US20200215427A1 - Controllers with moveable actuators - Google Patents
Controllers with moveable actuators Download PDFInfo
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- US20200215427A1 US20200215427A1 US16/818,591 US202016818591A US2020215427A1 US 20200215427 A1 US20200215427 A1 US 20200215427A1 US 202016818591 A US202016818591 A US 202016818591A US 2020215427 A1 US2020215427 A1 US 2020215427A1
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- module member
- controller
- member body
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- module
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 39
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- MVWHGTYKUMDIHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl Chemical compound C1=C(Cl)C(Cl)=CC(Cl)=C1C1=CC(Cl)=C(Cl)C=C1Cl MVWHGTYKUMDIHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/23—Input arrangements for video game devices for interfacing with the game device, e.g. specific interfaces between game controller and console
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
- A63F13/98—Accessories, i.e. detachable arrangements optional for the use of the video game device, e.g. grip supports of game controllers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/1043—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being characterized by constructional details
Definitions
- the present disclosure is related to controllers and, more particularly, to controllers with moveable actuators.
- controllers are generally limited in the flexibility accorded to users to customize use of various input mechanisms, which receive physical input from a user that is translated to a corresponding output, e.g., control of an on-screen function.
- a controller is coupled to the video game consoles and other video game processor systems such that the controller can control an on-screen function of a video game.
- the controller can comprise various handheld game controllers which can include various input devices, such as joysticks, digital sticks, directional pads, steering wheels, etc. It is desirable to provide customization options to users that may improve ergonomic and flexibility needs of users.
- a controller can be summarized as including a controller body having a cavity disposed in a back side of the controller body, a module member that is physically distinct and separate from the controller body removably coupleable to the controller body, the module member having a body sized and shaped to be received in the cavity, and at least one actuator that protrudes from a side of the member body.
- a controller can be summarized as including a controller body and a module member that is physically separate and distinct from the controller body.
- the module member is removably coupled to the controller body and can include a module member body, a first pair of levers that protrude outwardly from a first side of the module member body, a second pair of levers that protrude outwardly from a second side of the module member body, and a processor disposed in the module member body and coupleable to the first and second pair of levers.
- a controller can be summarized as including a controller body, and one or more actuators removably coupled to the controller body, movement of the one or more actuators controlling an on-screen function.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a controller, according to one example, non-limiting implementation.
- FIG. 2A illustrates a rear plan view of a controller body of the controller of FIG. 1 , according to one example, non-limiting implementation.
- FIG. 2B illustrates a front plan view of a module member of the controller of FIG. 1 , according to one example, non-limiting implementation.
- FIG. 2C illustrates a rear plan view of the module member of the controller of FIG. 1 , with certain components removed for clarity of illustration and description.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a controller, according to one example, non-limiting implementation.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the controller of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of the controller of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 6A illustrates a plan view of a module member of the controller of FIG. 3 , according to one example, non-limiting implementation.
- FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the module member of FIG. 3 , taken along lines 6 B- 6 B.
- FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the module member of FIG. 3 , taken along lines 6 C- 6 C.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a controller, according to one example, non-limiting implementation.
- FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of an actuator of the controller of FIG. 7 , according to one example, non-limiting implementation.
- FIGS. 1-2C illustrate a controller 10 according to one example, non-limiting implementation.
- the controller 10 includes a controller body 12 and a module member 14 .
- the module member 14 is configured to be removably coupleable to a back side of the controller body 12 .
- the module member 14 includes pairs of paddles or actuators (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “levers”) 16 , 18 that protrude outwardly from each side of a module member body 19 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of the controller 10
- FIG. 2A illustrates a rear plan view of the controller body 12
- FIG. 2B illustrates a front plan view of the module member 14
- FIG. 2C illustrates a rear plan view of the module member 14 with certain components (e.g., levers 16 , 18 ) removed for clarity of illustration and description.
- the module member 14 includes a first pair of levers 18 that protrude from a right side of the module member body 19 , and a second pair of levers 16 that protrude from a left side of the module member body 19 .
