Gamepad and position detection device thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a gamepad and a position detection device thereof. The gamepad comprises a shell, an input device arranged on the shell, a circuit board arranged in the shell and a detection guide pipe connected with the shell, and a control unit is arranged on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; a positioning strip is arranged in the detection guide pipe and can move along the directions of two pipe orifices of the detection guide pipe; the detection guide pipe is provided with a detection module, and the detection module outputs position data to the control unit according to the position of the positioning strip in the detection guide pipe; and the control unit controls a host according to the position data. According to the gamepad, a new control mode is provided, and proportional control can be accurately achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic computers and video game control, and in particular to a game controller, a method of using the game controller, and a position detection device for the game controller. Background Technology

[0002] Game controllers are a common control device for computer and video games. They have the advantages of low environmental requirements (they can be used in the air) and high user comfort.

[0003] Game controllers can be broadly categorized into one-handed and two-handed game controllers. (See the attached image in the instruction manual.) Figure 1 It is a common type of one-handed game controller. The controller's shell is designed for one-handed gripping and has joysticks and buttons on the shell. Figure 2 This is a type of two-handed game controller in the prior art, which has two grips and joysticks and buttons arranged on the shell.

[0004] Both types of game controllers share some common shortcomings in usage. First, they rely on joysticks and buttons for control, resulting in a relatively simple control method. Second, it's difficult to simultaneously control direction and movement during gameplay. In games, the joystick is typically used to control the character's direction of movement, while the buttons are used to control movement. However, both joysticks and buttons are primarily controlled by the user's thumb, making it difficult to simultaneously control both movement and direction. For example, pressing a button to make the character jump while simultaneously pushing the joystick to control the jump direction is challenging using only the thumb. Third, precise proportional control is difficult to achieve. Current game controllers use linear joysticks, a type of proportional control device. For instance, when controlling a racing car in a game, the joystick's tilt angle is proportional to the car's steering angle; the larger the tilt angle, the larger the steering angle. The user can then control the car's steering angle by adjusting the joystick's tilt angle. However, this kind of proportional control is difficult to achieve precisely because the joystick's range of motion is too small. When pushed from the middle position to the very edge, its movement distance is only about 1 centimeter. It is difficult for users to push the joystick to the appropriate angle, and thus it is also difficult to precisely control the steering angle of the race car in the game.

[0005] Current game controllers rely on the thumb to control the joystick to control direction in the game, which can easily cause health problems such as tenosynovitis with prolonged use.

[0006] In existing technology, the linear joystick on a game controller can be considered a position detection device. When the user pushes the joystick, the joystick changes angle, which means the position of the joystick's tip on the controller changes. The user can control the video game by placing the joystick tip in different positions. However, as a position detection device, the linear joystick has a significant drawback: its effective control range (the distance the joystick tip can move, within which the joystick can be controlled) is too short.

[0007] The game controller, the method of using the game controller, and the position detection device for the game controller described in this application were developed in this context.

[0008] Application content

[0009] The purpose of this application is to provide a game controller that offers a new control method.

[0010] Another objective of this application is to provide a game controller that can simultaneously control direction and movement during gameplay.

[0011] Another objective of this application is to provide a game controller capable of precise proportional control.

[0012] Another objective of this application is to provide a position detection device for a game controller, which allows for a large control travel.

[0013] Another objective of this application is to provide a position detection device for a game controller, which enables the game controller to have a new control method.

[0014] Another objective of this application is to provide a position detection device for a game controller, which enables the game controller to simultaneously control direction and movement during gameplay.

[0015] Another objective of this application is to provide a position detection device for a game controller, which has a long effective control range.

[0016] Another objective of this application is to provide a position detection device for a game controller, wherein the positioning bar of the position detection device has a long effective control range.

[0017] Another objective of this application is to provide a position detection device for a game controller, which enables precise proportional control of the game controller.

[0018] Another objective of this application is to provide a method for using a game controller, which enables precise proportional control.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a game controller, which includes a housing, an input device disposed on the housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a detection conduit connected to the housing, and a positioning strip disposed within the detection conduit; a control unit is disposed on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; the positioning strip is movable along the two openings of the detection conduit; a detection module is disposed on the detection conduit and is located on one side of the positioning strip; the detection module outputs position data to the control unit based on the position of the positioning strip within the detection conduit; and the control unit controls a host computer based on the position data.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, the input device is selected from one or both of a joystick module and a button module.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, the detection conduit is movably connected to the housing.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the detection conduit is rotatably connected to the housing.

