Gamepad and use method thereof
By introducing conduits and positioning bars into the game controller, combined with magnetic induction or camera modules, the problems of single control methods and insufficient precision in existing technologies are solved, realizing diversified control methods and efficient game operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing game controllers are difficult to use simultaneously to control the direction and movement of game characters, and they also struggle to achieve precise proportional control and fast, accurate movement of the target image on the screen, thus failing to combine the advantages of both game controllers and mice.
A game controller has been designed, comprising a shell, an input device, a circuit board, and a conduit. The conduit contains a positioning bar and a detection module. The detection module generates detection data based on the position or displacement of the positioning bar. The control unit outputs operation data and uses a magnetic induction or camera module for precise control.
It enables simultaneous control of the game character's direction and movements in mid-air, enhances proportional control capabilities, and allows for rapid and precise movement of target images on the screen, combining the advantages of both a game controller and a mouse.
Smart Images
Figure CN121623283A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic computers and video game control, and in particular to a game controller and a method of using 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 travel is too short. Pushing it from the middle to the very edge only involves about 1 centimeter of travel, making it difficult for users to push the joystick to the appropriate angle, and consequently, difficult to precisely control the car's steering angle in the game. Fourth, for game controllers, controlling the rapid and precise movement of target images on the screen is a common requirement. Target images include the cursor (mouse pointer), weapon crosshairs, game characters, and the field of view. For example, controlling the movement of a weapon's crosshair in a shooting game requires both speed and precision. Game controllers, which control the movement of targets on the screen using a joystick, find it difficult to achieve both speed and precision simultaneously. Taking the movement of the cursor on the screen as an example, when a user pushes the joystick in a certain direction, the cursor moves in that direction; releasing the joystick stops the movement. For example, if the cursor is at point A on the screen and needs to be moved to point B, the user pushes the joystick in the direction of point B, the cursor starts moving, and when the cursor reaches point B, the user releases the joystick, and the cursor stops at point B, completing the movement. The greater the angle at which the user pushes the joystick, the faster the cursor moves. This makes it impossible for the user to simultaneously ensure both speed and precision when controlling cursor movement. For example, if the user pushes the joystick at a large angle in one direction, the cursor moves rapidly, making it difficult to time the release of the joystick correctly. This often results in the cursor moving either too far or too little. Conversely, if the user pushes the joystick lightly, the cursor moves slowly, making it easier to position it precisely on the screen, but at a slower pace.
[0005] The mouse is another common computer and video game control device. Its advantage lies in its ability to quickly and accurately control the movement of objects on the screen. However, a mouse needs to be used on a desktop, which is significantly less comfortable compared to a game controller that can be used in the air. No single game control device combines the advantages of both a game controller and a mouse.
[0006] The game controller and its usage method described in this application arose in this context.
[0007] Application content
[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide a game controller that offers a new control method.
[0009] Another objective of this application is to provide a game controller that can simultaneously control direction and movement during gameplay.
[0010] Another objective of this application is to provide a game controller capable of precise proportional control.
[0011] Another objective of this application is to provide a game controller capable of quickly and accurately controlling the movement of a target image on the screen.
[0012] Another objective of this application is to provide a game controller that combines the advantages of both existing game controllers and mice.
[0013] Another objective of this application is to provide a game controller that includes a conduit and a positioning bar, with a detection module on the positioning bar that can generate detection data based on the position or displacement of the positioning bar within the conduit.
[0014] Another objective of this application is to provide a method for using a game controller, which enables precise proportional control.
[0015] Another objective of this application is to provide a method for using a game controller, which enables the game controller to quickly and accurately control the movement of a target image on a screen.
[0016] 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, and a conduit connected to the housing; a control unit is disposed on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; a positioning strip is disposed within the conduit, and the positioning strip is movable within the conduit along two openings; a detection module is disposed on the positioning strip, and the detection module generates detection data based on the position or displacement of the positioning strip within the conduit, and the control unit outputs operation data based on the detection data.
[0017] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the input device is selected from one or both of the joystick module and the button module.
[0018] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the conduit is rotatably connected to the housing.
[0019] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the conduit is provided with a magnetic element; the detection module is a magnetic induction module; the magnetic induction module generates detection data according to the position of the positioning strip in the conduit, and the control unit generates operation data according to the detection data.
[0020] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the number of magnetic induction modules is two; the magnetic induction module is a switch Hall sensor; and the magnetic element is a magnet.
[0021] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the magnetic induction module is a linear Hall sensor module, which includes a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter; the magnetic element is a magnet, and the two magnetic poles of the magnet are respectively facing the two openings of the conduit.
[0022] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, there are two linear Hall sensor modules.
[0023] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a camera module. The camera module captures images of the inner wall of the conduit and performs image processing on the captured images. The control unit controls a host computer based on the results of the image processing.
[0024] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a camera module, and the generated detection data includes displacement information of the positioning bar in the conduit. The control unit controls a host according to the displacement information.
