. It

finds particular application with game controllers for video games. Game controllers are known which can be connected to a PC, and some game controllers are known which can be connected to a (9jM) game console such as the Sony PlaystatioMicrosoft X-Box and Nintendo Game w) Cube. Some game controllers are known which can be connected either to a PC or to a game console. The present invention is equally applicable to game controllers which can be connected either to a PC or to a game console or both. For the sake of simplicity the description will proceed with reference to a game console.

Game controllers for use with the abovementioned game consoles are known which have a number of buttons, triggers and other touch or pressure sensitive devices. The function achieved by some of these pressure or touch sensitive devices is often referred to as "standard function", and the term "standard function" as used in the present specification is preferably intended to have a corresponding meaning. In addition, those touch or pressure sensitive devices which achieve such a standard function are herein referred to as "standard function initiators". Again, this term as used herein is preferably intended to relate to pressure or touch sensitive devices which achieve such a standard function. Preferably, the standard function initiators are pressure or touch sensitive device arranged to influence the way in which the game proceeds.

This invention is particularly relevant to first person and third person perspective shooter games.

Each type of video games console has a standard controller. Usually, there arc two analogue joysticks on each type of standard controller.

Some standard controllers have the two analogue joysticks positioned for asymmetrical access for each thumb. This asymmetrical positioning creates imbalance during game playing and causes unequal stresses on the left and right hand of the games player.

Most video games, particularly first and third person perspective shooting games, have manoeuvres that can simultaneously use both analogue joysticks.

The left thumb operates the left analogue joystick and other standard function buttons.

It is usual to keep the left thumb on the left joystick for the vast majority of game playing time.

The right thumb operates the right analogue joystick and other standard function buttons. It is usual for the right thumb to operate other standard function buttons, briefly move to the right joystick to execute manoeuvres, and then move back to operate other standard function buttons for the vast majority of game playing time.

The present inventor has appreciated that there is a loss of precise control and continuity when the right thumb moves in either direction between the right joystick and other standard function buttons.

The present inventor has also appreciated that an asymmetric position of the left and right joysticks may make it difficult for either thumb to operate a standard function initiator located generally on a mid-line of the top surface of the game controller.

Such a centrally located standard function initiator may for example be a "directional pad" or "cross pad".

Preferred embodiments of this invention aim to offer the console games player and personal computer game player one or more of more balance, more precise control, or more continuity than standard games controllers presently available.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to ensure that both hands of a user have /each hand of a user has symmetrical access to the same number and layout of standard function initiators andlor that both thumbs / each thumb can be symmetrically placed on one of the two analogue joysticks positioned on a single horizontal plane on the upper side of the controller for as much game playing time as possible and/or that up to eight fingers (not counting the thumbs) can be used to initiate up to eight other standard functions while simultaneously keeping each thumb placed on one of the two analogue joysticks for as much of the game playing time as possible.

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a controller according to the present invention from above.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a controller according to the present invention from below.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a controller according to the present invention from the front.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a controller according to the present invention from the back.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a controller according to the present invention from the left side.

Externally, the body shape and standard function initiator layout of the left and right half of the controller shown in Figures 1 to 5 is symmetrical with respect to the midline or mid plane of the controller. However, whilst it is clearly preferred that in embodiments of the present invention the left and right halves are substantially symmetrical, it is not absolutely essential for the definition of the invention that the entire arrangement of body contours and standard function initiators is symmetrical.

The contours of the body 100 of the controller are indicated in Figures 1 to 5.

A list of reference signs used in the present specification is provided at the end of the description and reference should now be made thereto.

There is an expansion slot 2 for a headset and memory card at the front of the controller. The midline of this expansion slot 2 is on the midline of the body 100 of the controller. The expansion slot 2 and the electronic workings of the controller will not be described in detail since these are well known in the art.