[0023] In one embodiment of this application, the detection conduit is directly connected to the housing via a universal joint.

[0024] In one embodiment of this application, the detection guide tube is further provided with a roller, which is located next to the positioning strip.

[0025] In one embodiment of this application, the detection module is a linear magnetic induction module; the positioning strip is provided with a magnet, and the two magnetic poles of the magnet are respectively facing the two openings of the detection conduit.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, the linear magnetic induction module further includes a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter.

[0027] In one embodiment of this application, the detection module is an image capture module, which includes a light-emitting module and a camera module; the camera module includes a lens and an image sensor module; and the positioning bar is provided with a positioning mark.

[0028] In one embodiment of this application, the positioning bar is provided with a positioning mark.

[0029] In one embodiment of this application, the positioning bar is provided with two positioning marks with different image features.

[0030] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a game controller, which includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit includes a housing, an input device disposed on the housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a detection conduit connected to the housing, and a positioning strip disposed within the detection conduit; a control unit is disposed on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; the positioning strip is movable along the two openings of the detection conduit; a detection module is disposed on the detection conduit and is located on one side of the positioning strip; the detection module outputs position data to the control unit based on the position of the positioning strip within the detection conduit; the control unit controls a host computer based on the position data. The second control unit includes a second housing, a second button module disposed on the second housing, and a second circuit board disposed within the second housing; a second control unit is disposed on the second circuit board; the second button module is electrically connected to the second control unit; the second housing is connected to one end of the positioning strip.

[0031] In one embodiment of this application, the second housing is movably connected to the positioning strip.

[0032] In one embodiment of this application, the detection module is a linear magnetic induction module; the positioning strip is provided with a magnet, and the two magnetic poles of the magnet are respectively facing the two openings of the detection conduit.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, the linear magnetic induction module further includes a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter.

[0034] In one embodiment of this application, the detection module is an image capture module, which includes a light-emitting module and a camera module; the camera module includes a lens and an image sensor module; and the positioning bar is provided with a positioning mark.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the second control unit further includes a second detection conduit and a second positioning strip; the second detection conduit is connected to the second housing, the second positioning strip is disposed in the second conduit and is movable along the two pipe openings; one end of the second positioning strip is perpendicularly connected to one end of the positioning strip; a second detection module is provided in the second positioning strip, the second detection module outputs second position data to the second control unit according to the position of the second positioning strip in the second detection conduit, and the second control unit controls a host according to the second position data.

[0036] In one embodiment of this application, the second detection module is a linear magnetic induction module; a magnet is provided on the second positioning strip, and the two magnetic poles of the magnet are respectively facing the two openings of the second detection conduit.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, the linear magnetic induction module further includes a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, the second detection module is an image capture module, which includes a light-emitting module and a camera module; the camera module includes a lens and an image sensor module; and the second positioning bar is provided with at least two positioning marks with different image features.

[0039] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a position detection device for a game controller. The position detection device includes a detection conduit and a positioning strip disposed in the detection conduit. The positioning strip is movable toward the two openings of the detection conduit. A detection module is provided on the detection conduit and disposed on one side of the positioning strip. The detection module outputs position data to a game controller based on the position of the positioning strip in the detection conduit.

[0040] In one embodiment of this application, the detection module is a linear magnetic induction module; the positioning strip is provided with a magnet, and the two magnetic poles of the magnet are respectively facing the two openings of the detection conduit.

[0041] In one embodiment of this application, the linear magnetic induction module further includes a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter.

[0042] In one embodiment of this application, the detection module is an image capture module, which includes a light-emitting module and a camera module; the camera module includes a lens and an image sensor module; and the positioning bar has at least two positioning marks with different image features.

[0043] This application also provides a method for using a game controller, including:

[0044] The detection module outputs position data to the control unit based on the position of the positioning bar in the detection tube; the control unit controls a host machine based on the position data.

[0045] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a game controller, which includes a housing, an input device disposed on the housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a detection conduit connected to the housing, and a positioning strip disposed within the detection conduit; a control unit is disposed on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; the positioning strip is movable along the two openings of the detection conduit; a linear magnetic induction module is disposed on the detection conduit and is located on one side of the positioning strip; a magnet is disposed on the positioning strip, and the two magnetic poles of the magnet are respectively facing the two openings of the detection conduit; the linear magnetic induction module is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0046] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the linear magnetic induction module includes a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter.

