Patent Publication Number: US-2023147235-A1

Title: Computer simulation controller

Description:
FIELD 
     The present application relates generally to computer simulation controllers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Computer simulation controllers such as computer game controllers are used by simulation participants to input control signals to the simulation. As understood herein, some participants may have impairments such as visual or motor skills impairments that present challenges in operating simulation controllers. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, a device includes a central control (CC) button operable to send a signal to a computerized apparatus when the computerized apparatus is in communication with the device. The device also includes plural peripheral control (PC) buttons surrounding the CC button, each being operable to send a signal to a computerized apparatus when the computerized apparatus is in communication with the device. 
     In some example embodiments the CC button is round. 
     The computerized apparatus may include a computer simulation console. The computerized apparatus may include a computer simulation server. 
     In example implementations a first one of the PC buttons may include an upwardly-sloping outer region. One or more of the PC buttons may include a continuously curved contour from an inner periphery of the first one of the PC buttons closest to the CC button to an outer periphery of the first one of the PC buttons. One or more of the PC buttons may be detachably engaged with a base holding the CC button and PC buttons. 
     In non-limiting examples, one or more of the PC buttons viewed from the top may have a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and sides flaring outwardly to a curved outer periphery of the first one of the PC buttons, with the curved outer periphery being larger than the curved inner periphery. One or more of the PC buttons viewed from the top can have a curved inner periphery closest to the CC button and sides flaring outwardly to a curved outer periphery of the second one of the PC buttons, with the curved outer periphery being larger than the curved inner periphery. One of the PC buttons can be larger than another one of the PC buttons. 
     In some examples, the curved inner periphery of a first PC button can be convex, and a curved inner periphery of a second PC button can be concave. 
     One or more of the PC buttons viewed from the top may have an ovular periphery. One or more of the PC buttons viewed from the top may have a racetrack-shaped periphery. 
     One or more of the PC buttons may be magnetically engaged with the base. 
     In another aspect, a method includes generating computer simulation signals to control a computer simulation using a central control (CC) button on a base of a control device, and generating computer simulation signals to control the computer simulation using plural peripheral control (PC) buttons on the base, completely surrounding the CC button. 
     In another aspect, a computer simulation control apparatus includes a base, a round central control (CC) element on the base, and a first number of peripheral control (PC) elements surrounding the CC element. The CC element and PC elements are operable to control a computer simulation. 
     The details of the present application, both as to its structure and operation, can be best understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an example system including an example in accordance with present principles; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a first example environment in which present principles may be used; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a second example environment in which present principles may be used; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a top perspective view of the controller with the analog stick unit in the near position; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a bottom perspective view of the controller with the analog stick unit in the near position, with example attachments shown in an exploded relationship to the base; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a top plan view of the controller with the analog stick unit in the near position; 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the controller with the analog stick unit in the extended position; 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a cut-away perspective view of the controller; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a detail of  FIG.  8    showing a control button mechanically coupled to a pad in the base; 
         FIG.  10    illustrates the detail of  FIG.  8    showing the control button disengaged from the pad in the base; 
         FIG.  11    illustrates an example alternative button layout; 
         FIG.  12    illustrates another example alternative button layout; and 
         FIG.  13    illustrates the attachment when configured as a leg strap connecting the base to a user. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure relates generally to computer ecosystems including aspects of consumer electronics (CE) device networks such as but not limited to computer game networks. A system herein may include server and client components which may be connected over a network such that data may be exchanged between the client and server components. The client components may include one or more computing devices including game consoles such as Sony PlayStation® or a game console made by Microsoft or Nintendo or other manufacturer, virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) headsets, portable televisions (e.g., smart TVs, Internet-enabled TVs), portable computers such as laptops and tablet computers, and other mobile devices including smart phones and additional examples discussed below. These client devices may operate with a variety of operating environments. For example, some of the client computers may employ, as examples, Linux operating systems, operating systems from Microsoft, or a Unix operating system, or operating systems produced by Apple, Inc., or Google. These operating environments may be used to execute one or more browsing programs, such as a browser made by Microsoft or Google or Mozilla or other browser program that can access websites hosted by the Internet servers discussed below. Also, an operating environment according to present principles may be used to execute one or more computer game programs. 
