Automatic rotating thumb stick

Abstract

A method for reducing uneven wear of a thumb rocker (106) of a controller (100), the thumb rocker being rotatably held in a socket (104) of a housing (102) of the controller, and comprising: pivoting (302) the thumb rocker (106) of the controller (100) in the socket (104) of the housing (102) of the controller; and rotating the thumb rocker in the socket and about a pivot center axis of the thumb rocker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to automatically rotating thumbsticks for gaming systems. Computer programs, systems, and methods for implementing these devices are also described. Background Art

[0002] A controller for a gaming system is an input device that enables a user to provide input to the gaming system, such as to play a video game. Such controllers typically include a set of buttons and one or more thumbsticks (also called analog sticks, game sticks, control sticks, thumbsticks, or joysticks) that are operated by the user. The location of the buttons and thumbsticks, as well as the shape of the controller itself, are designed to be as user-friendly as possible in order to provide a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience.

[0003] The thumbstick protrudes from the controller and can be moved by the user, for example by tilting or sliding, in any circular direction about a central "middle" position, the stick being biased to return to a neutral position, making it also the default position of the stick. Input from the thumbstick is provided based on the position of the stick relative to the neutral position, and can generally be moved over a 360 degree angular range with varying amplitudes.

[0004] However, thumbsticks can be subject to uneven wear. This is most noticeable on their (usually rubber or similar) tops, especially if there is a grip on the top. However, uneven wear also occurs beneath the surface. This uneven wear can affect the overall gaming experience. Uneven wear can also lead to erroneous inputs to the gaming system, which further affects the overall gaming experience.

[0005] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method of reducing uneven wear on a thumb rocker. Summary of the invention

[0006] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any device feature described herein can be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. It will also be appreciated that a specific combination of various features described and defined in any aspect described herein can be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a controller, the controller comprising: a housing, the housing comprising a socket; a thumb rocker, the thumb rocker rotatably held in the socket of the housing, wherein the thumb rocker is configured to: pivot in the socket; and rotate in the socket around the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker. Preferably, the controller is used in a gaming system. In addition, the controller can be used in another controllable system. For example, the controller can be used to control a computerized and / or mechanical system, such as a robotic system, a remote control or telecontrol system, a camera or video camera system, etc.

[0008] The pivot center axis includes a center axis of the thumb rocker, which pivots when the thumb rocker pivots in the socket. Preferably, the thumb rocker is configured so that the thumb rocker can rotate in the socket when the thumb rocker pivots. In some examples, the thumb rocker can rotate only when the thumb rocker pivots. Preferably, the thumb rocker is configured so that the thumb rocker can rotate in the socket when the thumb rocker is not pivoted. In some examples, the thumb rocker can rotate only when the thumb rocker is not pivoted. Preferably, the thumb rocker is configured so that the thumb rocker can rotate in the socket when the thumb rocker pivots and when the thumb rocker is not pivoted.

[0009] Advantageously, a first aspect of the invention provides a controller having a thumb rocker that both rotates and pivots. In this way, the thumb rocker is rotated while, before, or after being pressed by the user in a particular direction, thereby regularly rotating the thumb rocker depending on the amount of use of the thumb rocker. Over time, this results in more uniform wear on the outside and inside of the thumb rocker. By reducing uneven wear on the thumb rocker, the overall user experience can be improved, and erroneous inputs to gaming systems or other systems due to uneven wear can be reduced. Reducing uneven wear on the thumb rocker also ensures a longer life for the thumb rocker and subsequently the controller itself. This solution is also particularly advantageous because the mechanism does not require motors, power, or precision parts.

[0010] In the controller, the thumb stick may include a ball positioned in a socket, wherein the ball is configured to allow the thumb stick to pivot about a center point of the ball within the socket and from a neutral position. Preferably, the ball is spherical. Alternatively, the ball may have the shape of a (long or oblate) sphere or ellipsoid, another shape resulting from the rotation of a conic section, a torus, etc.

[0011] In the controller, there may be a rotation mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism is configured to allow the ball to rotate about the central pivot axis of the thumb rocker when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position. Additionally or alternatively, the thumb rocker may be allowed to rotate about the central pivot axis via a bearing system; a (fluid or friction) damper system; a system of shafts, hinges and / or axles; a rotation system, etc.

[0012] In a preferred example of the first aspect of the present invention, a controller for a gaming system is provided, the controller comprising: a shell comprising a socket; a thumb rocker comprising a ball positioned in the socket of the shell, wherein the ball is configured to: pivot about a center point of the ball in the socket and from a neutral position; and rotate about a pivot center axis of the thumb rocker; and a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the ball about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker when the ball pivots from the neutral position.

[0013] By rotating the thumb rocker when the thumb rocker is pivoted from the neutral position, the thumb rocker is not rotated unnecessarily and is only rotated when it has been or is about to be used. This reduces the use and subsequent wear of components (such as the rotating mechanism) used to rotate the thumb rocker.

[0014] Using a rotating mechanism to spin the ball also means less wear on the thumbsticks without additional user effort. The rotation only occurs when the ball is pivoted from a neutral position, but this pivoting occurs during normal user use of the controller, so no additional effort is required from the user to achieve the rotation.

[0015] In the controller, the rotating mechanism may include a pad mounted within a socket, wherein the pad is configured to engage with the ball and rotate. In this way, the transfer of rotational force from the rotating mechanism to the ball may be more efficient and simpler because only the pad of the rotating mechanism must rotate, rather than the entire rotating mechanism. The use of the pad to engage with the ball also provides a greater degree of control over when the rotating mechanism engages or does not engage with the ball. A mechanism is also provided that does not require delicate and complex parts to engage with the ball for providing rotation.