[0047] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a game controller, which includes a housing, an input device disposed on the housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a detection conduit connected to the housing, and a positioning strip disposed within the detection conduit; a control unit is disposed on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; the positioning strip is movable along the two openings of the detection conduit; an image acquisition module is disposed on the detection conduit; a positioning mark is disposed on the positioning strip; the image acquisition module is disposed on the side of the positioning strip with the positioning mark; and the image acquisition module is electrically connected to the control unit.

[0048] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, a positioning mark is provided on the positioning bar.

[0049] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the positioning bar is provided with at least two positioning marks with different image features.

[0050] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a game controller, which includes a housing, an input device disposed on the housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a detection conduit connected to the housing, and a positioning strip disposed within the detection conduit; a control unit is disposed on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; the positioning strip is movable along the two openings of the detection conduit; an image acquisition module is disposed on the detection conduit; a positioning mark is disposed on the side of the positioning strip with the positioning mark; the image acquisition module is electrically connected to the control unit; the image acquisition module captures the positioning mark and outputs a digital image, and the control unit obtains operation data by processing the digital image.

[0051] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the control unit obtains operation data by processing the digital image, including: acquiring the image position of the positioning marker image in the digital image, and determining the operation data based on the image position.

[0052] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the control unit obtains operation data by processing the digital image, including: acquiring image features of positioning marker images in the digital image, and determining operation data based on the image features.

[0053] The game controller described in this application offers several advantages. First, it allows for control of computers or video games via hand movement in the air, providing greater versatility compared to existing controllers. Second, users can control direction using the entire hand and actions using finger buttons, enabling simultaneous control of direction and action in video games. Third, the larger control travel of the position detection device allows for better proportional control compared to the extremely short control travel of existing joysticks. Fourth, the ability to control direction via the entire hand avoids health problems such as tendonitis caused by prolonged use of the thumb for directional control.

[0054] The game controller described in this application is capable of controlling various computer devices, including but not limited to PCs, TV game consoles, smartphones, tablets, and handheld game consoles. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 The demonstration showcases a game controller based on existing technology.

[0056] Figure 2 The demonstration showcases a current technology for two-handed game controllers.

[0057] Figure 3 This illustration shows one implementation of the game controller described in this application.

[0058] Figure 4 The demonstration shows the installation method of the linear magnetic induction module in the detection conduit and the installation method of the magnet in the positioning strip.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a side view of the position detection device, showing the movement of the positioning bar in the detection guide tube.

[0060] Figure 6 The device on display is a detection conduit equipped with two linear magnetic induction modules.

[0061] Figure 7 This is a side view of the position detection device, showing how the rollers are installed in the detection guide tube.

[0062] Figure 8This is a side view of the game controller of this application, showing one way in which the detection conduit is installed on the housing.

[0063] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of a Chinese game controller.

[0064] Figure 10 This demonstrates one type of connection between the detection catheter and the housing.

[0065] Figure 11 This is a side view of the position detection device, showing how the image capture module is installed in the detection conduit.

[0066] Figure 12 This demonstrates one implementation of the positioning strip.

[0067] Figure 13 The game controller on display has two control sections.

[0068] Figure 14 The game controller on display features two detection tubes and two positioning bars. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, the embodiments are only examples of optional implementation methods of the present application, and the features disclosed therein are only used to illustrate and explain the technical solution of the present application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0070] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of this application, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0071] A game controller includes a housing, an input device disposed on the housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a detection conduit connected to the housing, and a positioning strip disposed within the detection conduit. A control unit is disposed on the circuit board. The input device is electrically connected to the control unit. The positioning strip is movable along the two openings of the detection conduit. A detection module is disposed on one side of the positioning strip. The detection module outputs position data to the control unit based on the position of the positioning strip within the detection conduit. The control unit controls a host computer based on the position data.

[0072] The input device is selected from one or both of the joystick module and the button module; the input device is used by the user to input control signals (both generated by the joystick module and the button module are called control signals); the control signals are sent to the control unit; the control unit can be a microcontroller, preferably, in this embodiment, the STMicroelectronics STM32F407 chip is selected as the control unit.

[0073] The control unit can be connected to a host computer to transmit signals. Preferably, the host computer connected to the control unit is a PC, and the circuit board inside the housing is connected to the PC via a USB cable.