Figure 1 shows the tope surface of the controller. Preferably, the top surface of the game controller is that surface where most functionality/buttons/standard function initiators arc provided, and the lower or bottom surface is substantially opposite the top surface.

Arranged in, on or at the body 100 are standard function buttons 3, 19 on the front shoulders of the game controller. For use with some game consoles this would be the black button on the right side of the controller, and the white button on the left side of the controller.

Two joysticks 5, 17 are arranged on the upper side or top surface of the controller, towards the front of the controller. The joysticks are slightly closer than the front shoulder standard function buttons to the midline of the controller indicated by dashed line 50. In a normal or natural playing position a user of average size hands would hold the left and right half of the game controller respectively with both hands, whereby the tip or distal portion of each thumb would be placed so as to comfortably operate the joysticks 5, 17, and the palms of the hands extending along the right and left main grips 10, 12 of the controller. Grip/rest positions 6 and 16 are provided near the joysticks 5, 17 for the thumb of each hand.

Grip/rest positions 4, 18 for the first finger (or index finger) are provided between the front shoulder standard function buttons 3, 19 and the analogue joysticks 5, 17.

Standard function buttons 7, 15 are provided slightly behind the analogue joysticks 5, 17 and further than the joysticks from the midline 50. For use with some game consoles this would be the start button on the right side of the controller and the back button on the left side of the controller. A further standard function initiator 8, in the embodiment shown a directional pad or cross pad is behind, and an equal distance from, the two analogue joysticks 5, 17. The midline of the directional pad 8 coincides with the midline 50 of the controller.

The invention is not limited to having a directional pad as the further standard function initiator 8. Any other standard function initiator 8 could be located on the midline 50. However, preferably the standard function initiator 8 which is located on the midline 50 is a standard function initiator which has more than one function.

Examples of such multi-functional standard function initiators include joysticks and directional pads (as opposed to simple buttons).

Indicators 9 are provided on the top surface of the controller, and their function will be explained later.

As shown in Figure 2, the power cable I is connected through the underside of body and along the midline 50 of the controller. The power cable projects forward from under the headset and memory card expansion slot 2. Some game consoles or PCs are arranged for use with a wireless game controller. In this case the power cable 1 is omitted, and instead a battery compartment and/or charging contacts are provided, which may (but need not) be generally in the same place as the power cable connection shown in Figure 2.

Various grip/rest positions 30 to 36 and 38 to 44 are provided on the lower or bottom surface shown in Figure 2. Some of these are arranged to be used by different fingers, depending on how the user holds the game controller. Initially the description will proceed on the assumption that a user would hold the game controller in an "eight digit position". In the eight digit position the thumbs and first to third fingers of a user are used to operate the game controller and/or have access to at least one grip/rest position.

Grip/rest positions 30, 38 are provided for the first fingers between the front shoulder standard function buttons 3, 19 and left and right triggers 20, 21. The triggers 20, 21 on the lower or bottom surface of the controller are arranged at about the same distance from the midline 50 of the controller as the front shoulder standard function buttons 3, 19. The central axis (or pivoting axis) of the triggers and the operating angle of the triggers 20, 21 are approximately 300 to 60 from the midline of the controller, preferably around 45 . The front of the triggers 20, 21 is closer to the midline 50 than the back of the triggers.

Grip/rest positions 31, 32, 33, 39, 40, 41 are provided on the inner face of the controller main grips 10, 12 these grip/rest positions are intended respectively for the second finger (or middle finger), third finger (or ring finger) and fourth finger (small finger) of the right and left hands of the user. Further grip/rest positions are provided on the central main grip. Grip/rest positions 34 to 36 are intended for the second to fourth fingers of the right hand and grip/rest positions 42 to 44 are intended for the second to fourth fingers of the left hand. Two standard function buttons are provided on each side of the central main grip (four in total). All four standard function buttons provided on the lower or bottom surface of the central main grip are approximately equally distanced from the midline 50. Standard function buttons 22, 24 are intended to be operated by the tip of the right and left second fingers, and standard function buttons 23, 25 are intended to be operated by the tip of the right and left third fingers.

