US20120142419A1

US20120142419A1 - Directional Pad Rotating Mechanism

Info

Publication number: US20120142419A1
Application number: US13/224,728
Authority: US
Inventors: Hiroaki Muramatsu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-09-03
Filing date: 2011-09-02
Publication date: 2012-06-07
Also published as: JP2012055340A

Abstract

A game console controller characterized with a function for adjusting the key angles and key arrangements is disclosed. The game console controller comprises a main body configured to be held by a player performing a game, a plurality of operational input parts arranged on the main body, and a plurality of arrangement changing parts for changing the arrangement of the plurality of operational input parts. The plurality of operational input parts and the plurality of arrangement changing parts are configured to adjust keys and key angles of the game console controller to provide an ease of use to the player. The game console controller allows the player to change the arrangements of the keys in accordance with the differences in the size of the hands, length and thickness of the fingers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a play station controller, and more particularly to an improved controller used for game play with a game console, with which the angles of keys can be adjusted.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Conventionally, when playing games using a game console, it is common to hold a controller which is connected to the game console and play the game by operating keys provided on the controller. Standard game console controllers are generally designed by a maker, and have a fixed shape. The users who hold these uniformly designed controllers have entirely different body types and habits. For example, in terms of body type, there will be differences in the size of the hands, and the length and thickness of the fingers, while in terms of habits, there will be differences in the way in which the controller is held, as well as in the particular fingers and the specific parts of the fingers with which the keys and buttons are pressed.
U.S. Pat. Application No. 20100041480 entitled to Wong on Feb. 18, 2010, describes a game console controller that includes a hand-holdable housing and a touch sensitive liquid crystal display (LCD) on the housing. The LCD is caused to present, depending on what type of game console a user has selected, a controller key layout for a first type of game console or a controller key layout for a second type of game console. A key layout includes plural keys selectable by a user to input commands to a game console. However, the plural keys cannot be adjusted or rearranged according to the needs of the user. Further, the structure and arrangement of controller will not necessarily be suitable for every user.
In addition, U.S. Pat. Application No. 20090280899 issued to Cox on Nov. 12, 2009,discloses a method and system for utilizing a game console and an input device. The method and system comprises mapping commands to system directives of the game console and generating an input signal having predefined characteristics corresponding to the input device being utilized to engage the system directives. The method and system also includes performing system functions using an input controller associated with the input device after the system directives are engaged. However, this system does not disclose any method for adjusting the angles and arrangements of various components.
Similarly, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,984 issued to Sweeney on Apr. 20, 2004 discloses a hand-held controller having a plurality of console command buttons that, in response to activation, cause the transmission of commands for the purpose of controlling the operation of a video game console. Parental control is provided by preventing the transmission of commands to the video game console in response to activation of a console command button as a function of a parental control parameter that is provided to the hand-held controller. However, the system is not user friendly. Moreover, the arrangement of the keys cannot be changed in accordance with the needs of the user.
Therefore, there is a need for a device that provides a user friendly game console controller. Such a needed device would allow the player to change the arrangements of the keys in accordance with the differences in the size of the hands, length and thickness of the fingers. The device would not require any additional means for adjusting the angle or the inclination of the key according to the player's need. The present invention accomplishes these objectives.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a game console controller characterized by a function for adjusting the angle of a key arranged on the controller. More specifically, the game console controller is as follows. The game console controller comprises a main body configured to be held by a player performing a game, a plurality of operational input parts arranged on the main body, and a plurality of arrangement changing parts for changing the arrangement of the plurality of operational input parts. The plurality of operational input parts and the plurality of arrangement changing parts are configured to adjust keys and key angles of the game console controller to provide an ease of use to the player.
The plurality of operational input parts comprises a cross key means, a button means and an analog stick means. The plurality of operational input parts are arranged on the main body. The cross key means is configured for generating operation information in the up, down, left and right cross key directions. The button means consists of a plurality of buttons to generate operational information. The analog stick means is configured for direction specifying operations. The plurality of operational input parts is configured to be operated by a finger of the player.
The plurality of arrangement changing parts comprises a cross changing means, a button changing means and a standing orientation changing means. The cross changing means whereby the up, down, left and right pushing operation positions of the cross key means can be changed by way of in-plane rotation around the approximate center of the cross key means. The button changing means is configured to change the arrangement of the plurality of buttons by way of in-plane rotation around the approximate center of the plurality of buttons. The plurality of operational input parts comprises an analog stick means that is operated by way of the direction in which the stick is inclined so as to perform input in any direction through 360°, around a neutral position, which is a no-operation position; and the plurality of arrangement changing parts comprises a standing orientation changing means that changes the standing orientation of the stick in the neutral position, which is the no-operation position, with respect to the main body.
The present invention provides a user friendly game console controller. Such a needed device would allow the player to change the arrangements of the keys in accordance with the differences in the size of the hands, length and thickness of the fingers. Further, the device does not require any additional means for adjusting the angle or the inclination of the key according to the player's need. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, illustrating a game console controller in accordance with a first mode of embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention, illustrating an example of adjusting the angles of operational input parts on the game console controller in accordance with the first mode of embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the present invention, illustrating an example of adjusting the angle of a cross means on the game console controller in accordance with the first mode of embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the present invention, illustrating an example of a characteristic portion of the internal structure of a cross changing means in the game console controller in accordance with the first mode of embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating an example of adjusting the angle of a button means on the game console controller in accordance with the first mode of embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating an example of a characteristic portion of the internal structure of a button changing means in the game console controller in accordance with the first mode of embodiment;