[0074] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the position detection module is a linear magnetic induction module, which includes a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter (i.e., an analog-to-digital converter). Magnets are provided on the positioning strip.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 101 is shaped for easy one-handed gripping and is divided into a gripping section 101a at the rear and a control section 101b at the front. In this embodiment, the input device is a joystick module, which is mounted on the housing 101. The joystick module includes a joystick 102 on the surface of the housing 101 and a joystick base inside the housing 101. The joystick base is mounted on a circuit board inside the housing 101, and an STM32F407 control unit is mounted on the circuit board. The joystick module is electrically connected to the control unit via the circuit board. A detection conduit 106 is connected to the front end of the housing 101. Figure 4 As shown, the detection conduit 106 is a hollow rectangle with a square opening 1062 at each end. A linear magnetic induction module 1064 is located at the bottom of the detection conduit 106, which includes a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter. The linear Hall sensor and AD converter are mounted on a PCB (printed circuit board) 1063, which is connected to the PCB 1063 by a cable 3014 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (As shown) and the circuit board inside the housing 101 are connected. The circuit board inside the housing 101 is connected to a host computer via a USB cable to control the host computer.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, the positioning strip 301 is a rectangular strip with a magnet 3017 embedded inside. The two ends of the positioning strip 301 are square, slightly smaller than the opening of the detection conduit 106, so that the positioning strip can be inserted into the opening of the detection conduit 106.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the positioning strip 301 is disposed inside the detection conduit 106 and can move along the direction of the two tube openings, as... Figure 3The direction indicated by the middle arrow. The magnet 3017, located in the positioning strip 301, has its N pole and S pole pointing to the two openings of the detection conduit 106, respectively. That is, the N pole points to one opening and the S pole points to the other opening.

[0078] In use, the user holds the housing 101 with their left hand and grasps the right end of the positioning strip 301 with their right hand. Moving the positioning strip 301 left or right changes its position within the detection guide tube 106, thereby altering the positional relationship between the magnet 3017 and the linear magnetic induction module 1064. Depending on the different positional relationships, the linear magnetic induction module 1064 outputs different positional data.

[0079] Specifically, the linear magnetic induction module 1064 includes a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter. The linear Hall sensor can sense the magnetic field of the magnet 3017 and output different voltages according to the different directions and magnitudes of the magnetic field. The AD converter outputs different digital signals according to different voltages. Since this digital signal is determined by the position of the positioning strip in the detection tube, it is also referred to as position data in this specification.

[0080] The detection conduit 106 and the positioning strip 301 together form a position detection device for the game controller. By sensing the magnetic field of the magnet on the positioning strip 301 through the linear magnetic induction module 1064 on the detection conduit 106, position data can be generated and provided to the control unit on the game controller.

[0081] Position data can only be output to the control unit when the linear magnetic induction module 1064 can sense the magnetic field generated by the magnet 3017. Within a certain range of movement of the positioning bar 301 in the detection guide tube 106, the linear magnetic induction module 1064 can sense the magnetic field of the magnet 3017. This range of movement is referred to in this specification as the effective control range of the positioning bar 301. The control process is explained below by describing the movement of the positioning bar 301 from left to right within its effective control range. Figure 5 As shown, the magnet 3017 set in the positioning bar 301 has its N pole on the left and its S pole on the right. The magnetic field direction sensed by the linear Hall sensor 1064 is not consistent when the magnet 3017 is located on the left or right. At any position within the effective control range, the voltage output by the linear Hall sensor is unique, and the position data output by the AD converter is also unique.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown in the diagram above, when magnet 3017 just enters the effective control range, the linear Hall sensor outputs a voltage based on the sensed magnetic field. The AD converter outputs position data "1" in the form of a digital signal to the control unit based on this voltage. The control unit then sends this position data to the host computer. After the user moves the positioning bar 301 to the right a certain distance, magnet 3017 moves to the very center of the effective control range. Figure 5 As shown in the middle figure), the linear magnetic induction module 1064 outputs displacement data "25" to the control unit based on the sensed magnetic field, and the control unit sends this displacement data to the host. The user holds the positioning bar 301 and continues to move to the right to the edge of the effective control range ( Figure 5 As shown in the figure below, the linear magnetic induction module 1064 outputs position data "50" to the control unit based on the sensed magnetic field. The control unit then sends this position data to the host. Assuming an effective control range of 50 mm and an accuracy of 1 mm (i.e., the linear Hall sensor can sense a change in the magnetic field after the magnet moves 1 mm), the linear magnetic induction module can output 50 displacement data points, ranging from 1 to 50, within the entire effective control range.