     Servers and/or gateways may include one or more processors executing instructions that configure the servers to receive and transmit data over a network such as the Internet. Or a client and server can be connected over a local intranet or a virtual private network. A server or controller may be instantiated by a game console such as a Sony PlayStation®, a personal computer, etc. 
     Information may be exchanged over a network between the clients and servers. To this end and for security, servers and/or clients can include firewalls, load balancers, temporary storages, and proxies, and other network infrastructure for reliability and security. One or more servers may form an apparatus that implement methods of providing a secure community such as an online social website to network members. 
     A processor may be a single- or multi-chip processor that can execute logic by means of various lines such as address lines, data lines, and control lines and registers and shift registers. 
     Components included in one embodiment can be used in other embodiments in any appropriate combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged, or excluded from other embodiments. 
     “At least one of A, B, and C” (likewise “at least one of A, B, or C” and “at least one of A, B, C”) includes A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc. 
     Now specifically referring to  FIG.  1   , an example system  10  is shown, which may include one or more of the example devices mentioned above and described further below in accordance with present principles. The first of the example devices included in the system  10  is a consumer electronics (CE) device such as an audio video device (AVD)  12  such as but not limited to an Internet-enabled TV with a TV tuner (equivalently, set top box controlling a TV). The AVD  12  alternatively may also be a computerized Internet enabled (“smart”) telephone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a HMD, a wearable computerized device, a computerized Internet-enabled music player, computerized Internet-enabled headphones, a computerized Internet-enabled implantable device such as an implantable skin device, etc. Regardless, it is to be understood that the AVD  12  is configured to undertake present principles (e.g., communicate with other CE devices to undertake present principles, execute the logic described herein, and perform any other functions and/or operations described herein). 
     Accordingly, to undertake such principles the AVD  12  can be established by some, or all of the components shown in  FIG.  1   . For example, the AVD  12  can include one or more displays  14  that may be implemented by a high definition or ultra-high definition “4K” or higher flat screen and that may be touch-enabled for receiving user input signals via touches on the display. The AVD  12  may include one or more speakers  16  for outputting audio in accordance with present principles, and at least one additional input device  18  such as an audio receiver/microphone for entering audible commands to the AVD  12  to control the AVD  12 . The example AVD  12  may also include one or more network interfaces  20  for communication over at least one network  22  such as the Internet, an WAN, an LAN, etc. under control of one or more processors  24 . Thus, the interface  20  may be, without limitation, a Wi-Fi transceiver, which is an example of a wireless computer network interface, such as but not limited to a mesh network transceiver. It is to be understood that the processor  24  controls the AVD  12  to undertake present principles, including the other elements of the AVD  12  described herein such as controlling the display  14  to present images thereon and receiving input therefrom. Furthermore, note the network interface  20  may be a wired or wireless modem or router, or other appropriate interface such as a wireless telephony transceiver, or Wi-Fi transceiver as mentioned above, etc. 
     In addition to the foregoing, the AVD  12  may also include one or more input and/or output ports  26  such as a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port or a USB port to physically connect to another CE device and/or a headphone port to connect headphones to the AVD  12  for presentation of audio from the AVD  12  to a user through the headphones. For example, the input port  26  may be connected via wire or wirelessly to a cable or satellite source  26   a  of audio video content. Thus, the source  26   a  may be a separate or integrated set top box, or a satellite receiver. Or the source  26   a  may be a game console or disk player containing content. The source  26   a  when implemented as a game console may include some or all of the components described below in relation to the CE device  48 . 