FIG. 5A is an perspective view illustrating an example of adjusting the angle of a standing orientation means on the game console controller in accordance with the first mode of embodiment; and

FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustrating an example of a characteristic portion of the internal structure of a standing orientation changing means in the game console controller in accordance with the first mode of embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, illustrating a game console controller in accordance with a first mode of embodiment. The game console controller comprises a main body 101 configured to be held by a player performing a game, a plurality of operational input parts (0102, 0103, 0104) arranged on the main body 101, and a plurality of arrangement changing parts (0105, 0106, 0107) for changing the arrangement of the plurality of operational input parts (0102, 0103, 0104). The plurality of operational input parts and the plurality of arrangement changing parts are configured to adjust keys and key angles of the game console controller to provide an ease of use to the player. The game console controller is provided with a function whereby the arrangements of each of these means can be changed.
The plurality of operational input parts comprises a cross key means 0102, a button means 0103 and an analog stick means 0104. The plurality of operational input parts are arranged on the main body 0101. The cross key means 0102 is configured for generating operation information in the up, down, left and right cross key directions. The button means 0103 consists of a plurality of buttons to generate operational information. The analog stick means 0104 is configured for direction specifying operations. The plurality of operational input parts (0102, 0103, 0104) is configured to be operated by a finger of the player.
The plurality of arrangement changing parts comprises a cross changing means 0105, a button changing means 0106 and a standing orientation changing means 0107. The cross changing means 0105 may be used to change the up, down, left and right pushing operation positions of the cross key means 0102 by way of in-plane rotation around the approximate center of the cross key means 0102. The button changing means 0106 is configured to change the arrangement of the plurality of buttons by way of in-plane rotation around the approximate center of the plurality of buttons. The analog stick means 0104 is operated by way of the direction in which the stick is inclined so as to perform input in any direction through 360°, around a neutral position, which is a no-operation position, and the arrangement changing part comprises a standing orientation changing means that changes the standing orientation of the stick in the neutral position, which is the no-operation position, with respect to the main body 0101.
The plurality of arrangement changing parts (0105, 0106, 0107) have arrangement changing functions, which serve to change the arrangements of the plurality of operational input parts (0102,0103,0104) with respect to the main body 0101, so as to suit the hands of the player carrying out the game. Specifically, the arrangement changing parts (0105, 0106, 0107) allows the player to manually change the arrangement of the operational input means (for example, a cross key, various buttons, an analog stick or the like) which are arranged on a controller for playing a game with a game console, to an arbitrary arrangement.
The cross changing means 0105 has a function whereby the positions of the top, bottom, left and right pushing operations for the cross key means 0102 can be changed by way of in-plane rotation around the approximate center of the cross key means 0102. Specifically, together with a structure that allows for free in-plane rotation around an axis at the center of the cross key means 0102, a stopper is provided for fixing the cross key means 0102 in place. Thus, the arrangement of the cross key means 0102 can be changed by way of in-plane rotation of the cross key means 0102 and fixing the cross key means 0102 in place using the stopper.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the present invention, illustrating an example of adjusting the angle of a cross means on the game console controller in accordance with the first mode of embodiment. FIG. 3B shows a characteristic portion of the internal structure of the cross changing means 0106 in accordance with the first mode of embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3B, the cross changing means 0105 allows for in-plane rotation of the cross key means 0102, by providing a structure 0308 for rotating the cross key means 0102 in-plane, and by providing a stopper 309, for fixing the cross key means 0102 in place, on the left side of the controller. Consequently, when adjusting the cross key means 0102, in a situation in which the stopper is fixed in place (FIG. 3B (a)), the user can use the stopper to release the lock and rotate the cross key means 0102 to an arbitrary angle (FIG. 3B (b)), and then once again fix the cross key means 0102 in place, using the stopper (FIG. 3B (a)), so as to change the angle of the cross key means as shown in FIG. 3A.
The button changing means 0106 has a function that allows the arrangement of the buttons to be changed by rotating the button means 0103 in-plane around the approximate center of the plurality of buttons. Specifically, together with a structure that allows for free in-plane rotation around an axis at the center of the button means, a stopper is provided for fixing the button means in place. Thus, the arrangement of the button means 0103 can be changed by way of in-plane rotation of the button means 0103, and fixing the button means 0103 in place using the stopper.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating the adjustment of the angle of a button means on the game console controller and FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating an example of a characteristic portion of the internal structure of a button changing means. As shown in FIG. 4B, the button changing means allow for in-plane rotation of the button means, by providing a structure 0410 for rotating the button means 0103 in-plane, and by providing a stopper 0411, for fixing the button changing means in place, on the right side of the controller. Consequently, when adjusting the button means, a situation appears which the stopper is fixed in place as shown in FIG. 4B (a), the user can use the stopper to release the lock and a rotate the button means to an arbitrary angle FIG. 4B (b), and then once again fix the button means in place, using the stopper FIG. 4B (a), so as to change the angle of the button means as shown in FIG. 4A.
The standing orientation changing means 0107 has a function for changing the standing orientation of the stick, with respect to the main body, in the position that is the no-operation position for the stick. Specifically, together with a structure that allows for changing the inclination of the analog stick means 0104, a stopper is provided for fixing the analog stick means 0104 in place. Thus, the inclination of the analog stick means 0104 can be changed by way of changing the inclination of the analog stick means 0104, and fixing the analog stick means 0104 in place using the stopper.
FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustrating an example of adjusting the angle of the standing orientation means 0107 on the game console controller. FIG. 5B shows a perspective view and a characteristic portion of the internal structure of a standing orientation changing means in the game console controller in accordance with the first mode of embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5B (a), the analog stick means 0104 of the controller in this mode of embodiment are connected to the controller main body 0101 by way of a rotational shaft 0512, and a stopper 0513 that serves to fix in place the analog stick means 0104, which rotates around the rotational shaft, is provided on the back side (FIG. 5B (a)) of the analog stick means (sectional views: 5B (b), (c)). Consequently, when changing the inclination of the analog stick means 0104, the player can use the stopper to release the lock and a rotate the analog stick means 0104 to an arbitrary inclination (FIG. 5B (b)), and then once again fix the analog stick means 0104 in place, using the stopper. Consequently, it is possible to change the standing orientation of the analog stick means as shown in FIG. 5A.
While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the game console controller can be applied to any input interface operational input part provided on any game controller. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A game console controller for controlling a game by a player, the game console controller comprising:

a main body configured to be held by the player;

a plurality of operational input parts arranged on the main body; and

a plurality of arrangement changing parts for changing the arrangement of the plurality of operational input parts;

whereby the plurality of operational input parts and the plurality of arrangement changing parts are configured to adjust keys and key angles of the game console controller to provide an ease of use to the player.

2. The game console controller of claim 1 wherein the plurality of operational input means comprises a cross key means, a button means and an analog stick means.

3. The game console controller of claim 2 wherein the cross key means is configured to generate operation information in the up, down, left and right cross key directions.

4. The game console controller of claim 2 wherein the button means consists of a plurality of buttons to generate operational information.

5. The game console controller of claim 2 wherein the analog stick means is configured for direction specifying operations.

6. The game console controller of claim 1 wherein the plurality of operational input parts is configured to be operated by a finger of the player.

7. The game console controller of claim 1 wherein the plurality of arrangement changing parts comprises a cross changing means, a button changing means and a standing orientation changing means.

8. The game console controller of claim 7 wherein the cross changing means is configured to change the positions of the top, bottom, left and right pushing operations of the cross key means.

9. The game console controller of claim 7 wherein the button changing means is configured to change the arrangement of the plurality of buttons by in-plane rotation around approximate center of the plurality of buttons.

10. The game console controller of claim 7 wherein the standing orientation changing means is configured to change the standing orientation of the analog stick means utilizing a stopper.

11. The game console controller of claim 1 wherein the plurality of arrangement changing parts is configured with respect to the main body so as to suit the hands of the player.

12. A game console controller for controlling a game by a player, the game console controller comprising:

a main body configured to be held by the player;

a plurality of operational input parts arranged on the main body; the plurality of operational input parts comprises a cross key means, a button means and an analog stick means; and

a plurality of arrangement changing parts having a cross changing means, a button changing means and a standing orientation changing means, the plurality of arrangement changing parts being configured to change the arrangement of the plurality of operational input parts;

13. The game console controller of claim 12 wherein the plurality of operational input parts is configured to be operated by a finger of the player.

14. The game console controller of claim 12 wherein the cross key means is configured to generate operation information in the up, down, left and right cross key directions.

15. The game console controller of claim 12 wherein the button means consists of a plurality of buttons to generate operational information.

16. The game console controller of claim 12 wherein the analog stick means is configured for direction specifying operations.

17. The game console controller of claim 13 wherein the plurality of arrangement changing parts is configured with respect to the main body so as to suit the hands of the player.