[0083] The host computer uses received position data to perform various controls on the video game. For example, in a racing game, the received position data is converted into the vehicle's steering angle. For instance, position data 25 represents no steering, position data 26 represents a 1-degree right turn, 26 represents a 2-degree right turn, and so on, with 50 representing a 25-degree right turn; position data 24 represents a 1-degree left turn, position data 23 represents a 2-degree left turn, and so on, with position data 1 representing a 25-degree left turn. Users can control the vehicle's steering angle in the game by placing the positioning bar 301 in different positions. Because the positioning bar 301 has a relatively large effective control range, users can easily control it to stay in a specific position to achieve the desired steering angle, making precise proportional control easier compared to the small effective control range of joysticks on existing game controllers.

[0084] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, two linear magnetic induction modules are disposed on the detection conduit 106. For example... Figure 6As shown, two linear magnetic induction modules, 1064a and 1064b, are installed on the PCB 1063 inside the detection conduit 106, spaced a distance apart. The area where linear magnetic induction module 1064a can sense the magnetic field of magnet 3017 is designated as area A, and the area where linear magnetic induction module 1064b can sense the magnetic field of magnet 3017 is designated as area B. The distance between the two linear magnetic induction modules is adjusted so that areas A and B are adjacent but do not overlap. Compared to a single linear magnetic induction module, the effective control range of the positioning bar 301 is doubled without changing the accuracy. Within the effective control range, during a complete movement of the positioning bar 301 from left to right controlled by the user, magnet 3017 passes through areas A and B sequentially. When the two linear magnetic induction modules sense the magnetic field of magnet 3017, they output position data within different ranges. For example, linear magnetic induction module 1064a outputs position data from 1 to 50, and linear magnetic induction module 1064b outputs position data from 51 to 100. Throughout the movement, the control unit sequentially output position data from 1 to 100 to the host computer. This implementation increases the effective control range of the positioning bar, making it more convenient for users to perform precise proportional control.

[0085] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, such as Figure 7 As shown, the detection guide tube 106 is also equipped with rollers 1068. The rollers 1068 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the positioning strip 301, with each roller connected to the outer shell of the detection guide tube 106 via an axle. The rollers can rotate on the axle. The rollers 1068 are in contact with the edge of the positioning strip 301, and the movement of the positioning strip 301 within the detection guide tube 106 drives the rollers 1068 to rotate. The original sliding friction is transformed into rolling friction, reducing friction and allowing the positioning strip 301 to move more smoothly.

[0086] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection conduit 106 and the housing 101 are rotatably connected. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the front end of the housing 101 has a protrusion 1011. This protrusion 1011 has a mounting hole. The detection guide tube 106 and the protrusion 1011 are connected by a connecting shaft 1012. One end of the connecting shaft 1012 is fixed to the bottom of the detection guide tube 106, and the other end is inserted into the mounting hole and can rotate within it. In this embodiment of the game controller, the detection guide tube 106 can rotate in the horizontal direction, as shown in the figure. Figure 9As indicated by the middle arrow, the rotatable connection between the detection conduit 106 and the housing 101 makes the user more comfortable when using the game controller. Because when the detection conduit 106 and the housing 101 are fixedly connected, the user's hands are in a relatively fixed position when using the controller, and the right hand controlling the positioning bar 301 must be positioned to the side of the housing 101. By changing to a rotatable connection, the detection conduit 106 can rotate within a certain angle, allowing the user's hand controlling the positioning bar 301 to move back and forth within a certain range, increasing freedom and comfort during use.

[0087] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection conduit 106 and the housing 101 are connected by a universal joint, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the front end of the control unit 101b is connected to the middle of the detection conduit 106 via a universal connector. This universal connector includes a ball-and-socket portion 120 fixed to the middle of the detection conduit 106 and a ball head 121 fixed to the front end of the control unit 101b. The ball head 121 can rotate in any direction within the ball-and-socket portion 120. Preferably, in this embodiment, the input device is a button module. The button module includes buttons 103 disposed on the surface of the housing 101 and a portion inside the housing, the latter being disposed on a circuit board within the housing. Figure 10 As shown, the top surface of the control unit 101b of button 103.

[0088] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, such as Figure 13 As shown, the game controller also includes a second control unit 200. The second control unit includes a housing 201, a second control unit disposed in the housing 201, and a second button module 203 disposed on the housing 201. The second button module 203 is electrically connected to the second control unit; the front end of the housing 201 is connected to the right end of the positioning strip 301.