     The AVD  12  may further include one or more computer memories  28  such as disk-based or solid-state storage that are not transitory signals, in some cases embodied in the chassis of the AVD as standalone devices or as a personal video recording device (PVR) or video disk player either internal or external to the chassis of the AVD for playing back AV programs or as removable memory media or the below-described server. Also, in some embodiments, the AVD  12  can include a position or location receiver such as but not limited to a cellphone receiver, GPS receiver and/or altimeter  30  that is configured to receive geographic position information from a satellite or cellphone base station and provide the information to the processor  24  and/or determine an altitude at which the AVD  12  is disposed in conjunction with the processor  24 . The component  30  may also be implemented by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that typically includes a combination of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to determine the location and orientation of the AVD  12  in three dimension or by an event-based sensors. 
     Continuing the description of the AVD  12 , in some embodiments the AVD  12  may include one or more cameras  32  that may be a thermal imaging camera, a digital camera such as a webcam, an event-based sensor, and/or a camera integrated into the AVD  12  and controllable by the processor  24  to gather pictures/images and/or video in accordance with present principles. Also included on the AVD  12  may be a Bluetooth transceiver  34  and other Near Field Communication (NFC) element  36  for communication with other devices using Bluetooth and/or NFC technology, respectively. An example NFC element can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) element. 
     Further still, the AVD  12  may include one or more auxiliary sensors  38  (e.g., a motion sensor such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, cyclometer, or a magnetic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an optical sensor, a speed and/or cadence sensor, an event-based sensor, a gesture sensor (e.g., for sensing gesture command), providing input to the processor  24 . The AVD  12  may include an over-the-air TV broadcast port  40  for receiving OTA TV broadcasts providing input to the processor  24 . In addition to the foregoing, it is noted that the AVD  12  may also include an infrared (IR) transmitter and/or IR receiver and/or IR transceiver  42  such as an IR data association (IRDA) device. A battery (not shown) may be provided for powering the AVD  12 , as may be a kinetic energy harvester that may turn kinetic energy into power to charge the battery and/or power the AVD  12 . A graphics processing unit (GPU)  44  and field programmable gated array  46  also may be included. One or more haptics generators  47  may be provided for generating tactile signals that can be sensed by a person holding or in contact with the device. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  1   , in addition to the AVD  12 , the system  10  may include one or more other CE device types. In one example, a first CE device  48  may be a computer game console that can be used to send computer game audio and video to the AVD  12  via commands sent directly to the AVD  12  and/or through the below-described server while a second CE device  50  may include similar components as the first CE device  48 . In the example shown, the second CE device  50  may be configured as a computer game controller manipulated by a player or a head-mounted display (HMD) worn by a player. In the example shown, only two CE devices are shown, it being understood that fewer or greater devices may be used. A device herein may implement some or all of the components shown for the AVD  12 . Any of the components shown in the following figures may incorporate some or all of the components shown in the case of the AVD  12 . 
     Now in reference to the afore-mentioned at least one server  52 , it includes at least one server processor  54 , at least one tangible computer readable storage medium  56  such as disk-based or solid-state storage, and at least one network interface  58  that, under control of the server processor  54 , allows for communication with the other devices of  FIG.  1    over the network  22 , and indeed may facilitate communication between servers and client devices in accordance with present principles. Note that the network interface  58  may be, e.g., a wired or wireless modem or router, Wi-Fi transceiver, or other appropriate interface such as, e.g., a wireless telephony transceiver. 
     Accordingly, in some embodiments the server  52  may be an Internet server or an entire server “farm” and may include and perform “cloud” functions such that the devices of the system  10  may access a “cloud” environment via the server  52  in example embodiments for, e.g., network gaming applications. Or the server  52  may be implemented by one or more game consoles or other computers in the same room as the other devices shown in  FIG.  1    or nearby. 