- Each of the first pair and second pair of levers 16 , 18 are positioned to be a mirror image of the other relative to a central axis of the module member 14 as they protrude from the respective side of the module member body 19 .
- controllers which may include controls that are directly connected to a back side of the controller body and extend in a vertical orientation
- each of the first and second pair of levers 16 , 18 are coupled to the module member body 19 and extend in a horizontal orientation.
- the module member 14 includes a processor, for example, in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the module member 14 in lieu of in the controller, which allows for greater flexibility in customizing the user experience by providing, for example, advantageous ergonomic designs, ability to retrofit customized controls into existing controllers, etc.
- PCB printed circuit board
- each of the levers 16 , 18 has a relatively short length, such that a user can access the levers 16 , 18 during use and depress or, more generally, move the levers 16 , 18 .
- Each of the levers 16 , 18 is coupled to the module member body 19 via corresponding recesses 28 disposed on the corresponding sides of the member body 19 .
- the levers 16 , 18 can be coupled to the member body 19 via frictional forces, e.g., frictional fit apertures/recesses disposed in the member body 19 , detent systems, welding, fasteners, etc.
- the levers 16 , 18 and the member body 19 can be designed so that the levers 16 , 18 are removably and interchangeably coupled to the member body 19 .
- a user can remove one or more of the levers 16 , 18 and interchange and/or replace with other levers 16 , 18 .
- the levers 16 , 18 are generally configured to allow movement of the levers 16 , 18 to activate a control function.
- a distal portion of the levers 16 , 18 is generally sized and shaped to be moved by thumbs of a user, which movement can activate the control function.
- activating the control function can result in controlling an on-screen function, such as navigation, jump, sprint, switch screens, etc.
- the module member 14 includes a switch mechanism operably coupled to a processor (e.g., hardware circuitry, e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) disposed in the module member body 19 ; for example, integrated into a PCB.
- ASIC application specific integrated circuit
- the processor may be communicatively coupled to a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium that stores processor-executable data and/or instructions.
- the switch mechanism may take the form of a mechanical switch button which is disposed in the member body 19 .
- the switch mechanism may take other forms, such as electrical switches, wireless switches (e.g., half-effect switch), etc. More particularly, activation of the switch mechanism via the levers 16 , 18 causes electrical communication with the processor to generate output signals. Such output signals are communicated to a controller processor to control the on-screen function.
- the controller body 12 includes a cavity 20 with a plurality of connector pins 21 .
- the module member body 19 also includes a plurality of member connector pins 22 .
- the connector pins 21 disposed on the controller body 12 and the module member body 19 may, in some implementations, take the form of female and male connector pins.
- the connector pins 21 , 22 disposed on the controller body 12 and module member body 19 are generally sized and shaped to align with each other so that the module member body 19 can be electrically and communicatively coupled to the controller body 12 . As illustrated in FIGS.
- the cavity 20 in the controller body 12 is sized and shaped to removably coupleably receive the module member body 19 .
- the connector pins 22 of the module member body 19 couple to the connector pins 21 in the controller body 12 .
- FIGS. 3-6C illustrate a controller 110 according to one example non-limiting implementation.
- the controller 110 includes a controller body 112 and a module member 114 .
- the controller 110 is generally similar to the controller 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2C , but provides certain variations.
- the controller body 112 includes a single pin connector 123 , e.g., a 5-pin connector, disposed in the connector body 112 .
- the single connector 123 may take other forms, such as USB 3.0 A-type, B-Type, Micro or Mini, a 4-pin connector, or other type of connectors.
- the pin connector 123 is disposed in a cavity 120 formed in the controller body 112 .
- the cavity 120 is sized and shaped to removably, coupleably receive the module member 114 .
- the controller body 112 includes a pair of recesses 150 that are sized and shaped to removably secure the module member 114 as described in further detail below.
- a module member body 119 of the module member 114 includes a female form of a connector 122 that is sized and shaped to couple to the single connector 123 .