[0089] In this embodiment of the game controller, the user holds the second control unit 200 with their right hand and moves the positioning bar 301 along the detection guide tube 106 by moving their right hand left and right in the air, thereby controlling the game. Simultaneously, the game can still be controlled via buttons. Figure 2 Compared to existing game controllers with two grips, this new controller retains all the functions and advantages of existing controllers while adding the ability to control the game character with one hand moving in the air. Using the positioning bar 301 to control the direction of the game character's movement and the second button module 203 to control the game character's actions, it is possible to control both the direction and actions of the game character simultaneously, enhancing control capabilities.

[0090] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the second control unit further includes a second detection conduit and a second positioning bar. For example... Figure 14As shown, the second detection conduit 206 is connected to the second housing 201. The second positioning strip 401 is disposed in the second detection conduit 206 and can move along the two openings within the second detection conduit 206. One end of the second positioning strip 401 is perpendicularly connected to one end of the positioning strip 301. A second detection module is provided in the second detection conduit 206, and a magnet is provided in the second positioning strip 401, with the N and S poles of the magnet facing the two openings of the second detection conduit 206 respectively. The second detection module outputs second position data to the second control unit based on the position of the second positioning strip 401 in the second detection conduit 206. The second control unit controls a host computer based on the second position data. In this embodiment, the game controller allows the user to control the game by moving the second control unit left and right in the air, as well as by moving it up and down in the air. This game controller is equivalent to combining two single-handed controllers (by perpendicularly connecting the positioning strip 301 and the second positioning strip 401), with two sets of position detection devices and two control units. The host computer controls the video game based on position data from the two control units. For example, position data sent by the control unit controls the left and right directions in a video game, while position data sent by the second control unit controls the up and down directions. It can completely replace a joystick for controlling various video games.

[0091] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is an image capture module; the positioning bar is provided with at least two positioning marks with different image features.

[0092] The image capture module includes a light-emitting module and a camera module; wherein the camera module further includes a lens and an image sensor module.

[0093] like Figure 11 As shown, the light-emitting module 1065, lens 1066, and image sensor module 1067 are all disposed inside the detection conduit 10; the lens 1066 and the image sensor module 1067 are connected; the image sensor module 1067 is disposed on the PCB 1063; preferably, the light-emitting module 1065 is a light-emitting diode and is electrically connected to the PCB 1063. The PCB 1063 is disposed at the bottom of the detection conduit and is connected to the circuit board in the housing 101 via a cable. The image sensor module 1067 further includes an image sensor and a DSP (digital signal processor).

[0094] Preferably, the camera module is the OV7620 camera module from Omnivision, which includes a lens and a CMOS image sensor module.

[0095] In this embodiment of the game controller, the positioning strip surface is provided with at least two icons, each with a unique image feature. These icons are used to assist in positioning and are called positioning marks. A preferred embodiment of the positioning strip... Figure 12 As shown, the positioning strip is 15 cm long, with nine line segments of different lengths printed on one of its surfaces. The positioning strip is black, and the line segments are white. The line segments are spaced 1.5 cm apart, with their bottom ends flush. From left to right, the lengths of each line segment are 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, and 6 mm. These nine line segments of different lengths are nine positioning marks, numbered from positioning mark 1 to positioning mark 9, from shortest to longest. The length of each line segment represents the image characteristic of that positioning mark. The positioning strip 301 is disposed in the detection guide tube 106, with the side bearing the positioning marks facing the side of the detection guide tube 106 where the image capture module is located.

[0096] In this embodiment, the game controller takes a picture of the side of the positioning bar with positioning marks through the camera module and outputs a digital image. The control unit processes the digital image and controls the connected host according to the processing result.

[0097] The following details the entire process and the processing methods used by the control unit for digital images.

[0098] When in operation, the light-emitting module 1065 illuminates the side of the positioning strip with the positioning mark, and the camera module captures a picture of this side and outputs a digital image.

[0099] Preferably, the OV7620 camera module is configured to output 100 frames per second of 320*120 grayscale images. A grayscale image is a type of digital image; each frame records information from a 320*120 pixel matrix. This pixel matrix has 120 rows and 320 columns, numbered from top to bottom (row 0 to row 119) and from left to right (column 0 to column 319). The position of each pixel in the matrix is ​​indicated by a unique coordinate. The top-left pixel has coordinates (0, 0), indicating it is located in row 0, column 0. The first 0 represents the row number, and the second 0 represents the column number. Each pixel in the pixel matrix has a pixel value, represented by a number from 0 to 255. 255 represents white, 0 represents black, and the remaining numbers represent different shades of gray.