[0016] In the controller, the pad may also be configured to engage the ball when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position and disengage the ball when the ball is in the neutral position. In this manner, whether the pad is engaged with the ball or not, control of the rotation mechanism is provided such that the rotation mechanism rotates the ball only when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position. Furthermore, by rotating the ball only when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position, the rotation of the ball is not immediately apparent to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0017] In this controller, the pad can be configured to frictionally engage or mechanically engage with the ball. When the pad is frictionally engaged with the ball, the rotation of the pad can be effectively transmitted to the ball to drive the ball to rotate. Through frictional engagement, the two parts do not have to be physically attached to each other, making the parts easier and simpler to manufacture, assemble and replace. Since the two parts are not physically attached to each other, their engagement can be overcome by the user applying opposing forces on the thumb rocker with a finger or thumb. In this way, when the user actively uses the thumb rocker, the frictional engagement of the pad and the ball can be overcome, making it impossible to drive the ball to rotate. Using only friction to connect the pad to the ball means that when the user tries to "hold direction" on the controller, the user's finger pressure will prevent the ball from rotating.

[0018] When the pad is mechanically engaged with the ball, the rotation of the pad can be effectively transmitted to the ball to drive the ball to rotate. Through mechanical engagement, the rotational force can be transmitted more effectively without requiring any large force to maintain engagement.

[0019] In the controller, the rotation mechanism may also include a spring system configured to engage the pad with the ball and drive the ball to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker. In this way, a solution is provided that does not require a motor, power or precision parts. The spring system can engage the pad by providing an upward force, or it can drive the rotation with a rotational force. The spring system can be customized to provide the required amount of rotation. The use of a spring system also means that a simple and easy to implement rotation mechanism is provided, which will have a relatively long life due to the minimum number of parts that will wear over time. The spring system provides rotation to the ball without any additional user effort.

[0020] In the controller, the spring system may include a spring that is biased to provide engagement pressure on the pad toward the ball and rotational pressure on the ball. In this way, a solution is provided that does not require motors, power, or precision parts. The spring can either engage the pad by providing an upward force or drive rotation with a rotational force. The spring can be customized to provide the desired amount and direction of rotation, as well as incremental rotation.

[0021] In this controller, the spring may be biased to provide incremental rotational pressure on the ball each time the ball is pivoted away from the neutral position. In this way, the thumb stick does not rotate an unnecessary amount and only rotates when it has been used. Subsequently, the rotation of the ball is not immediately apparent to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0022] In the controller, the rotation mechanism may further include a motor configured to drive the ball to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker. In this way, the rotation of the ball may be driven in a controlled and precise manner so that the ball does not rotate unnecessarily, the rotation of the ball is not immediately apparent to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0023] In the controller, the motor can be configured to turn on when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position, and to turn off when the ball is in the neutral position. In this way, by rotating the ball only when the thumb stick is pivoted from the neutral position, the thumb stick is not rotated unnecessarily, and only rotates when it has been used. This reduces the use and subsequent wear of components (such as motors) used to rotate the thumb stick. In addition, by rotating the ball only when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position, the rotation of the ball is not immediately obvious to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0024] In the controller, the rotating mechanism may also include a spring that is biased to provide engagement pressure of the pad toward the ball. In this way, a solution for engaging the pad is provided that does not require a motor, power or precision parts. The spring can engage the pad by providing an upward force and can be customized to provide the required amount of force. The use of a spring also means that a simple and easy to implement engagement part of the rotating mechanism is provided, which will have a relatively long life due to the minimum number of parts that will wear over time.

[0025] In the controller, the rotation mechanism may further include a fixing mechanism configured to provide engagement of the pad and the ball. In this way, the pad and the ball may be physically fixed to each other, thereby more effectively transmitting rotational force without requiring any large amount of additional force to maintain engagement.

[0026] In the controller, one or more of the housing, the thumb rocker, and the rotation mechanism may also include a locking mechanism configured to prevent the ball from rotating when the ball is in a neutral position. In this way, the ball rotates only when the thumb rocker is pivoted from the neutral position, the thumb rocker does not rotate unnecessarily, and rotates only when it is already in use. Assuming that the default position of the thumb rocker is the neutral position, and when not in use by the user, the thumb rocker is always in this position, in this way, when not in use by the user, the ball does not rotate unnecessarily either. This reduces the use and subsequent wear of components (such as the rotation mechanism) for rotating the thumb rocker. In addition, by rotating the ball only when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position, the rotation of the ball is not immediately apparent to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0027] In the controller, the housing may further include a first set of gear teeth positioned along the inner circumference of the socket; and the thumb rocker may further include a second set of gear teeth located outside the ball, the second set of gear teeth being configured to engage with the first set of gear teeth when the ball is in a neutral position, and disengage from the first set of gear teeth when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position, so that the rotating mechanism is free to rotate the ball only when the first set of gear teeth and the second set of gear teeth are disengaged. In this way, the use of two sets of gear teeth provides a simple and effective solution that does not require motors, power or precision parts. By disengaging the two sets of teeth only when the thumb rocker is pivoted from the neutral position, the thumb rocker does not rotate unnecessarily and only rotates when in use. This reduces the use and subsequent wear of components (such as the rotating mechanism) used to rotate the thumb rocker. By engaging the two sets of teeth when the thumb rocker is in a neutral position, the ball does not rotate unnecessarily when the user is not using the ball.

[0028] In this controller, the first set of gear teeth and the second set of gear teeth can be positioned so that they are not visible when the ball is positioned in the socket. In this way, the user does not interfere with the function of the two sets of gear teeth. They are also less likely to be damaged and need replacement, and have a longer life. This position also ensures that they do not interfere with the user's use of the thumb stick or the user's gaming experience.

[0029] In this controller, the first set of gear teeth and the second set of gear teeth can be positioned at the same depth in the socket. In this way, when the ball is in a neutral position, the two sets of gear teeth can be fully engaged.

[0030] In this controller, the first set of gear teeth and the second set of gear teeth are pointed. In this way, when the rocker is rotated in a direction perpendicular to their position, the teeth will slide out more easily when they disengage from each other.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing uneven wear of a thumb stick of a controller, the thumb stick being rotatably held in a socket of a housing of the controller, and the method comprising: pivoting the thumb stick of the controller in the socket of the housing of the controller; and rotating the thumb stick in the socket and around a pivot center axis of the thumb stick. Preferably, the controller is used in a gaming system. Additionally, the controller may be used in another controllable system. For example, the controller may be used to control a computerized and / or mechanical system, such as a robotic system, a remote control or telecontrol system, a camera or video camera system, etc.