Whilst the standard function buttons 22 to 25 may all be approximately equally distanced from the midline 50, it is also possible to arrange the front standard function buttons 22, 24 nearer the midline of the controller than the rear standard function buttons 23, 25. For use with some game consoles, the underside standard function button 24 would be the "X" or Blue button, the standard function button 22 would be the "Y" or Yellow button, the standard function button 25 would be the "A" or Green button and the standard function button 23 would be the "B" or Red button.

Using the eight digit playing position, the right hand of the user would operate the analogue joystick 5 with the thumb, the front shoulder standard function button 3 and trigger 21 with the first finger, the underside standard function button 22 with the second finger and the underside standard function button 23 with the third finger. The fourth finger would be used for grip or balance. In the eight digit playing position the first finger can use the grip/rest position 30, the second finger the grip/rest positions 31 and 34, the third finger the grip/rest positions 32, 35 and the fourth finger the grip/rest positions 33 and 36. Corresponding standard function initiators and grip/rest positions of the left side of the controller would be used by the left hand of the user.

If the user uses all ten digits for playing, ten standard function initiators can be operated simultaneously. Again referring to the right hand of the user, the thumb would operate the analogue joystick 5, the first finger would operate the front shoulder standard function button 3, the second finger would operate the trigger 21, the third finger would operate the underside standard function button 22 and the fourth finger would operate the underside standard function button 23. In the ten digit playing position the first finger could use the grip/rest position 4, the second finger the grip/rest position 30, the third finger the grip/rest positions 31 and 34 and the fourth finger the grip/rest positions 32 and 35. Again, corresponding standard function initiators and grip/rest positions of the left half of the controller would be operated/used by corresponding fingers of the left hand of the user.

Thus the game controller offers the user two dedicated playing positions with dedicated grips arranged for use in both positions.

The body 100 of the controller is shaped to allow the second, third and fourth fingers as much rest/grip space as possible. The body 100 and the left, central and right main grips 12, 11, 10 are shaped to facilitate ease and speed of movement of the second, third and fourth fingers between rest/grip positions and operation of the standard function buttons.

The shape of the grips may have any suitable shape and material, including any already known in the art. The grip/rest positions may for example have a generally concave shape and may have grip enhancing features such as ribs, grooves or dots.

The material of the grips/rest positions may be different from the material of the body of the controller, for example rubber.

Figures 3 to 5 illustrate further the shape and contours of the body 100 of the controller and the position of the standard function initiators and grip / rest positions.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the top surface of the controller slopes generally downwards from the front to the back.

Returning to Figure 1, the indicators 9 are arranged approximately at positions on the top surface of the controller which correspond to positions of the standard function buttons 22 to 25 on the lower or bottom surface of the controller. That is, the leftmost indicator 9 in Figure 1 towards the rear of the controller would correspond to standard function button 25 etc. The indicators 9 may simply have a colour or other marking that corresponds to the function of the standard function button to which it is associated. Such a marking could include the colours green, red, blue and yellow andlor the letters A, B, X or Y. The indicators 9 may help a user to get used to the operation of the standard function buttons arranged on the lower or bottom surface of the controller.

In one embodiment the indicators 9 are lit whenever the corresponding standard function button on the lower or bottom surface of the controller is operated.

Especially in a preferred embodiment, in which the controller is a wireless controller, a means such as a switch or button (not shown) is provided to enable a user to turn on or off the lighting of the indicators 9.

The standard function buttons 22 to 25 are preferably buttons which are moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the paper plane of Figure 2. In many embodiments the paper plane of Figure 2 would be generally parallel to the top and lower or bottom surfaces of the controller. In many embodiments the direction in which the standard function buttons 22 to 25 can be moved would be parallel to the axis ofthejoysticks 5 and 17 when in a neutral position.