[0100] The digital image output by the camera module includes a location marker image formed after capturing the location marker. Location marker images formed from different features of the location marker have different image characteristics. In this embodiment, the location marker is a line segment, and the image in the location image is a group of pixels arranged in a row. Images formed by line segments of different lengths have different numbers of constituent pixels.

[0101] The positioning marker images 1 to 9 in the positioning image are composed of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 pixels, respectively. The number of constituent pixels is a characteristic of the positioning marker image. Each pixel in the positioning marker image has a pixel value of 210. Each line segment has one end attached to an edge of the positioning pole; the image formed by this edge in the positioning image has a pixel row coordinate of 119. That is, each positioning marker image has at least one pixel with a row coordinate of 119, which allows for quick location of the positioning marker image.

[0102] The control unit processes the digital images output by the camera module and determines the operation data based on the image features of the positioning marker images. The specific image processing method for each frame of the digital image is as follows:

[0103] S1. Starting from pixel (119, 0), sequentially read the pixel value of the pixel with row coordinate 119 one by one until a pixel with a value of 200 or higher is read (the coordinates of this pixel are the image position).

[0104] S2. Read the pixel values ​​of all pixels with the same column coordinates as the current pixel, and record the number of pixels with a value of 200 or higher. This number is the image feature.

[0105] For example, after the game controller starts working, the LED in the image acquisition module illuminates the surface of the positioning strip, and the camera module begins to capture images. At this time, positioning mark 1 is within the field of view of the lens, and the camera module outputs the first frame of digital image. In the digital image, the 20 pixels with column coordinate 100 and row coordinates 100 to 119 have a pixel value of 210, and the pixel value of the remaining pixels is 0. These 20 pixels arranged in a column constitute the image of positioning mark 1.

[0106] The control unit processes the frame positioning image as follows:

[0107] S1. Read the pixel value of the pixel with row coordinate 119 in the order of (119, 0), (119, 2), (119, 3). When the pixel (119, 100) is read, the pixel value read is 200.

[0108] S2. Read the pixel values ​​of all pixels at column coordinate 100, and read 20 pixels with a value of 200 or higher.

[0109] After the digital image of this frame is processed, image feature 20 is obtained.

[0110] The control unit determines the operation data based on the acquired image features, according to the following rule: image features 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 correspond to operation data 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, respectively. Following this rule, after processing the digital image of this frame, the control unit obtains operation data 1.

[0111] After the user moves the positioning bar, positioning marker 2 appears within the field of view of the camera module's lens. The camera module outputs another frame of digital image, which the control unit processes to obtain image feature 25. Based on this image feature, the control unit obtains operation data 2. Positioning markers 1 to 9 are placed within the field of view of the camera module, and the control unit can send operation data 1 to 9 to the host computer respectively. The user can control the operation data output to the host computer by controlling the position of the positioning bar in the detection guide tube 106. Preferably, the positioning markers are spaced 1.5 cm apart, and the field of view of the camera module's lens on the positioning bar is slightly larger than this, ensuring that at least one positioning marker is within the field of view of the lens under any circumstances.

[0112] In this embodiment, the digital images output by the image capture module contain information determined by the position of the positioning bar 301 within the detection guide tube 106. Therefore, these digital images are essentially the position data output by the image capture module. The control unit obtains operational data based on these digital images, which is equivalent to obtaining operational data through the position data output by the image capture module.

[0113] In this embodiment, the control unit processes the digital image by: acquiring the features of the positioning marker image in the digital image, and determining the operation data based on the features.

[0114] The control unit sends operation data to a connected host computer. The host computer controls the video game based on the received operation data. Taking a racing game as an example, the user holds the game controller's housing with their left hand and a positioning bar with their right hand, which passes horizontally through the game controller's housing. When the positioning bar is in the middle position, operation data 5 is output; moving to the right from the middle position, operation data 4, 3, 2, and 1 are output sequentially; moving to the left from the middle position, operation data 6, 7, 8, and 9 are output sequentially. The host computer runs the game, and the received operation data is used to control the steering wheel of the racing car. The correspondence between the operation data and the steering wheel direction is as follows: 5 corresponds to the steering wheel being in the middle position; 4, 3, 2, and 1 correspond to turning the steering wheel 25 degrees, 50 degrees, 75 degrees, and 100 degrees to the right, respectively; 6, 7, 8, and 9 correspond to turning the steering wheel 25 degrees, 50 degrees, 75 degrees, and 100 degrees to the left, respectively. Users can control the steering direction and angle of the car in the game by moving the positioning bar to different positions within the detection guide. The positioning bar travels over 7cm from the center to one end, compared to a 1cm travel for the joystick. This allows users to easily control the steering wheel angle, significantly improving steering precision.