[0032] The pivot center axis includes a center axis of the thumb rocker, which pivots when the thumb rocker pivots in the socket. Preferably, the thumb rocker can rotate in the socket when the thumb rocker pivots. In some examples, the thumb rocker can rotate only when the thumb rocker is pivoted. Preferably, the thumb rocker can rotate in the socket when the thumb rocker is not pivoted. In some examples, the thumb rocker can rotate only when the thumb rocker is not pivoted. Preferably, the thumb rocker can rotate in the socket when the thumb rocker is pivoted and when the thumb rocker is not pivoted.

[0033] Advantageously, a second aspect of the invention provides a method for reducing uneven wear of a thumb rocker of a gaming system controller when the thumb rocker is pivoted (e.g., from a neutral position or other position) by rotating the thumb rocker. In this way, the thumb rocker is rotated while, after, or before being pressed in a particular direction by a user, thereby regularly rotating the thumb rocker according to the amount of use of the thumb rocker. Over time, this results in more uniform wear on the outside and inside of the thumb rocker. By reducing uneven wear of the thumb rocker, the user's overall gaming experience can be improved, and erroneous inputs to the gaming system due to uneven wear can be reduced. Reducing uneven wear on the thumb rocker also ensures a longer life for the thumb rocker and subsequently the controller itself. This solution is also particularly advantageous because this method does not require motors, power, or precision parts.

[0034] By rotating the thumb rocker as it pivots (e.g., from a neutral position or other position), the thumb rocker does not rotate unnecessarily and only rotates when it has been or is about to be used. This reduces the use and subsequent wear of components that may be used to pivot and rotate the thumb rocker (e.g., a set of pivot points or a rotating mechanism).

[0035] In a preferred example of the second aspect of the present invention, a method for reducing uneven wear of a thumb stick of a game system controller is provided, the method comprising: pivoting a ball of the thumb stick of the controller from a neutral position within a socket of a housing of the controller by a user; and driving the ball to rotate around a pivot center axis of the thumb stick by a rotating mechanism.

[0036] In the method, pivoting a thumb stick of the controller within a socket of a housing of the controller may further include pivoting a ball of the thumb stick by a user.

[0037] In the method, rotating the thumb rocker within the socket and about the central pivot axis of the thumb rocker may further include driving a ball via a rotating mechanism to rotate about the central pivot axis of the thumb rocker.

[0038] Using a rotating mechanism to spin the ball also means less wear on the thumbsticks without additional user effort. The rotation only occurs when the ball is pivoted from a neutral position, but this pivoting occurs during normal user use of the controller, so no additional effort is required from the user to achieve the rotation.

[0039] In the method, the method may further include, in response to the ball pivoting from the neutral position within the socket, disengaging a locking mechanism that prevents the ball from rotating about a pivot center axis of the thumb rocker.

[0040] In the method, the method may further include returning the ball to a neutral position within the socket; and engaging a locking mechanism that prevents the ball from rotating about a pivot center axis of the thumb rocker.

[0041] In this way, the ball rotates only when the thumb stick is pivoted from the neutral position, when in the neutral position the ball is locked and the thumb stick does not rotate unnecessarily and only rotates when it has been used. Assuming that the default position of the thumb stick is the neutral position and that the thumb stick is always in this position when not in use by the user, in this way the ball is locked and does not rotate unnecessarily when not in use by the user.

[0042] In the method, engaging or disengaging the locking mechanism may include engaging or disengaging a first set of gear teeth positioned along the inner circumference of the socket with a second set of gear teeth positioned on the outside of the ball. In this manner, the use of two sets of gear teeth provides a simple and effective method that does not require motors, power, or precision parts. By disengaging the two sets of teeth only when the thumb rocker is pivoted from a neutral position, the thumb rocker does not rotate unnecessarily and only rotates when in use. This reduces the use and subsequent wear of components used to rotate the thumb rocker (such as a rotating mechanism). By engaging the two sets of teeth when the thumb rocker is in a neutral position, the ball does not rotate unnecessarily when the user is not using the ball.

[0043] In the method, returning the ball to the neutral position within the socket may include returning the ball to the neutral position using a biasing mechanism. When the user does not operate the thumb stick, it returns to a default position, which the gaming system interprets as 'no input'. In this way, the thumb stick can be returned to the neutral position (thus locked and not rotated) without requiring effort from the user, so that unwanted rotation does not occur.

[0044] In the method, driving the ball to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker may include: engaging the ball through a pad mounted in the socket; and driving the ball to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker by the pad. In this way, the transfer of rotational force from the rotating mechanism to the ball can be more efficient and simpler because only the pad of the rotating mechanism must rotate, rather than the entire rotating mechanism. Using the pad to engage the ball also provides a greater degree of control over when the rotating mechanism engages or does not engage the ball. A mechanism is also provided that does not require delicate and complex parts to engage with the ball for providing rotation.

[0045] In this method, engaging the ball by a pad installed in the socket may include frictionally engaging the ball and the pad with a biasing spring, or mechanically engaging the ball and the pad with a motor. When the pad is frictionally engaged with the ball, the rotation of the pad can be effectively transmitted to the ball to drive the ball to rotate. Through frictional engagement, the two parts do not have to be physically attached to each other, making the parts easier and simpler to manufacture, assemble and replace. Since the two parts are not physically attached to each other, their engagement can be overcome by the user applying opposite forces on the thumb rocker with a finger or thumb. In this way, when the user actively uses the thumb rocker, the frictional engagement of the pad and the ball can be overcome, making it impossible to drive the ball to rotate. Using only friction to connect the pad to the ball means that when the user tries to "hold direction" on the controller, the user's finger pressure will prevent the ball from rotating.

[0046] By using a spring to frictionally engage the pad and ball, a solution is provided that does not require motors, power or precision parts. The spring can either engage the pad by providing an upward force or drive the rotation with a rotational force. The spring can be tailored to provide the required amount and direction of rotation, as well as incremental rotation. The use of a spring also means that a simple and easily implemented method of rotation is provided that will have a reasonably long life due to the minimal number of parts that will wear over time. The spring provides rotation to the ball without any additional user effort.

