KR100430081B1 - Game pad connectable to personal portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a game pad configured to be connected to a personal mobile terminal to play a game, in order to facilitate the use and operation of the game, a predetermined handle is provided with a plurality of key buttons are installed on both left and right sides, respectively, A seating portion for mounting the terminal is formed between the handles, and guide ribs for guiding both ends of the terminal to be mounted are protruded from the upper ends of both side walls of the seating portion, and electrically connected to an interface connector formed on the terminal on an end surface of the seating portion. A predetermined connector is installed to configure the device to be selectively detached from the terminal.

Description

GAME PAD CONNECTABLE TO PERSONAL PORTABLE TERMINAL}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic game (hereinafter referred to as game) device, and more particularly, to a game pad for playing a game connected to a personal portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like. .

Recently, as the penetration rate of personal digital assistants such as mobile phones and PDDs is rapidly increasing, terminals with various functions and designs have emerged. Such personal portable terminals are increasingly being miniaturized and reduced in size, and at the same time, a variety of functions are required.

Therefore, in order to satisfy various needs of consumers, personal portable terminals need to reduce the volume of terminals while maintaining or improving functions, and multifunctional terminals (for example, game-only devices, stock terminals, and digital camera terminals). Actions should be performed in response to this.

In general, a personal portable terminal has a trend in that a communication function is added to enable a user to transmit and receive data with a counterpart so as to be convenient for a user to use according to the above trend. In addition, the advanced features such as games, PC synchronization, GPS, and the like tend to be a trend as a feature of a composite terminal.

In such a personal portable terminal, a wide LCD module (wide LCD module), which serves as a display unit for performing various data communications, is generally used on the front of the main body to meet the needs of consumers. Key buttons are gradually decreasing. Accordingly, the key button adopts a scroll method a lot, and the LCD module is also configured as a touch screen to input data by directly touching the LCD panel.

However, such a personal portable terminal is very inconvenient to use the user's touch screen when playing a game, and when a small number of key buttons are operated in a scrolling manner, the operation becomes very difficult, and the terminal becomes smaller and thinner. Since the button of the size is limited, it is difficult to handle problems.

An object of the present invention for solving the above problems is to provide a game pad having a plurality of key buttons connected to a personal portable terminal to facilitate user operation of the electronic game.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a detachable game pad that can be easily detached from the PD for easy portability.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a game pad that can enhance the interest of a personal portable terminal and an electronic game.

In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention is a game pad configured to be connected to a personal portable terminal to play a game, a plurality of keys on both the left and right sides to facilitate the use and operation of the game Each of the predetermined knobs provided with buttons is formed, and a seating portion for mounting the terminal is formed between the handles, and guide ribs for guiding both ends of the terminal to be mounted are formed on both sides of the seating portion. It is characterized in that a predetermined connector for electrically connecting with the interface connector formed on the terminal is installed, and selectively detachable from the terminal.

In addition, the second aspect of the present invention is a game pad connected to a personal portable terminal, the interface unit for interfacing with an external device including a personal portable terminal, and a plurality of keys, if there is a key input corresponding key input A key input unit for generating key data for a vibration unit, a vibration unit having a vibration motor to perform a vibration operation according to the input of the operation control signal, and a sound processing unit having a sound source chip to generate an effect sound according to the input of the operation control signal And controlling the operations of the functional units collectively, providing key data to the external device through the interface unit, and controlling the operation of the vibration unit and the voice processing unit according to sound signals and vibration signals provided from the external device through the interface unit. Characterized in that it comprises a control unit.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a PD and a game pad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing the main portion of the game pad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the combination of the PD and the game pad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the game pad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a circuit block diagram of a PD and a game pad according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of Major Symbols in Drawing>

10: auxiliary data input device 11: handle

14: guide rib 15: vibrator

16: Sound source player 30: PDA

110: MPU 130: vibration part

140: interface unit 150: key input unit

160: voice processing unit

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the case where it is determined that the gist of the present invention may be unnecessarily obscured, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

1 is an exploded perspective view showing a PD and the game pad according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing the main part of the game pad according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 As a combined perspective view of the PD and the game pad according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the PD and the game pad 10 are configured to be selectively detachable.

The Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is configured to have a wide LCD 31 installed on an upper surface thereof to input data or to display data transmitted and received wirelessly. One side of the LCD 31 is provided with a plurality of buttons 32 protruding, it is used as a means for inputting data on the LCD (31). Further, at one end of the PD 30, a predetermined interface connector 33 for exchanging data with an external device is provided.