[0115] In this embodiment, the purpose of the invention can be achieved by providing two positioning marks with different image features on the positioning bar, while more positioning marks can increase the effective control range.

[0116] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module disposed on the detection conduit 106 is an image capture module; a positioning mark is provided on the positioning strip 301. Preferably, the positioning mark is a line segment with a length of 5 mm, one end of which is located on one side of the positioning strip.

[0117] The image capture module captures a picture of the location marker and outputs a 320×120 grayscale image. The image of the location marker in this digital image consists of multiple pixels with a value of 210. At least one of these pixels has a row coordinate of 119.

[0118] The control unit processes the digital image by finding the image position of the positioning marker in the digital image and determining operation data based on the image position.

[0119] For example, in a frame of digital image output by the image capture module, one of the constituent pixels of the positioning marker image has coordinates (119, 100). The control unit performs the following image processing on this frame of digital image:

[0120] Read the pixel value of the pixel at row coordinate 119 in the order of (119, 0), (119, 2), and (119, 3). When the pixel (119, 100) is read, the pixel value read is 200.

[0121] The image processing process ends, and a pixel coordinate (119, 100) is obtained. This pixel coordinate is the image position.

[0122] The control unit determines the operation data based on the pixel position, specifically by using the column coordinate of the image as the operation data. That is, it sends 100 as the operation data to the connected host.

[0123] After the user moves the positioning bar, the coordinates of one pixel of the positioning mark in a frame of digital image output by the image capture module are (119, 110). The control unit processes the image of this frame to obtain the image position (119, 110) and sends operation data 110 to the host. The host controls the video game according to the received operation data.

[0124] In this embodiment, the control unit processes the digital image, including: acquiring the image position of the positioning marker image in the digital image, and determining operation data based on the image position.

Claims

1. A gamepad, characterized in that, The application relates to a game handle, which comprises a shell, input devices arranged on the shell, a circuit board arranged in the shell, a detection conduit connected with the shell, a positioning strip arranged in the detection conduit, a control unit arranged on the circuit board, and the input devices are electrically connected to the control unit; the positioning strip can move along the direction of two tube openings of the detection conduit; a detection module is arranged on the detection conduit and at one side of the positioning strip; the detection module outputs position data to the control unit according to the position of the positioning strip in the detection conduit; and the control unit controls a host computer according to the position data.

2. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, The detection module is a linear magnetic induction module; the positioning strip is provided with a magnet; and the two magnetic poles of the magnet are respectively directed to the direction of two tube openings of the detection conduit.

3. The gamepad of claim 2, wherein, The linear magnetic induction module further comprises a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter.

4. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, The detection module is an image capture module; the image capture module comprises a light-emitting module and a camera module; the camera module comprises a lens and an image sensor module; and the positioning strip is provided with a positioning mark.

5. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, The shell and the detection conduit are movably connected.

6. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, The game handle comprises a shell, input devices arranged on the shell, a circuit board arranged in the shell, a detection conduit connected with the shell, a positioning strip arranged in the detection conduit, a control unit arranged on the circuit board, and the input devices are electrically connected to the control unit; the positioning strip can move along the direction of two tube openings of the detection conduit; an image capture module is arranged on the detection conduit; the positioning strip is provided with a positioning mark; the image capture module is arranged on the side of the positioning strip with the positioning mark; the image capture module is electrically connected to the control unit; the image capture module outputs a digital image after shooting the positioning mark; and the control unit obtains operation data by processing the digital image.

7. The gamepad of claim 6, wherein, The positioning strip is provided with one positioning mark.

8. The gamepad of claim 6, wherein, The positioning strip is provided with at least two positioning marks with different image characteristics.

9. The gamepad of claim 6, wherein, A roller is arranged in the detection conduit and beside the positioning strip.

10. The gamepad of claim 6, wherein, The shell and the detection conduit are movably connected.

Images