[0047] When the pad is mechanically engaged with the ball, the rotation of the pad can be effectively transferred to the ball to drive the ball to rotate. By mechanically engaging, the rotational force can be transmitted more efficiently without requiring any significant force to maintain the engagement. By using a motor for mechanically engaging the pad and the ball, the rotation of the ball can be driven in a controlled and precise manner so that the ball does not rotate unnecessarily, the rotation of the ball is not immediately apparent to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0048] In the method, driving the ball to rotate may include driving the ball to rotate in increments each time the ball pivots away from the neutral position. In this way, the thumb stick does not rotate an unnecessary amount and only rotates when it has been used. Subsequently, the rotation of the ball is not immediately apparent to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0049] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a gaming system, comprising a base unit and a controller communicating with the base unit, wherein the controller is configured according to the first aspect or any one of its optional implementations.

[0050] Advantageously, as described above, the third aspect of the invention provides the same advantages as described with respect to the device according to the first aspect.

[0051] According to a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a gaming system comprising a base unit and a controller communicating with the base unit, wherein the controller is configured to execute a method according to any one of the above second aspect or its optional implementations.

[0052] Advantageously, as described above, the fourth aspect of the invention provides the same advantages as described with respect to the method according to the second aspect.

[0053] According to a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory storage medium that stores instructions that, when executed by a game system, cause the game system to execute a method according to the second aspect or any one of its optional implementations.

[0054] Advantageously, as described above, the fifth aspect of the invention provides the same advantages as described with respect to the method according to the second aspect.

[0055] According to a sixth aspect, the present disclosure provides a controller for a gaming system, the controller comprising: a shell comprising a socket; a thumb rocker comprising a ball positioned in the socket of the shell, wherein the ball is configured to: pivot around a center point of the ball within the socket and from a neutral position; and rotate around a pivot center axis of the thumb rocker; and a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the ball around the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker when the ball pivots from the neutral position.

[0056] Advantageously, as described above, the sixth aspect of the invention provides the same advantages as described with respect to the apparatus according to the first aspect. Optional implementations described with respect to the first aspect may be implemented with respect to the sixth aspect.

[0057] According to the seventh aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for reducing uneven wear of a thumb stick of a controller for a gaming system, the method comprising: pivoting a ball of the thumb stick of the controller from a neutral position within a socket of a housing of the controller by a user; and driving the ball to rotate around a pivot center axis of the thumb stick by a rotating mechanism.

[0058] Advantageously, as described above, the seventh aspect of the invention provides the same advantages as described with respect to the method according to the second aspect.Alternative implementations described with respect to the second aspect may be implemented with respect to the seventh aspect.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any device feature described herein can be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. It will also be appreciated that a specific combination of various features described and defined in any aspect described herein can be implemented and / or provided and / or used independently.

[0060] Moreover, it will be understood that the present invention has been described herein by way of example only and that modifications of detail may be made within the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] One or more embodiments will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a controller for a gaming system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0063] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Schematic diagrams of a thumb stick of a controller in a neutral position and a thumb stick of a controller not in a neutral position are shown respectively.

[0064] Figure 2C and Figure 2D A schematic diagram showing a thumb stick of a controller in a neutral position and a thumb stick of a controller not in a neutral position according to an embodiment.

[0065] Figure 3 A flow chart is shown illustrating a method of reducing uneven wear of a thumbstick of a controller for a gaming system, according to an embodiment.

[0066] Figure 4 An example electronic gaming system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] In the following description and drawings, corresponding reference numerals may preferably be used to identify corresponding features to avoid the need to describe the common features in detail for each embodiment.

[0068] For the sake of clarity and brevity, unless otherwise expressly stated, terms such as "located", "positioned", "set", "installed", "packaged", etc. are intended only to describe the relative position of two components and do not exclude other components being located between the two components. The terms "user" and "player" are used interchangeably herein.

[0069] The term game system as used herein refers to an electronic video game system including devices such as an electronic game console or a personal computer (PC). The game system is capable of executing software, including one or more games, applications such as video streaming, music playback, video and audio calling applications, etc.

[0070] Figure 1A controller 100 for a video game system (gaming system) is shown. The controller 100 includes a housing 102. The housing 102 can be the main body of the controller 100 and can house and enclose the components of the controller 100. In particular, the housing 102 can protect electrical or sensitive components from damage and provide a main body of the controller for a user to hold. The housing 102 can include protruding features to facilitate user holding. The housing 102 can include a socket 104, which can be configured to hold the components of the controller 100.

[0071] The controller also includes a thumbstick 106 that a user can manipulate to provide input to the gaming system. Figure 1 The controller has two thumb sticks, but embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a controller having at least one thumb stick. The thumb stick 106 is movable (e.g., by a user tilting, sliding, or pivoting the thumb stick), and input from the thumb stick is provided based on a current position 210 of the thumb stick relative to its default neutral position 212. Typically, a position measuring element (e.g., a potentiometer) in the controller is used to measure the precise position of the stick throughout its range of motion 214. The current position 210 of the stick refers to the physical position of the thumb stick. The current position of the stick detected by the controller and / or gaming system may be the same as or different from the current physical position of the thumb stick.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present invention, the thumb rocker 106 is rotatably held in the socket 104 of the housing 102, and the thumb rocker 106 is configured to pivot in the socket 104 and rotate around the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker 106 in the socket 104. The central pivot axis of the thumb rocker 106 may be a rotation axis of the thumb rocker 106. Figure 1 The center point of the thumb rocker 106 is shown perpendicular to the page (ie, perpendicular to the Figure 1 The thumb stick 106 (e.g., its central pivot axis) may pivot about a center point of the thumb stick 106, about another physical point in / on the thumb stick 106 (e.g., a point on its surface near the socket surface), about any axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the page, i.e., parallel to the plane of the controller 100), etc. The thumb stick 106 may be configured to rotate and pivot simultaneously, and / or it may be configured such that rotation and pivoting may be different motions that may occur at different times, i.e., not simultaneously.

[0073] In some examples, the thumb rocker 106 is coupled to the socket 104 via one or more fulcrums. The fulcrums may be fixedly connected to the socket 104 and pivotally connected to the thumb rocker 106. Each fulcrum may be configured to allow the thumb rocker 106 to pivot in different planes (e.g., about its center point). For example, there may be one fulcrum configured to allow pivoting in any two directions, where the two directions are separated by an angle of 180 degrees (i.e., allowing pivoting within a specific two-dimensional plane), or there may be two fulcrums configured to allow pivoting in two different planes, or there may be one multi-directional fulcrum configured to allow pivoting in two or more different planes.