The game pad 10 is configured such that the PD 30 is detachable from the left and right sides, the predetermined handle 11 is provided with a plurality of key buttons 12 are installed to facilitate the user to operate, respectively, A seating portion 13 for mounting the PD 30 is formed between the handles 11 and electrically connected to the interface connector 33 formed on the PD over the end surface of the seating portion 13. A predetermined connector 17 is installed. The connector 17 may be configured to selectively connect a personal PC.

In this case, guide ribs 14 for guiding both ends of the PD 30 to be mounted are protruded from the upper end of both side walls of the seating portion 13 of the game pad 10. Therefore, when the PD 30 is seated on the seating portion 13, both ends are slid under the guidance of the guide ribs 14, and when the PD 30 is completely mounted in the direction of the arrow of Figure 2, the PD ( The interface connector 33 of 30 is electrically connected to the connector 17 of the game pad 10 installed on the seating portion 13 so that the plurality of buttons 12 installed on the handle 11 The PD 30 can be operated.

4 is a schematic diagram showing an internal structure of a game pad 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the printed circuit board 20 electrically connected to the connector 17 is provided. Can be installed. In addition, at least one vibrator 15 is installed inside the handle 11 of the game pad 10, so that when the user manipulates the PD 30, a vibration operation is selectively performed. In addition, at least one sound source player 16 is built into the handle of the game pad 10 so that the user can selectively enjoy the sound effect when the user manipulates the PD 30 through the game pad 10. do. As the sound source reproducing apparatus 16, a predetermined speaker device, a sound source chip, or the like can be used. The sound source reproducing apparatus 16 and the vibrator 15 may be installed on the printed circuit board 20, and may be installed using a flexible printed circuit (FPC) instead of the printed circuit board.

As described above, the game pad according to the characteristics of the present invention provides a vibration operation and a sound effect according to the game contents of the current electronic game, which is a simple key input unit of other game auxiliary devices such as a conventional joystick. Unlike roles, it makes the game more interesting. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5.

5 is a circuit block diagram of a PD and a game pad according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. First, referring to the structure of the PD 30, the components are connected to each functional unit on the internal bus of the PD 30. Among these, the CPU 320 is a main controller for collectively controlling the functions of the PD. In addition, the CPU 320 also controls the image display of the display unit (LCD) 330.

The memory unit 360 includes a ROM 362, a RAM 364, and a flash memory 366. The ROM 362 is a read-only storage device which permanently stores a code group for controlling hardware operations. The RAM 364 is a recordable volatile memory device and is mainly used as a work area of the CPU 320. The flash memory 366 is an erasable nonvolatile memory device, for example, used for retaining main data of the PD 30.

The speech codec 310 is a dedicated circuit for compressing and decompressing speech data. For example, at the time of execution of a game or the like, voice data such as various sounds in progress of the game is extended by the voice codec 310 and outputted by the speaker 312.

The interface unit 340 interfaces the PD 30 with an external device (a personal PC, the game pad 10 of the present invention), a serial port, a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) port, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port and the like.

The PD 30 also includes a battery 370 as a main power source. As the battery 370, for example, a secondary battery such as lithium ion is employed. The output terminal voltage of the battery 370 is level-converted by the DC-DC converter 372 and supplied to the respective functional units. In addition, a backup battery 374 may be provided.

The PD 30 may be configured as described above, and the PD 30 may be provided with functional units for a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) function for realizing wireless communication. However, these are well known to those skilled in the art, and since they do not form the gist of the present invention, the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, referring to the game pad 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the interface unit 140 of the game pad 10 interfaces the game pad 10 and an external device (a personal PC, a PD 30, etc.). It may be configured as a serial port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a Bluetooth module, and the like.

The key input unit 150 includes a plurality of buttons and direction keys, and generates key data for the corresponding key input when the user inputs the key to the MPU 110.

The MPU 110 is a control unit for controlling the operation of the game pad 10. The MPU 110 may control key data according to the input of a button and a direction key generated from the key input unit 150 through the interface unit 140. For example, it is provided to the PD 30 so as to perform the operation according to the PD 30.