- the location of the female connector 122 and the male connector 123 may be reversed, e.g., the module member 114 can include a male connector 123 and the controller body 112 can include a female connector 122 .
- the module member 114 includes a first pair of levers 118 , where each lever 118 protrudes from opposite sides of the module member body 119 . Adjacent to the first pair of levers 118 , the module member 114 includes a second pair of levers 116 , where each lever 116 protrudes from opposite sides of the module member body 119 . In this implementation, the first pair of levers 118 protrude a different distance from corresponding sides of the module member body 119 than the second pair of levers 116 , and have a generally different shape and profile. Each of the levers 116 , 118 can be configured to provide functionality that can be the same or different from each other.
- one or more of the levers 116 , 118 can control a certain on-screen function that is different from the other.
- the module member body 119 can be configured to interchangeably coupleably receive the levers 116 , 118 , or any other lever.
- the module member 114 includes a PCB 153 disposed in the module member body 119 , with the connector pin 122 protruding outwardly therefrom.
- the module member 114 also includes a switch mechanism 154 disposed in the module member body 119 and positioned adjacent to each of the first and second pair of levers 116 , 118 .
- the switch mechanism 154 takes the form of mechanical switch buttons 155 .
- Each of the mechanical switch buttons 155 are positioned adjacent to the corresponding first and second pair of levers 116 , 118 and the PCB 153 .
- the module member 114 also includes a locking mechanism 125 .
- the locking mechanism 125 is operable via a slideable projection 126 that slides between locking and unlocking positions to secure and unsecure the module member 114 when coupled to the controller body 112 .
- the locking mechanism 125 can operate to secure and/or unsecure the female connector 122 disposed in the module member body 119 to the single connector 123 disposed in the controller body 112 .
- the locking mechanism 125 can include one or more biasing mechanisms 158 , e.g., springs, that are coupled to the slideable projection 126 and corresponding tabs 160 .
- the tabs 160 in the locking position protrude outwardly from the module member body 119 via corresponding apertures 161 disposed in the module member body 119 , and are sized and shaped to be coupleably received in the recesses 150 of the controller body 112 .
- the biasing mechanism(s) 158 is configured to bias the tab(s) 160 toward the locking position. As the slideable projection 126 is slideably moved, such movement overcomes the biasing forces exerted by the biasing mechanism(s) 158 to move the tab(s) 160 to an interior of the module member body 119 away from the recesses 150 in the controller body 112 , to unsecure the module member 114 .
- the biasing mechanism 158 can be configured to bias or urge the tab(s) 160 toward a locking or unlocking position. For instance, slideable movement of the slideable projection 126 can cause the tab(s) 160 to protrude outwardly from the aperture 161 in a locking position with the biasing mechanism 158 urging or biasing the tab(s) 160 to remain in the locking position. Conversely, slideable movement of the slideable projection 126 in an opposite direction can cause the tab(s) 160 to move inwardly into the module member body 119 with the biasing mechanism 158 urging or biasing the tab(s) 160 to remain in such an unlocking position.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of a controller 210 , according to one example, non-limiting implementation.
- FIG. 7A illustrates a detailed plan view of a lever or actuator 218 that is coupleable to the controller 210 .
- the controller 210 provides a variation in which one or more actuators 218 are slideably moveable between one or more positions.
- the controller 210 includes one or more guide rails 213 positioned along a rear portion of a controller body 219 .
- the controller 210 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 7A , can include a pair of guide rails 213 spaced apart relative to a central axis 221 of the controller 210 and fixedly coupled to the controller body 219 .
- Each guide rail 213 is sized and shaped to define a guide channel 222 along which the one or more actuators 218 can be slideably moveable between various positions.
- the controller 210 can include one or more actuators 218 in lieu of or in addition to the various implementations of the module members described herein.
- the controller body 219 can include a cavity 220 , which may removably coupleably receive a module member.
- Each guide rail 213 includes a locking mechanism that can lock or secure the one or more actuators 218 in one or more use positions.