[0074] In addition to pivoting, the thumb rocker 106 is configured to rotate within the socket 104. This may involve the controller 100 also including a rotation mechanism, whereby the thumb rocker 106 (and optionally one or more fulcrums) can be driven to rotate around the central axis of the thumb rocker 106 (such as via a driven rotatable shaft arranged along the central axis within the thumb rocker 106) during or without pivoting. In this way, the thumb rocker 106 is rotatably retained within the socket 104 and is configured to pivot and rotate simultaneously or not simultaneously. Alternatively or in addition, the controller 100 may be configured so that the thumb rocker 106 can be manually rotated. In one embodiment, the controller 100 also includes a release mechanism, whereby the thumb rocker 106 can be released from its coupling with the socket 104 (and optionally with one or more fulcrums) (automatically or manually, such as by operating a trigger on the thumb rocker 106 or elsewhere on the controller 100) to allow it to rotate. By providing a release mechanism that unlocks the thumb rocker, allowing the thumb rocker to rotate within the socket 104, a user is allowed to periodically rotate the thumb rocker to prevent preferential wear on one surface of the thumb rocker 106. The thumb rocker can then be returned to its coupled state within the socket 104, having been rotated about its central axis to an angular position different from its previous angular position in the socket 104. In one embodiment, the thumb rocker 106 is configured to pivot by coupling the thumb rocker 106 to one or more fulcrums of the socket 104, and is configured to rotate via a release mechanism that allows the thumb rocker 106 to be (at least partially) released or withdrawn from the socket 104, rotated to a new angular position, and reinserted (i.e., recoupled) to the socket 104, after which the thumb rocker 106 can continue to operate normally. In this manner, the thumb rocker 106 is rotatably retained within the socket 104, and is configured not to pivot and rotate simultaneously.

[0075] In other examples described below, the thumb rocker 106 includes a spherical or spherical-like element (such as ball 108) positioned within a socket, wherein the element is configured to allow the thumb rocker to pivot within the socket 104 in many planes (or indeed in an infinite number of planes) and about a center point of the ball from a neutral position.

[0076] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a thumb rocker 206 in some embodiments of the present invention is shown, wherein the thumb rocker 206 is movable in a circular direction about a neutral position 212 at the center of a range of motion 214. The thumb rocker is typically biased to return to the neutral position 212. This is preferred because it improves the user experience, but is not necessary for the thumb rocker to function and provide input. The neutral position of the thumb rocker refers to a preset default position of the thumb rocker. The neutral position is typically the center of the possible circular range of motion of the thumb rocker, and the thumb rocker is biased to return to the neutral position. The basic principle is that when the user does not operate the thumb rocker, it returns to the default position, which the gaming system interprets as 'no input'.

[0077] Although Figure 2A and Figure 2B A thumbstick that is movable in a circumferential direction is shown, but other thumbsticks (not shown) may only be movable in a linear direction. It will be appreciated that the method of the present invention is also applicable to such linear thumbsticks.

[0078] Figure 2A The thumb rocker 206 is shown when its current position 210 is in a neutral position 212 (i.e., the same as the neutral position). Alternatively, the current position of the thumb rocker 206 is in a neutral position 212 (i.e., the same as the neutral position) at the center of the circular motion range 214 of the thumb rocker 206. Figure 2B The thumb rocker 206 is shown after being moved away from the neutral position 212 so that its current position 210 is different from the neutral position.

[0079] Figure 2C and Figure 2D A schematic diagram of a controller is shown, the controller including a thumb rocker 206, the thumb rocker including a ball 208 and a protrusion 224, and a housing 202 including a socket 204. The housing 202 also includes a first set of gear teeth 222, and the ball 208 includes a second set of gear teeth 220. For clarity, Figure 2C and Figure 2D Also shown in FIG. 2 are the center point of the ball 218 and the center axis of the thumb stick 216, as well as arrows indicating how the ball (and subsequently the thumb stick 206) rotates around the center axis of the thumb stick 206. Figure 2C and Figure 2DThe illustrated example thumb rocker 206 shows a thumb rocker 206 having a protrusion 224 and a ball 208, but embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in a thumb rocker 206 having only a ball 208 and no protrusion 224. Figure 2C and Figure 2D The illustrated example thumb rocker 206 shows a first set of gear teeth 222 and a second set of gear teeth 220 , but embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these features.

[0080] Figure 2C The thumb rocker 206 is shown when its current position is in a neutral position (ie, the same as the neutral position). In this example, the neutral position is when the central axis of the thumb rocker 216 is vertical, or perpendicular to the plane of the housing 202. Figure 2C It is shown that when the thumb rocker is in the neutral position, the first set of gear teeth 222 and the second set of gear teeth 220 are engaged, thereby preventing the ball from rotating about the central axis of the thumb rocker 216 .

[0081] Figure 2D The thumb rocker 206 is shown after being moved away from the neutral position, so that its current position is different from the neutral position. Figure 2D The position of the thumb rocker 206 is shown when the ball 208 has been pivoted from the neutral position. The pivoted position of the ball 208 (and subsequently the thumb rocker 206) shows how the center axis of the thumb rocker 216 will pivot the ball 208 (and subsequently the thumb rocker 206). The arrows indicate how the ball 208 (and subsequently the thumb rocker 206) can rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker. Figure 2D It is shown that when the thumb rocker is pivoted from the neutral position, the first set of gear teeth 222 and the second set of gear teeth 220 are disengaged so that the ball is free to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker.

[0082] The thumb rocker 106 includes a ball 108. The ball 108 can be positioned within the socket 104 of the housing 102. The ball 108 can be configured to pivot from a neutral position within the socket 104 of the housing and about a center point of the ball 108. For example, Figure 2C 104, where the ball is in a neutral position and point 218 is the center point of the ball. The center point of ball 108 may be the physical center point inside the ball. When ball 108 is positioned within socket 104, the center point of ball 108 may be located at the center point of socket 104. By pivoting about the center point of ball 108, ball 108 may pivot in a stable manner within socket 104 where it is positioned. If the ball is pivoted about a different point, it may not stay within socket 104.