Preferably, pressure on standard function initiators 22 to 25 translates directly (i.e. without intervening hinges or similar) and linearly into pressure onto a circuit board of the controller.

It will be seen that the embodiment shown in the drawings offers both hands symmetrical access to more than half of the standard function initiators. Each thumb is offered symmetrical access to the directional pad 8.

It will be understood that more, or less, than four standard function initiators could be provided in, on or at the lower or bottom surface of the controller. If for example eight standard function initiators are provided in, on or at the lower or bottom surface, the user could operate these with all eight first to fourth fingers, with only the thumbs remaining at the top surface.

It will also be understood that the provision of four buttons 22 to 25 at the lower or bottom surface is by way of example only, and that other standard function initiators (such as a further joystick, trigger or directional pad) could be provided in, on or at the lower or bottom surface.

Although the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in the invention, whether alone or in any appropriate combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein.

List of reference signs: 1 power cable 2 headset port/memory card expansion slot 3 function button/black button 4 right first finger grip/rest position right analogue joystick 6 right thumb grip/rest positions 7 function button/start button 8 directional pad function 9 function button indicators right rear extension/right main grip 11 central rear extension/central main grip 12 left rear extension/left main grip function button/back button 16 left thumb grip/rest positions 17 left analogue joystick 18 left first finger grip/rest position 19 function button/white button left trigger 21 right trigger 22 function buttonlY button 23 function button/B button 24 function buttonlX button function button/A button to 36 grip/rest positions #1 to #7 38 to 44 grip/rest positions #8 to #14 midline

Claims

CLAiMS 1. A game controller having at least two joysticks, and a

further standard function initiator (as herein defined) substantially on a mid-line or mid-plane of the game controller.

2. A game controller according to claim 1, wherein the at least two joysticks are arranged substantially symmetrical with respect to the mid-line or mid-plane of the game controller.

3. A game controller according to claim I or 2, wherein the location of a first one of said joysticks is within 10mm, preferably within 8mm, more preferably within 6mm, more preferably within 4mm, more preferably within 2 mm, and most preferably within 1mm of a location which is precisely symmetrical to the location of a second one of said joysticks with respect to the mid-line or mid-plane of the game controller.

4. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distance between said further standard function initiator and the mid-line or mid-plane of the game controller is less than 10mm, preferably less than 8mm, more preferably less than 6mm, more preferably less than 4mm, more preferably less than 2 mm, and most preferably less than 1mm.

5. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mid-line or mid-plane of the game controller is defined as being a line of symmetry between the at least two joysticks.

6. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mid-line or mid-plane of the game controller is defined as being substantially a line of symmetry between the two hands of a user when the user is holding the game controller in a natural or normal playing position.

7. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the body of the game controller is substantially symmetrical with respect to the mid-line or mid-p lane of the game controller.

8. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the further standard function initiator comprises one of a trigger, a further joystick, a directional pad, the "A" button, the "B" button, the "X" button, the "Y" button, the "black" button, the "white" button, the "start" button and the "back" button.

9. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the further standard function initiator has more than one function.

10. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when the game controller is held in a natural or normal playing position by a user of average size hands, the further standard function initiator can be substantially comfortably reached and operated by at least one thumb of the user, preferably by both thumbs.

11. A game controller according to claim 10, wherein, when the game controller is held in said natural or normal playing position by said user, at least one of said joysticks, preferably both, can be substantially comfortably reached and operated by at least one thumb of the user, preferably respectively by both thumbs of the user.

12. A game controller according to claim 11, wherein, when the game controller is held in said natural or normal playing position by said user, at least one of said thumbs, preferably both, can move substantially comfortably between a position where it/they can operate the joystick(s) and a position where itlthey can operate the further standard function initiator, wherein during said movement the extent to which the palm of the user's hand(s) touch the game controller does not change by more than about 25%, preferably about 20%, more preferably about 15%, more preferably about 10% and most preferably about 5%.