- a locking mechanism that can lock or secure the one or more actuators 218 in one or more use positions.
- Such can generate electrical communication with a processor of the controller 210 to generate output signals.
- Such output signals are communicated to the processor of the controller 210 to control the on-screen function.
- each guide rail 213 can include one or more openings 224 which are sized and shaped to provide access to corresponding electrical contacts disposed in the controller body 219 , for example, female forms of electrical contacts.
- the one or more actuators 218 can include a male form of an electrical contact; for example, a connector pin 261 .
- the one or more actuators 218 can include a biasing mechanism, e.g., a spring, which biases the male form of the electrical contact 261 toward the one or more openings 224 .
- the biasing mechanism can cause the male form of the electrical contact to engage the one or more openings 224 and secure the one or more actuators 218 in the one or more positions.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a variation in which each guide rail 213 has three longitudinally spaced apart openings 224 .
- the three openings 224 therefore, define three distinct positions for the one or more actuators 218 along each guide rail 213 .
- the male form of the electrical contact 261 engages with the female form of the electrical contact disposed in the controller body 219 to generate electrical communication discussed above.
- the user can slideably individually or concurrently move the one or more actuators 218 to a desirable use position.
- the locking mechanism allows the one or more actuators 218 to be secured in the desirable use position and generate electrical communication to control the on-screen function.
- the user can thereafter manipulate a portion of the one or more actuators 218 ; such manipulation can control the on-screen function.
- FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate one implementation of the locking mechanism described above, in other implementations, the guide rails 213 can include alternative locking mechanisms of guide rails known in the art. Further, the one or more actuators 218 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 7A can take a wide variety of alternative shapes and forms.
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/862,540, filed on Jan. 4, 2018, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/442,884, filed Jan. 5, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/449,986, filed Jan. 24, 2017, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The present disclosure is related to controllers and, more particularly, to controllers with moveable actuators.
- Conventional controllers are generally limited in the flexibility accorded to users to customize use of various input mechanisms, which receive physical input from a user that is translated to a corresponding output, e.g., control of an on-screen function. For example, in the context of video game consoles and other video game processor systems, e.g., laptops, mobile phones, personal computers, etc.), a controller is coupled to the video game consoles and other video game processor systems such that the controller can control an on-screen function of a video game. The controller can comprise various handheld game controllers which can include various input devices, such as joysticks, digital sticks, directional pads, steering wheels, etc. It is desirable to provide customization options to users that may improve ergonomic and flexibility needs of users.
- In an implementation, a controller can be summarized as including a controller body having a cavity disposed in a back side of the controller body, a module member that is physically distinct and separate from the controller body removably coupleable to the controller body, the module member having a body sized and shaped to be received in the cavity, and at least one actuator that protrudes from a side of the member body.
- In an implementation, a controller can be summarized as including a controller body and a module member that is physically separate and distinct from the controller body. The module member is removably coupled to the controller body and can include a module member body, a first pair of levers that protrude outwardly from a first side of the module member body, a second pair of levers that protrude outwardly from a second side of the module member body, and a processor disposed in the module member body and coupleable to the first and second pair of levers.
- In an implementation, a controller can be summarized as including a controller body, and one or more actuators removably coupled to the controller body, movement of the one or more actuators controlling an on-screen function.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a controller, according to one example, non-limiting implementation. -
FIG. 2A illustrates a rear plan view of a controller body of the controller ofFIG. 1 , according to one example, non-limiting implementation. -
FIG. 2B illustrates a front plan view of a module member of the controller ofFIG. 1 , according to one example, non-limiting implementation. -
FIG. 2C illustrates a rear plan view of the module member of the controller ofFIG. 1 , with certain components removed for clarity of illustration and description. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a controller, according to one example, non-limiting implementation. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the controller ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 illustrates a partially exploded view of the controller ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 6A illustrates a plan view of a module member of the controller ofFIG. 3 , according to one example, non-limiting implementation. -
FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the module member ofFIG. 3 , taken alonglines 6B-6B. -
FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the module member ofFIG. 3 , taken alonglines 6C-6C. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a controller, according to one example, non-limiting implementation. -
FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of an actuator of the controller ofFIG. 7 , according to one example, non-limiting implementation. - In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed implementations. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that implementations may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with controllers have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the implementations.
- Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”
- Reference throughout this specification to “one implementation” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementations.
- As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its broadest sense, that is as meaning “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
- The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the implementations.
-
FIGS. 1-2C illustrate acontroller 10 according to one example, non-limiting implementation. Thecontroller 10 includes acontroller body 12 and amodule member 14. Themodule member 14 is configured to be removably coupleable to a back side of thecontroller body 12. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-2C , themodule member 14 includes pairs of paddles or actuators (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “levers”) 16, 18 that protrude outwardly from each side of amodule member body 19. In particular,FIG. 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of thecontroller 10,FIG. 2A illustrates a rear plan view of thecontroller body 12,FIG. 2B illustrates a front plan view of themodule member 14, andFIG. 2C illustrates a rear plan view of themodule member 14 with certain components (e.g.,levers 16, 18) removed for clarity of illustration and description. - Thus, the
module member 14 includes a first pair oflevers 18 that protrude from a right side of themodule member body 19, and a second pair oflevers 16 that protrude from a left side of themodule member body 19. Each of the first pair and second pair oflevers module member 14 as they protrude from the respective side of themodule member body 19. Unlike conventional controllers which may include controls that are directly connected to a back side of the controller body and extend in a vertical orientation, each of the first and second pair oflevers module member body 19 and extend in a horizontal orientation. Further, unlike conventional controllers, themodule member 14 includes a processor, for example, in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in themodule member 14 in lieu of in the controller, which allows for greater flexibility in customizing the user experience by providing, for example, advantageous ergonomic designs, ability to retrofit customized controls into existing controllers, etc. - Further, as illustrated in
FIGS. 1-2C , each of thelevers levers levers levers module member body 19 viacorresponding recesses 28 disposed on the corresponding sides of themember body 19. In some implementations, thelevers member body 19 via frictional forces, e.g., frictional fit apertures/recesses disposed in themember body 19, detent systems, welding, fasteners, etc. In some implementations, thelevers member body 19 can be designed so that thelevers member body 19. In such implementations, a user can remove one or more of thelevers other levers - The
levers levers FIGS. 1-2C , a distal portion of thelevers module member 14 includes a switch mechanism operably coupled to a processor (e.g., hardware circuitry, e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) disposed in themodule member body 19; for example, integrated into a PCB. In some implementations, the processor may be communicatively coupled to a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium that stores processor-executable data and/or instructions. In general, as thelevers levers member body 19. In other implementations, the switch mechanism may take other forms, such as electrical switches, wireless switches (e.g., half-effect switch), etc. More particularly, activation of the switch mechanism via thelevers - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1-2C , thecontroller body 12 includes acavity 20 with a plurality of connector pins 21. Themodule member body 19 also includes a plurality of member connector pins 22. In general, the connector pins 21 disposed on thecontroller body 12 and themodule member body 19 may, in some implementations, take the form of female and male connector pins. Moreover, the connector pins 21, 22 disposed on thecontroller body 12 andmodule member body 19, respectively, are generally sized and shaped to align with each other so that themodule member body 19 can be electrically and communicatively coupled to thecontroller body 12. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-2C , thecavity 20 in thecontroller body 12 is sized and shaped to removably coupleably receive themodule member body 19. In particular, as themodule member body 19 is received in thecontroller body 12, the connector pins 22 of themodule member body 19 couple to the connector pins 21 in thecontroller body 12. -