[0083] The neutral position of the ball 108 may be a position in which the ball 108 is biased back. The neutral position of the ball 108 may be such that the central axis of the thumb rocker 106 is vertical. Figure 2C , where the ball is in a neutral position and the center axis 216 is vertical. When the ball is within the socket 104 and pivoted from the neutral position about the center point of the ball 10, the center axis of the thumb rocker 106 can pivot. The ball 108 can also be configured to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker 106 so that the ball 108 continues to rotate about the center axis regardless of which direction it has been pivoted. For example, Figure 2D 21 , wherein the ball pivots within the socket, and rotation of the ball about the central axis 216 is shown.

[0084] The thumb rocker may also include a protrusion that the user may use to grip and better control the movement and pivoting of the ball as desired. The protrusion may be positioned on the ball 108 of the thumb rocker 106. The protrusion may also be positioned so that it is above a center point above the neutral position, and the center axis of the thumb rocker 106 passes through the center of the protrusion. The protrusion may have a rubber or similar top, and may have a grip.

[0085] The controller also includes a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism may be located at or near the base of the socket, with the ball placed on top of the mechanism. The rotation mechanism is configured to rotate the ball about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker when the ball is pivoted from a neutral position. This ensures that the thumb rocker rotates whenever the user presses the thumb rocker in one direction, thereby rotating the thumb rocker when in use. Over time, this results in more uniform wear of the thumb rocker. The rotation mechanism may be implemented without a motor or power, and is provided with a mechanical component that may be biased.

[0086] When the ball is pivoted from the neutral position, the swivel mechanism may be engaged, and when the ball is in the neutral position, the swivel mechanism may be disengaged. Optionally, when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position, the swivel mechanism may be unlocked, and when the ball is in the neutral position, the swivel mechanism is locked.

[0087] The rotation mechanism can slowly rotate the ball in either direction and push upward to engage the ball. The rotation mechanism can be driven in any way that provides rotation to the ball when engaged. The rotation mechanism can rotate the ball incrementally or minimally so that the rotation of the ball is not immediately apparent to the user. The rotation of the rotation mechanism can be overcome by pressure applied to the ball by the user. The rotation mechanism can be activated only periodically for a set period of time, or can be activated as a result of the state of the thumb rocker, controller, or gaming system.

[0088] The rotation mechanism may include a pad 110. The pad 110 may include a textured material that can provide frictional engagement. The pad 110 may be mounted in the socket 104 and may be configured to engage and rotate with the ball 108. The pad 110 may be mounted at or near the bottom of the socket. The pad 110 may be configured to frictionally engage with the ball 108. Frictional engagement means that the pad 110 and the ball 108 are not only mechanically or physically attached to each other by friction. Pressure is applied to the ball 108 by the pad 110 so that they engage with each other, and the rotation of the ball may then be driven by the rotation of the pad. When the ball is not locked, the friction caused by the pad pushing upward into the ball allows the rotation of the pad to rotate the ball slightly. The pad 110 and / or the ball 108 may have textures so that they can better frictionally engage. The frictional engagement of the pad 110 and the ball 108 can be overcome by any opposing force exceeding a threshold amount. The threshold amount may be below the amount of reaction force that a user applies with their finger or thumb on thumb stick 106, such that when the user actively uses thumb stick 106, the frictional engagement of pad 110 and ball 108 is overcome and it is not possible to drive rotation of ball 108. Using only friction to connect the pad to the ball means that when a user attempts to "hold direction" on the controller, the user's finger pressure will prevent the ball from rotating.

[0089] The pad 110 may alternatively or additionally be configured to mechanically engage the ball 108. Mechanical engagement means that the design and geometry of the pad 110 and the ball 108 are configured so that they will remain engaged even if opposing forces are applied to them. Mechanical engagement of the pad and the ball means that the rotation of the ball can then be driven by the rotation of the pad. Because they are mechanically connected, when the ball is not locked, the rotation of the pad will be transferred to rotate the ball.

[0090] The liner 110 may be configured to engage the ball 108 when the ball 108 is pivoting within the socket 104. By engaging the liner when the ball 108 is pivoting within the socket 104, subsequent actuation of rotation of the ball 108 may be dependent upon the position of the ball 108 within the socket 104. The liner 110 may also be configured to disengage the ball 108 when the ball 108 is in a neutral position. By disengaging the liner when the ball 108 is in a neutral position and not pivoting within the socket 104, actuation of rotation of the ball 108 may be prevented when the ball is in a neutral position, and actuation may be dependent upon the position of the ball 108 within the socket 104.

[0091] The pad 110 may be configured to drive the ball 108 to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker 106 , transferring the rotational force from the rotation mechanism to the ball.

[0092] The rotation mechanism may include a spring system configured to engage the pad 110 with the ball 108 and drive the ball 108 to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker. The spring system may include a spring biased to provide an engagement pressure on the pad 110 toward the ball 108 and a rotational pressure on the ball 108. The spring may be biased to provide an incremental rotational pressure on the ball 108 each time the ball 108 pivots away from the neutral position.

[0093] The rotation mechanism may alternatively include a motor configured to drive the ball 108 to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker. The motor may be configured to turn on when the ball is pivoting within the socket and to turn off when the ball is in a neutral position. In this way, the rotation of the ball can be driven in a controlled and precise manner so that the ball does not rotate unnecessarily, the rotation of the ball is not immediately apparent to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0094] When the rotating mechanism includes a motor, the rotating mechanism may further include a spring that is biased to provide an engagement pressure of the pad 110 toward the ball 108. The engagement pressure may be a friction pressure or a mechanical pressure. Alternatively, when the rotating mechanism includes a motor, the rotating mechanism may further include a fixing mechanism to provide an engagement pressure of the pad 110 toward the ball 108. The pressure may be a friction pressure or a mechanical pressure.