13. A game controller according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, when the game controller is held in said natural or normal playing position by said user, a first distance between the centre of at least one joystick, preferably both, and an axis about -13 which the thumb(s) substantially pivot(s) during movement between a position for operation of the or each joystick and a position for operation of the further standard function initiator is substantially the same as a second distance between the centre of the further standard function initiator and said axis.

14. A game controller according to claim 13, wherein, when the game controller is held in said natural or normal playing position by said user, the first distance and the second distance differ by no more than 10mm, preferably 8mm, more preferably 6mm, more preferably 4mm, more preferably 2mm and most preferably no more than 1mm.

15. A game controller according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising at least one standard function initiator in, on or at an (in normal use) lower surface thereof.

16. A game controller having a top surface, and a lower or bottom surface substantially opposite the top surface, wherein at least one standard function initiator (as herein defined) is located in, on or at the lower or bottom surface.

17. A game controller according to claim 16, wherein at least one joystick is located on or at the top surface.

18. A game controller according to claim 16 or 17, wherein when the game controller is held in a natural or normal playing position by a user of average size hands at least one thumb of the user is arranged to operate a standard function initiator located in, on or at the top surface.

19. A game controller according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein two, more preferably three, more preferably four, more preferably five, more preferably six, more preferably seven and yet more preferably eight standard function initiators are located in, on or at the lower or bottom surface.

20. A game controller according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein, when the game controller is held in the or a natural or normal playing position by the or a user of average size hands, at least one finger of the user can substantially comfortably reach the at least one standard function initiator located in, on or at the lower or bottom surface.

21. A game controller according to claim 20, as directly or indirectly dependent from claim 17, wherein said at least one finger is a finger of that hand which is arranged to operate the at least one joystick.

22. A game controller according to claim 20 or 21 as directly or indirectly dependent from claim 19, wherein as many fingers of said user can substantially comfortably reach the standard function initiator(s) which is/are provided in, on or at the lower or bottom surface, as the number of such standard function initiators.

23. A game controller according to any of claims 15 to 22, wherein the at least one standard function initiator provided in, on or at the lower or bottom surface is moveable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the controller, preferably substantially parallel to the axis of the at least one joystick in a neutral position.

24. A game controller according to any one of claims 15 to 23 wherein an indication of the location of the at least one standard function initiator which is provided in, on or at the lower or bottom surface, is provided in, on or at a surface of the game controller which is not said lower or bottom surface, preferably in, on or at the top surface.

25. A game controller according to claim 24, wherein a said indication is provided for each standard function initiator which is located in, on or at the lower or bottom surface.

26. A game controller according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising means for lighting a said indication when the corresponding standard function initiator is operated.

27. A game controller according to claim 26, further comprising means for enabling a user to select whether or not a said indication is to be lit.

28. A game controller having at least two rest positions, one for each of at least two adjacent fingers of a user, and at least one standard function initiator generally between said at least two rest positions.

29. A game controller according to claim 28, having at least a first, second and third rest position, one for each of at least three adjacent fingers, and at least two standard function initiators, wherein a first one of said standard function initiators is located generally between the first and second rest positions, and a second one of said standard function initiators is located generally between the second and third rest positions.

30. A game controller according to claim 28 or 29, wherein, when said game controller is held in a natural or normal playing position by a user of average size hands, the at least two rest positions can be reached comfortably by the middle finger and the ring finger of the user.

31. A game controller according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the distance between each of said at least two rest positions and the nearest standard function initiator is less than 2cm, preferably less than 1.5cm, and most preferably less than 1 cm.

32. A game controller according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein said rest positions have a generally concave shape and/or are provided with grip enhancing features.

33. A game controller according to any of claims 16 to 32, wherein a steering wheel is provided in, on or at the top surface.

34. A game controller substantially as herein described with reference to, or as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.