In addition, the game pad 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a vibration unit 130 and a voice processing unit 160, the vibration unit 130 is provided with a vibration motor 130, of the MPU 110 The vibration motor 130 is driven under control to vibrate the game pad 10. In addition, the voice processing unit 160 includes a sound source chip (for example, YMU759, Yamaha, Japan) 162, a speaker 164, and an earphone connection jack 166 to control sound effects under the control of the MPU 110. It is generated through the earphone (not shown) connected to the speaker 164 or the earphone connection jack 166. That is, the MPU 110 controls the operation of the voice processor 160 or the vibrator 130 according to the sound signal and the vibration signal provided from the PD 30 through the interface unit 140 during the game.

To this end, first, in each game program, a situation in which a sound signal for generating a specific sound and a vibration signal for generating a vibration are defined in a game progress, and the PD 30 performs the sound signal and the vibration signal during a game progress. To the game pad 10.

Accordingly, the user can enjoy the vibration and the effect sound during the game progress, wherein the effect sound can also be heard through the speaker 164 of the voice processing unit 160, by connecting a separate earphone to the earphone connection jack 166 You can also listen through.

In addition, the game pad 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a memory unit 120 for downloading and storing an operation program of the MPU 110 and a plurality of game programs. The game pad 10 is connected to a general personal PC, a PC, a mobile phone, and the like through the interface unit 140 under the control of the MPU 110 to download a game program by wire or wirelessly and store it in the memory unit 120. At this time, the operation program of the MPU 110 stored in the memory unit 120 is preferably stored in the flash memory, the operation program is configured in a library manner, it is possible to facilitate expansion of the operation program correction and upgrade, etc. have.

In addition, the game pad 10 may be provided with a power supply unit 170 that provides the operating power of each functional unit, such as a separate battery. The power supply unit 170 may be configured of a rechargeable battery or the like so as to be recharged through a charger.

As described above, the game pad according to the features of the present invention can be configured, and the above-described description of the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, but various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the description of the embodiment described above, the game pad of the present invention is combined with a PD, and described as interfacing with the PD. In addition, the present invention may be configured to interface with the IMT-2000 terminal or a mobile phone.

In addition, in the game pad of the present invention, when a specific key (or combination of keys) included in the key input unit is inputted, a command for rotating the game screen output to the LCD of the personal portable terminal connected thereto by 90 degrees or 180 degrees as a whole. It can be preset to be. This is because the connector may be formed on the bottom or top or side of the terminal according to the type of each personal portable terminal, and thus the game pad may be formed to be coupled to the bottom or top or side of the terminal. This is to allow the user using the gamepad to see the correct screen.

As such, there may be various modifications and various detailed embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the equivalents of the claims and the claims, rather than by the embodiments described.

As described above, since the game pad according to the present invention includes a plurality of key buttons, when the game pad is connected to a personal portable terminal and used, the game pad is convenient to use and easy to operate. Because it can be separated, it is easy to carry.

In addition, the game pad of the present invention can increase the interest of the electronic game using a personal portable terminal through the vibration effect and the sound effect output.

Claims (7)

A game pad for playing a game by connecting to a personal portable terminal, Left and right handles each of which is provided with a plurality of key buttons for operation, A seating portion formed between the handles to mount the terminal; Guide ribs formed at upper ends of both side walls of the seating part to guide both ends of the mounted terminal; And a connector formed on an end surface of the seating portion to electrically connect with an interface connector formed on the terminal, the connector selectively detachable from the terminal. The game pad of claim 1, wherein the personal digital assistant is a PD. A seating portion for mounting a personal portable terminal, guide ribs formed on both sides of the seating wall and guiding both ends of the mounted terminal, an interface connector formed on an end surface of the seating portion and provided on the terminal; In the game pad electrically connected, and comprising a connector selectively detachable from the terminal, An interface unit connected to and connected to the personal portable terminal; A key input unit having a plurality of keys and generating key data for a corresponding key input when there is a key input; Vibration unit having a vibration motor for performing a vibration operation in accordance with the input of the operation control signal, A sound processor having a sound source chip to generate an effect sound according to an input of an operation control signal; It controls the operation of the functional unit as a whole, and provides the key data generated in the key input unit to the external device through the interface unit, the vibration unit and in accordance with the sound signal and vibration signal provided from the external device through the interface unit; And a controller for outputting an operation control signal to the voice processor. The game pad of claim 3, wherein the voice processing unit further has an earphone connecting jack for outputting the effect sound to the earphone. The game pad of claim 3, further comprising a memory unit for downloading and storing an operation program of the controller and a plurality of game programs. The game pad of claim 5, wherein the operation program of the controller is formed in a library manner and provided in a flash memory of the memory unit. The game pad of claim 3, wherein the personal digital assistant is a PD.