[0095] The rotation mechanism may include a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the ball from rotating when the ball is in a neutral position. The locking mechanism may also be configured to enable the ball 108 to rotate when the ball 108 pivots in the socket 104. In this way, the ball rotates only when the thumb rocker is pivoted from the neutral position, the thumb rocker does not rotate unnecessarily, and only rotates when it is already in use. Assuming that the default position of the thumb rocker is the neutral position, and when not in use by the user, the thumb rocker is always in this position, in this way, when not in use by the user, the ball also does not rotate unnecessarily. By rotating the ball only when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position, the rotation of the ball is not immediately apparent to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0096] The housing 102 may include a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the ball from rotating when the ball is in the neutral position. The locking mechanism may also be configured to enable the ball 108 to rotate when the ball 108 pivots in the socket 104. The locking mechanism may also be configured to enable the ball 108 to rotate when the ball 108 pivots in the socket 104. In this way, the ball rotates only when the thumb rocker is pivoted from the neutral position, the thumb rocker does not rotate unnecessarily, and rotates only when it has been used. Assuming that the default position of the thumb rocker is the neutral position, and when not used by the user, the thumb rocker is always in this position, in this way, when not used by the user, the ball also does not rotate unnecessarily. By rotating the ball only when the ball pivots from the neutral position, the rotation of the ball is not immediately obvious to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0097] The thumb rocker 106 may include a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the ball from rotating when the ball is in the neutral position. The locking mechanism may also be configured to enable the ball 108 to rotate when the ball 108 pivots in the socket 104. The locking mechanism may also be configured to enable the ball 108 to rotate when the ball 108 pivots in the socket 104. In this way, the ball rotates only when the thumb rocker is pivoted from the neutral position, the thumb rocker does not rotate unnecessarily, and rotates only when it has been used. Assuming that the default position of the thumb rocker is the neutral position, and when not used by the user, the thumb rocker is always in this position, in this way, when not used by the user, the ball does not rotate unnecessarily. By rotating the ball only when the ball pivots from the neutral position, the rotation of the ball is not immediately obvious to the user, and the rotation does not interrupt the user's gaming experience.

[0098] Optionally, the housing may include a first set of gear teeth. The first set of gear teeth may include a plurality of gear teeth. The first set of gear teeth may be located along the inner circumference of the socket 104 and may be located deep within the housing that is not visible to a user. The first set of gear teeth may be located such that they are not visible when the ball is located within the socket 104. For example, Figure 2C , where the first set of gear teeth 222 is shown positioned within the socket. The first set of gear teeth may be pointed so that they may slide out more easily (from engagement with the second set of gear teeth) when the thumb rocker or ball is rotated in a direction perpendicular to their position. The first set of gear teeth may be wide gear teeth.

[0099] The thumb rocker may also include a second set of gear teeth. The second set of gear teeth may include a plurality of gear teeth. The second set of gear teeth may include fewer teeth than the first set of gear teeth. The second set of gear teeth may be positioned outside of the ball 108 and placed along a single location. For example, Figure 2C, where the second set of gear teeth 220 are shown as being positioned in a single position on the ball. For example, they may be positioned at the 12 o'clock position on the circumference of the ball, at the same depth as the first set of gear teeth along the circumference of the housing. In any case, this position will rotate as the ball rotates. The second set of gear teeth is only positioned at one position on the circumference of the ball so that the thumb paddle can still rotate in unison. The second set of gear teeth may be positioned so that they are not visible when the ball is positioned in the socket 104. The second set of gear teeth may be pointed so that they can slide out more easily (from engagement with the first set of gear teeth) when the thumb rocker or ball is rotated in a direction perpendicular to their position. In the example above, this would be when the thumb rocker is turned to the 3 o'clock position or the 6 o'clock position.

[0100] The second set of gear teeth can be configured to engage with the first set of gear teeth when the ball is in a neutral position. In this way, each of the two sets of teeth will only lock when the thumb rocker is in a neutral (upright) position. Figure 2C , where the ball is in a neutral position and the first set of gear teeth 222 is engaged with the second set of gear teeth 220. The second set of gear teeth can be configured to disengage from the first set of gear teeth when the ball pivots within the socket, such that the ball is free to rotate only when the first set of gear teeth is disengaged from the second set of gear teeth. In this manner, when the thumb rocker is pressed in any direction away from the neutral position, the teeth of each of the two sets of teeth will release. For example, Figure 2D As shown, the ball is pivoted from the neutral position and the first set of gear teeth 222 is disengaged from the second set of gear teeth 220.

[0101] The first set of gear teeth and the second set of gear teeth are positioned at the same depth within the socket so that when the ball is in a neutral position, the two sets of gear teeth can be fully engaged.

[0102] The controller may include a sensor configured to detect the pivoting motion of the ball. The controller may include a processor configured to convert the motion detected by the sensor into an output of the controller and an input of the gaming system.

[0103] Figure 3 A flow chart is shown illustrating a method for reducing uneven wear of a thumbstick of a controller of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] At step 302, a ball of a thumb stick of a controller is pivoted from a neutral position within a socket of a housing of the controller. The ball may be pivoted by a user.

[0105] Optionally, at step 304, in response to the ball pivoting from the neutral position within the socket, a locking mechanism is disengaged that prevents the ball from rotating about a pivot center axis of the thumb rocker. Disengaging the locking mechanism may include disengaging a first set of gear teeth positioned along an inner circumference of the socket from a second set of gear teeth positioned on an outer portion of the ball.

[0106] At step 306, the ball is driven by the rotation mechanism to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker. Rotating the ball about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker may include a pad mounted in a socket engaging the ball. The pad engaging the ball may include frictionally engaging the ball and the pad with a biasing spring. The pad engaging the ball may alternatively include mechanically engaging the ball and the pad with a motor.

[0107] Rotating the ball about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker may also include the pad driving the ball to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker. The pad driving the ball to rotate may include driving the ball to rotate in increments each time the ball pivots away from the neutral position.

[0108] Optionally, the ball is returned to a neutral position within the socket at step 308. Returning the ball to a neutral position within the socket may include returning the ball to the neutral position using a biasing mechanism.

[0109] Optionally, a locking mechanism is engaged that prevents the ball from rotating about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker as step 310. Engaging the locking mechanism may include engaging a first set of gear teeth positioned along an interior circumference of the socket with a second set of gear teeth positioned exteriorly of the ball.