     The components shown in the following figures may include some or all components shown in  FIG.  1   . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates that a controller  200  in accordance with present principles may be used to input control signals to a computer simulation console  202  to control presentation of a computer simulation executed in the console  202  on a display  204 . The display  204  may be, e.g., a TV, a head-mounted display (HMD), or other display. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates that the controller  200  in accordance with present principles may be used to input control signals to a computer simulation server  300  as may be implemented by, e.g., the server  52  in  FIG.  1    to control presentation of a computer simulation executed in the server  300  and streamed to the display  204 . Noe that the simulation may be streamed from the server  300  direct to the display  204  or through the simulation console  202  shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     Refer now to  FIGS.  4 - 10    for example details of the controller  200  shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . The individual components of the controller  200  discussed below may be made of plastic such as injection-molded plastic, ink-jet printed plastic including as may be produced by the manufacturer or by an end user, composite material, metal, or combinations thereof. 
     A base  400  that in the example shown has a round periphery supports on its top plural control buttons, including a central control (CC) button  402  operable to send a signal to a computerized apparatus such as the server  300  in  FIG.  3    or simulation console  202  in  FIG.  2    when the computerized apparatus is in wired and/or wireless communication with the controller. The CC button  402  in the non-limiting example shown is round and may have a gently convex top surface. Other shapes may be used. 
     In an example embodiment, the CC button  402  has two functions, a normal operating button, and an arm/palm rest. The CC button  402  can have a lock mechanism to stop moving in up-down direction in the case of using as the palm/arm rest. 
     A circular light emitting portion  403  (best shown in  FIG.  7   ) is located around the center button so that the light emitting portion can be seen the same from all directions. One or more light emitting diodes (LED) or other light sources may be positioned under the portion  403 , which is transparent or translucent, to provide light that propagates through the portion  403 . 
     Plural peripheral control (PC) buttons  404  surround the circular light emitting portion  403  and, hence, surround the CC button  402  as shown, and in the non-limiting example shown completely surround the CC button  402  with only small spaces remaining between adjacent PC buttons. The PC buttons  404  may have different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures from each other. Some of the PC buttons  404  may have identical sizes, shapes, colors, and textures if desired. Each PC button is operable to send a signal to a computerized apparatus when the computerized apparatus is in communication with the device. 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIGS.  4  and  6   , as labeled in  FIGS.  4  and  6    one or more of the PC buttons  404  may have an outer edge strip that overhangs (extends radially outwardly past the periphery of) the base  400  to facilitate button replacement, such as by one finger or by the elbow. Thus, an edge of a PC button top may have a shape to protrude beyond the edge of the controller base  400 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown, a first PC button  406  in top plan view, includes a curved inner periphery  408  closest to the CC button  402  and sides  410  that flare outwardly to a slightly curved or straight outer periphery  412 . The outer periphery  412  is larger (longer) than the inner periphery  408 . The first PC button  406  may have a flat top surface or a gently convex top surface and may slope from a center of the top surface in both the radial (the dimension from the center of the controller toward the outer edge of the controller) and azimuthal dimensions. 
     In the non-limiting example shown, adjacent the first PC button  406  is a second PC button  414 , and adjacent the second PC button  414  is a third PC button  416  that may be identically configured and sized to the second PC button  414 . Unlike the first PC button  404 , the second and third PC buttons  414 ,  416  may have upwardly-sloping outer regions  418 ,  420 , respectively, and instead of having sides that flare outwardly from their respective inner peripheries to their respective outer peripheries, the inner and outer peripheries are substantially the same length and the sides  422  of the second third PC buttons  414 ,  416  are straight to establish, along with the inner and outer peripheries, a racetrack-shaped periphery for the respective PC button. Or, the sides  422  may be gently convex to establish, along with the inner and outer peripheries, an ovular periphery for the respective PC button. 
     It will be appreciated that the second and third PC buttons  414 ,  416  have upwardly-sloping outer regions  418 ,  420 , respectively, that represent a slope discontinuity from where they begin, essentially at the edge of a downwardly-sloping inner region. 