FIGS. 3-6C illustrate acontroller 110 according to one example non-limiting implementation. Thecontroller 110 includes acontroller body 112 and amodule member 114. Thecontroller 110 is generally similar to thecontroller 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1-2C , but provides certain variations. Thecontroller body 112 includes asingle pin connector 123, e.g., a 5-pin connector, disposed in theconnector body 112. In other implementations, however, thesingle connector 123 may take other forms, such as USB 3.0 A-type, B-Type, Micro or Mini, a 4-pin connector, or other type of connectors. In particular, thepin connector 123 is disposed in acavity 120 formed in thecontroller body 112. Thecavity 120 is sized and shaped to removably, coupleably receive themodule member 114. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5 , thecontroller body 112 includes a pair ofrecesses 150 that are sized and shaped to removably secure themodule member 114 as described in further detail below. - A
module member body 119 of themodule member 114 includes a female form of aconnector 122 that is sized and shaped to couple to thesingle connector 123. In other implementations, however, the location of thefemale connector 122 and themale connector 123 may be reversed, e.g., themodule member 114 can include amale connector 123 and thecontroller body 112 can include afemale connector 122. - The
module member 114 includes a first pair oflevers 118, where eachlever 118 protrudes from opposite sides of themodule member body 119. Adjacent to the first pair oflevers 118, themodule member 114 includes a second pair oflevers 116, where eachlever 116 protrudes from opposite sides of themodule member body 119. In this implementation, the first pair oflevers 118 protrude a different distance from corresponding sides of themodule member body 119 than the second pair oflevers 116, and have a generally different shape and profile. Each of thelevers levers module member body 119 can be configured to interchangeably coupleably receive thelevers - Further, as illustrated in
FIGS. 5 through 6C , for example, themodule member 114 includes aPCB 153 disposed in themodule member body 119, with theconnector pin 122 protruding outwardly therefrom. Themodule member 114 also includes aswitch mechanism 154 disposed in themodule member body 119 and positioned adjacent to each of the first and second pair oflevers switch mechanism 154 takes the form ofmechanical switch buttons 155. Each of themechanical switch buttons 155 are positioned adjacent to the corresponding first and second pair oflevers PCB 153. Thus, as thelevers switch mechanism 154 by contacting themechanical switch buttons 155, which causes electrical communication with thePCB 153 to generate output signals. As described above, such output signals are communicated to a controller processor to control the on-screen function. - The
module member 114 also includes alocking mechanism 125. Thelocking mechanism 125 is operable via aslideable projection 126 that slides between locking and unlocking positions to secure and unsecure themodule member 114 when coupled to thecontroller body 112. For example, in some implementations, thelocking mechanism 125 can operate to secure and/or unsecure thefemale connector 122 disposed in themodule member body 119 to thesingle connector 123 disposed in thecontroller body 112. In some implementations, thelocking mechanism 125 can include one ormore biasing mechanisms 158, e.g., springs, that are coupled to theslideable projection 126 andcorresponding tabs 160. Thetabs 160 in the locking position protrude outwardly from themodule member body 119 via correspondingapertures 161 disposed in themodule member body 119, and are sized and shaped to be coupleably received in therecesses 150 of thecontroller body 112. The biasing mechanism(s) 158 is configured to bias the tab(s) 160 toward the locking position. As theslideable projection 126 is slideably moved, such movement overcomes the biasing forces exerted by the biasing mechanism(s) 158 to move the tab(s) 160 to an interior of themodule member body 119 away from therecesses 150 in thecontroller body 112, to unsecure themodule member 114. In some implementations, thebiasing mechanism 158 can be configured to bias or urge the tab(s) 160 toward a locking or unlocking position. For instance, slideable movement of theslideable projection 126 can cause the tab(s) 160 to protrude outwardly from theaperture 161 in a locking position with thebiasing mechanism 158 urging or biasing the tab(s) 160 to remain in the locking position. Conversely, slideable movement of theslideable projection 126 in an opposite direction can cause the tab(s) 160 to move inwardly into themodule member body 119 with thebiasing mechanism 158 urging or biasing the tab(s) 160 to remain in such an unlocking position. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of acontroller 210, according to one example, non-limiting implementation.FIG. 7A illustrates a detailed plan view of a lever oractuator 218 that is coupleable to thecontroller 210. Thecontroller 210 provides a variation in which one ormore actuators 218 are slideably moveable between one or more positions. In particular, thecontroller 210 includes one ormore guide rails 213 positioned along a rear portion of acontroller body 219. In some implementations, thecontroller 210, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 7A , can include a pair ofguide rails 213 spaced apart relative to acentral axis 221 of thecontroller 210 and fixedly coupled to thecontroller body 219. Eachguide rail 213 is sized and shaped to define aguide channel 222 along which the one ormore actuators 218 can be slideably moveable between various positions. As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 7A , thecontroller 210 can include one ormore actuators 218 in lieu of or in addition to the various implementations of the module members described herein. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7 , thecontroller body 219 can include acavity 220, which may removably coupleably receive a module member. - Each
guide rail 213 includes a locking mechanism that can lock or secure the one ormore actuators 218 in one or more use positions. In each of the one or more use positions, as the one ormore actuators 218 are secured into the corresponding use positions via the locking mechanism, such can generate electrical communication with a processor of thecontroller 210 to generate output signals. Such output signals are communicated to the processor of thecontroller 210 to control the on-screen function. - For example, in some implementations, each
guide rail 213 can include one ormore openings 224 which are sized and shaped to provide access to corresponding electrical contacts disposed in thecontroller body 219, for example, female forms of electrical contacts. The one ormore actuators 218 can include a male form of an electrical contact; for example, aconnector pin 261. The one ormore actuators 218 can include a biasing mechanism, e.g., a spring, which biases the male form of theelectrical contact 261 toward the one ormore openings 224. Thus, as the one ormore actuators 218 are slideably moved along thecorresponding guide rail 213, the biasing mechanism can cause the male form of the electrical contact to engage the one ormore openings 224 and secure the one ormore actuators 218 in the one or more positions. For example,FIG. 7 illustrates a variation in which eachguide rail 213 has three longitudinally spaced apartopenings 224. The threeopenings 224, therefore, define three distinct positions for the one ormore actuators 218 along eachguide rail 213. As the one ormore actuators 218 are secured into the one or more positions, the male form of theelectrical contact 261 engages with the female form of the electrical contact disposed in thecontroller body 219 to generate electrical communication discussed above. - In operation, therefore, the user can slideably individually or concurrently move the one or
more actuators 218 to a desirable use position. As the one ormore actuators 218 are slideably moved along thecorresponding guide rails 213, the locking mechanism allows the one ormore actuators 218 to be secured in the desirable use position and generate electrical communication to control the on-screen function. The user can thereafter manipulate a portion of the one ormore actuators 218; such manipulation can control the on-screen function. WhileFIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate one implementation of the locking mechanism described above, in other implementations, theguide rails 213 can include alternative locking mechanisms of guide rails known in the art. Further, the one ormore actuators 218 illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 7A can take a wide variety of alternative shapes and forms. - The various implementations described above can be combined to provide further implementations. These and other changes can be made to the implementations in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible implementations along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (1)
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US16/818,591 US20200215427A1 (en) | 2017-01-05 | 2020-03-13 | Controllers with moveable actuators |
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US201762449986P | 2017-01-24 | 2017-01-24 | |
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US16/818,591 US20200215427A1 (en) | 2017-01-05 | 2020-03-13 | Controllers with moveable actuators |
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-
2018
- 2018-01-04 CA CA3049007A patent/CA3049007A1/en active Pending
- 2018-01-04 AU AU2018205470A patent/AU2018205470A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2020
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US20180185748A1 (en) | 2018-07-05 |
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CN110461428B (en) | 2023-09-08 |
CN110461428A (en) | 2019-11-15 |
EP3565647A1 (en) | 2019-11-13 |
MX2019008095A (en) | 2020-11-09 |
AU2018205470A1 (en) | 2019-07-18 |
US10625152B2 (en) | 2020-04-21 |
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