[0110] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an electronic gaming device 400 is shown. The electronic gaming device 400 includes a storage device 402, a transceiver 404, a processor 406, and a memory 408. The electronic gaming device 400 may include various other modules and sensors not shown. The components of the electronic gaming device 400 are typically connected by a bus 410 to facilitate communication between the components.

[0111] The memory 403 may be a storage module suitable for storing information associated with the above-mentioned method. For example, instructions for executing the above-mentioned method may be stored in the storage module 402. The storage module 402 is intended to represent a non-volatile storage device.

[0112] Transceiver 404 is configured to receive signals from and transmit signals to input devices and other external components connected to the electronic gaming device, such as a display.

[0113] The processor 406 may be configured to execute instructions so that the processor performs any of the methods discussed above. The processor 406 may be implemented as a single processor chip or a group of processor chips including a digital signal processor. If the storage module 402 stores corresponding information associated with the method, the processor 406 may be configured to implement the method.

[0114] Memory 408 refers to a storage device, such as a RAM, which may be a volatile storage device.

[0115] The above-described methods and processes may be implemented as code (eg, software code).

[0116] For completeness, such code may be stored on one or more computer-readable media, which may include any device or medium capable of storing code and / or data for use by a computer system. When a computer system reads and executes the code stored on a computer-readable medium, the computer system executes the methods and processes embodied as the code stored in the computer-readable storage medium. In certain embodiments, one or more steps of the methods and processes described herein may be performed by a processor (e.g., a processor of an electronic gaming device or a remote server).

[0117] Having described various aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the various aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes may be made to the above-described structures, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

Claims

1. A controller (100), comprising: a housing (102) comprising a socket (104); A thumb rocker (106) rotatably held in the socket (104) of the housing (102), wherein the thumb rocker (108) is configured to: pivoting within the socket (104); as well as The thumb rocker (106) rotates within the socket about a pivot center axis.

2. The controller of claim 1 , wherein the thumb rocker includes a ball (108) positioned within the socket, wherein the ball is configured to allow the thumb rocker to pivot within the socket and about a center point of the ball from a neutral position.

3. The controller of claim 2, wherein the controller further comprises a rotation mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism is configured to allow the ball to rotate about the central pivot axis of the thumb rocker when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position.

4. The controller of claim 3, wherein the rotation mechanism includes a pad (110) mounted within the socket, wherein the pad is configured to engage with the ball and rotate.

5. The controller of claim 4, wherein the pad is further configured to engage the ball when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position and to disengage the ball when the ball is in the neutral position.

6. A controller according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the pad is configured to frictionally engage or mechanically engage the ball.

7. A controller according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the rotation mechanism further comprises a spring system configured to engage the pad with the ball and drive the ball to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker.

8. The controller of claim 7, wherein the spring system includes a spring biased to provide an engagement pressure on the pad toward the ball and a rotational pressure on the ball.

9. The controller of claim 8, wherein the spring is biased to provide an incremental rotational pressure on the ball each time the ball pivots away from the neutral position.

10. The controller according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the rotation mechanism further comprises a motor configured to drive the ball to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker.

11. The controller of claim 10, wherein the motor is configured to turn on when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position and to turn off when the ball is in the neutral position.

12. The controller according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the rotating mechanism further comprises: a spring biased to provide engagement pressure of the pad toward the ball; or A securing mechanism is configured to provide engagement of the pad and the ball.

13. The controller of any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein one or more of the housing, the thumb rocker, and the rotation mechanism further comprises a locking mechanism configured to prevent the ball from rotating when the ball is in the neutral position.

14. A controller according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein: The housing further includes a first set of gear teeth positioned along an interior circumference of the socket; and The thumb rocker also includes a second set of gear teeth positioned outside the ball, the second set of gear teeth being configured to engage with the first set of gear teeth when the ball is in the neutral position and to disengage from the first set of gear teeth when the ball is pivoted from the neutral position, such that the rotation mechanism is free to rotate the ball only when the first and second sets of gear teeth are disengaged.

15. The controller of claim 14, wherein the first set of gear teeth and the second set of gear teeth are positioned such that they are not visible when the ball is positioned within the socket.

16. A control according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the first set of gear teeth and the second set of gear teeth are located at the same depth within the socket.

17. A controller according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first set of gear teeth and the second set of gear teeth are pointed.

18. A method for reducing uneven wear of a thumb stick (106) of a controller (100), the thumb stick being rotatably retained within a socket (104) of a housing (102) of the controller, and comprising: pivoting (302) a thumb rocker (106) of a controller (100) within a socket (104) of a housing (102) of the controller; and The thumb rocker is rotated within the socket and about its pivot center axis.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein pivoting a thumb stick of the controller within a socket of a housing of the controller comprises pivoting a ball of the thumb stick by a user.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein rotating the thumb rocker within the socket and about a pivot center axis of the thumb rocker comprises driving (306) the ball to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker via a rotation mechanism.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising, in response to the ball pivoting from a neutral position within the socket, disengaging (304) a locking mechanism that prevents the ball from rotating about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker.

22. The method according to claim 20 or claim 21, further comprising: returning (308) the ball to a neutral position within the socket; as well as A locking mechanism is engaged (310) that prevents the ball from rotating about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker.

23. A method according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein engaging or disengaging the locking mechanism comprises engaging or disengaging a first set of gear teeth located along an inner circumference of the socket with a second set of gear teeth located on the exterior of the ball.

24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein returning the ball to a neutral position within the socket comprises returning the ball to the neutral position using a biasing mechanism.

25. The method of any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein driving the ball to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker comprises: engaging the ball via a spacer mounted within the socket; as well as The ball is driven by the pad to rotate about the pivot center axis of the thumb rocker.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein engaging the ball with the gasket mounted within the socket comprises frictionally engaging the ball and the gasket with a biasing spring or mechanically engaging the ball and the gasket with a motor.

27. The method of any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein driving the ball to rotate comprises driving the ball to rotate in increments each time the ball pivots away from the neutral position.

28. A gaming system comprising a base unit and a controller in communication with the base unit, wherein the controller is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

29. A gaming system comprising a base unit and a controller in communication with the base unit, wherein the controller is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 18 to 27.

30. A non-transitory storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by a gaming system, cause the gaming system to perform the method of any one of claims 18 to 27.

Images