     In the non-limiting example shown, a fourth PC button  424  may be next to the third PC button  416  and may have the same top plan shape as the second and third buttons  414 ,  416  and the same configuration of an upwardly-sloping outer region  426 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown, a fifth PC button  428  may be next to the fourth PC button  424  and may have a flat or gently continuously downwardly-sloping contour from a convex inner periphery  430  of the fifth PC button  428  closest to the CC button to a convex outer periphery  432 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown, a sixth PC button  434  may be next to the fifth PCT button  428  and may be identically configured in shape to the fifth PC button  428  but may be larger in size than the fifth PC button  428 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown, a seventh PC button  436  may be between the sixth PC button  434  and the first PC button  406  as shown and may be larger than the other PC buttons. As best shown in  FIG.  6   , the seventh PC button  436  may have a concave inner periphery  438 , in contrast to the other PC buttons which may have convex inner peripheries, with outwardly-flaring straight sides  440  extending from the inner periphery  438  to a convex outer periphery  442 . 
     One or more, and in the example shown all, of the PC buttons  404  may be detachably engaged with the base  400 . In the specific non-limiting example shown and as best shown in  FIG.  7   , each PC button  404  may be detachably engaged with a respective pad  700  on the base  400 . The detachable engagement may be a friction or snapping fit between a PC button  404  and its respective pad  700 , or as best shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10    the engagement may be magnetic. Specifically, as shown in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , each button  402 ,  404  may be coupled to a respective ferromagnetic plate  900  (such as steel) to magnetically engage a respective magnet  902  in the respective pad  700 . It is to be understood that the magnet may be in the button and the ferromagnetic plate may be in the pad of the base. 
     Thus, the button covers may be moved to different underlying controls on the base  400 . As well, the functions of the controls themselves may be defined by the user. 
     Each button  402 ,  404  may have its own unique color different from the other buttons. Or, some buttons  402 ,  404  may have a first color and one or more other buttons may have different colors than the first color. For example, the second through fourth buttons  414 ,  416 ,  424  may all have the same color, and that color may be different than the colors of other buttons. One or more buttons may have raised Braille patterns embossed or otherwise formed on the top of the button to assist a visually impaired person identifying the button. 
     The top surface of each button  402 ,  404  that is touched by a user may have its own unique texture different from the other buttons. Or, some buttons  402 ,  404  may have a first texture and one or more other buttons may have different textures than the first texture. For example, the second through fourth buttons  414 ,  416 ,  424  may all have the same texture, and that texture may be different than the textures of other buttons. A first texture may be, e.g., smooth and a second texture may be, e.g., roughened, lined, dimpled, or other tactilely distinguishing texture. 
     Button shapes other than those described above may be used. A number of buttons different than that described above may be used. This recognition is part of current inventive principles and forms no part of the prior art. 
     Return to  FIGS.  4 - 7   . In addition to the plural control buttons  402 ,  404  arranged on the base  400  and operable to send signals to a computerized apparatus when the computerized apparatus is in communication with the device, an analog stick unit (ASU)  444  is reciprocatingly engaged with the base  400  for movement between a near position ( FIGS.  4 - 6   ), in which a control portion  446  of the ASU  444  is closely juxtaposed with the base  400 , and an extended position ( FIG.  7   ), in which the control portion  446  of the ASU  444  is distanced from the base  400 . Moreover, as explained elsewhere herein, the control portion  446  is rotatable relative to the base  400 . In both near and extended configurations and in various angular orientations the control portion  446  of the ASU can be manipulated to input control signals to a computerized apparatus. 
     The control portion  446  may be a joystick-type input device. “North” for the control portion  446  may be defined by the factory or by the user to best suit the user&#39;s needs using, e.g., a user interface permitting the user to define which radial direction on the ASU  444  “north” should be. 
     Additional control keys  447  may be provided on the ASU  444  next to the control portion  446  as shown for manipulation to generate additional control signals for game play. 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIG.  5   , the ASU  444  includes a flat platform that in turn includes a slide  448  with opposed parallel sides  450  that are slidably engaged with a receptacle  452  in the base  400  (e.g., by being slidably engaged with a flat disk-like base plate  454  of the base  400 ). It will be appreciated that the receptacle  452  is on the bottom of the base  400  and the control buttons  402 ,  404  are on a top of the base. 
     The flat platform may also include, at one end of the slide  448 , a disk-shaped support  456  on which the control portion  446  is rotatably mounted. In the example shown, both the support  456  and the control device  446  are round and have substantially equal diameters. The support  456  and slide  448  may be made of a single unitary piece of material such as plastic. Or, separate construction may be used to combine non-skid rubber parts with plastic parts. 
     The control device  446  is manipulable to generate a signal to a computerized apparatus. In one non-limiting example and as perhaps best shown in  FIG.  7   , the control device  446  may include a point-and-click device, in the example shown, a button  458  with button cover  460  to depress the button  458  to generate a signal, with the button  458  being mounted on a rotatable ball  462  in a round socket  464  that rises upwardly in the center of the ASU  446  as shown. 
     The button cover  460  has a relatively large size and may be formed with a string hole at the top to receive a fastening or carrying string or cord thereto. 
     With respect to electrical connectors associated with the ASU  446 , all connectors  466  ( FIG.  4   ) such as but not limited to universal serial bus (USB) connectors may be located at the opposite side to the analog stick unit for avoiding cable interference with the operation of the analog stick by a user. In particular, a USB connector may be placed 180 degrees away from the analog stick on the opposite side. This is because the USB cable is the thickest of all the cables expected to be connected to the device and may affect the posture of the device in use. 
     In addition, since the digital audio and analog audio connectors look the same, each may be located on both sides of the USB connector so that they can be distinguished. 
     In some embodiments, a flexible buckle attachment  468  ( FIG.  5   ) made of soft material, such as silicon, rubber, and elastic member can be attached on the rear surface of the base  400 . The flexibility of the buckle attachment allows it to deform along the attached portion, such as user&#39;s leg, arm, or wheelchair arm, so it can be attached stably. 
     In the example shown, as best illustrated in  FIG.  5    two threaded holes  470  may be formed on the bottom or other surface of the base  400 . Respective fasteners  472  may pass through respective holes  474  of the attachment  468  and may engage the holes  470  in the base  400  to hold the base and attachment together. Other attachments such as a tripod  476  similarly may be engaged with the base  400 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates an alternate button layout in which eight peripheral buttons  1100  surround a round central button  1102 . The peripheral buttons  1100  may have identical shapes and sizes, and in the example shown may be shaped like the first PC button  406  shown in  FIG.  4   . The buttons may be symmetrically arranged the periphery of the base in this and in other embodiments. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates an alternate button layout in which peripheral buttons  1200  surround a round central button  1202 . Some or all the peripheral buttons  1200  may have identical shapes and sizes such as round. In the example shown four of the peripheral buttons  1200  are round and one of the round peripheral buttons is smaller than the other three peripheral buttons, while one of the peripheral buttons (labeled  1204 ) is oblong and curved azimuthally as shown. Two of the peripheral buttons (labeled  1206 ) may be small flat rectilinear buttons. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a controller  200  according to present principles engaged with an attachment  1302 , in this case, a leg band or strap that is flexible and that may secure the controller  200  to the leg or other part of a user  1304 . Attachment may be effected as described above using fasteners and threaded holes in the base of the controller such that the controller  200  only faces one or two ways when mounted on the user&#39;s thigh, for example. 
     In some embodiments two controllers may be provided, one configured for optimal operation by one hand of a user and the other configured for optimal operation by the other hand of the user. 
     While the particular embodiments are herein shown and described in detail, it is to be understood that the subject matter which is encompassed by the present invention is limited only by the claims.