[0025] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a camera module, which includes a light-emitting module, a lens, and an image sensor module.
[0026] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the lens is an optical lens and the image sensor module is an optical engine.
[0027] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, a roller is also provided inside the guide tube, and the roller is disposed next to the positioning bar.
[0028] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the positioning bar is further provided with a PCB, and the detection module is disposed on the PCB.
[0029] 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 conduit connected to the housing, and a control unit disposed on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; a positioning strip is disposed within the conduit, and the positioning strip is movable within the conduit along the direction of two openings; a detection module is disposed within the positioning strip, and the detection module is communicatively connected to the control unit.
[0030] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a camera module. The camera module includes a light-emitting module, a lens, and an image sensor module.
[0031] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a camera module. The lens is an optical lens; the image sensor module is an optical engine.
[0032] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a magnetic induction module, and the conduit is provided with a magnetic element.
[0033] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a magnetic induction module, and the conduit is provided with a magnetic element.
[0034] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the positioning bar is provided with two magnetic induction modules.
[0035] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the housing and the conduit are movably connected.
[0036] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the housing and the conduit are rotatably connected.
[0037] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the housing is connected to the conduit via a universal connector.
[0038] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the conduit is a rectangular tube and the positioning strip is a rectangular strip.
[0039] 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, and a conduit connected to the housing; a control unit is disposed on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; a positioning strip is disposed within the conduit, and the positioning strip is movable along two openings within the conduit; a detection module is disposed on the positioning strip, and the detection module generates detection data based on the position or displacement of the positioning strip within the conduit, and the control unit outputs operation data based on the detection 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.
[0040] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a camera module, which includes a light-emitting module, a lens, and an image sensor module.
[0041] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the lens is an optical lens and the image sensor module is an optical engine.
[0042] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a magnetic induction module, and the conduit is provided with a magnetic element.
[0043] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the second control unit further includes a second conduit and a second positioning bar; the second conduit is connected to the second housing, the second positioning bar is disposed in the second conduit and can move along the two opening directions in the second conduit; one end of the second positioning bar is perpendicularly connected to one end of the positioning bar; a second detection module is provided in the second positioning bar, the second detection module generates detection data according to the position or displacement of the second positioning bar in the second conduit, and the second control unit outputs operation data according to the second detection data.
[0044] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the second detection module is a camera module, which includes a light-emitting module, a lens, and an image sensor module.
[0045] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the second detection module is a magnetic induction module, and the second conduit is provided with a magnetic element.
[0046] This application also provides a method for using a game controller, including:
[0047] The detection module generates detection data based on the position or displacement of the positioning strip in the conduit, and the control unit controls a host based on the detection data.
[0048] In one embodiment of the method of using the game controller in this application, the detection module generates detection data based on the position of the positioning bar in the conduit.
[0049] In one embodiment of the game controller usage method of this application, the detection module generates detection data based on the displacement of the positioning bar in the conduit.
[0050] The game controller of this application has several beneficial effects. First, it allows for control of a computer or video game via air movement, offering greater versatility compared to existing controllers. Second, users can control direction using overall hand movement and action using finger buttons, enabling simultaneous control of direction and action in video games. Third, due to the larger travel distance of the positioning bar, it achieves better proportional control compared to the extremely short travel distance of existing joysticks. Fourth, it allows for fast and precise control of target images on the screen, and can also be used in the air, combining the advantages of both existing mouse and game controller control devices.
[0051] 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
[0052] Figure 1 The demonstration showcases a game controller based on existing technology.
[0053] Figure 2 The demonstration features a two-handed game controller based on existing technology.
[0054] Figure 3 This illustration shows one implementation of the game controller described in this application.
[0055] Figure 4 This demonstrates how the magnetic induction module is installed in the positioning strip.
[0056] Figure 5 This is a side view of the catheter and positioning strip, showing the movement of the positioning strip, which is equipped with a magnetic induction module, within the catheter.
[0057] Figure 6 The product on display is a positioning bar equipped with two magnetic induction modules.
[0058] Figure 7 This demonstrates how the rollers are installed in the conduit.
[0059] Figure 8 This demonstrates one method of installing the conduit on the housing.
[0060] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of a Chinese game controller.
[0061] Figure 10 This demonstrates one type of connection between the conduit and the housing.
[0062] Figure 11 This demonstrates how the camera module is installed inside the positioning strip.
[0063] Figure 12 This shows the position of the observation hole on the positioning strip.
[0064] Figure 13 The game controller on display has two control sections.
[0065] Figure 14 The game controller on display features two conduits and two positioning bars. Detailed Implementation
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] This application provides a game controller, which includes a housing, an input device disposed on the housing, a circuit board disposed inside the housing, and a conduit connected to the housing; a control unit is disposed on the circuit board; the input device is electrically connected to the control unit; a positioning strip is disposed inside the conduit, and the positioning strip is movable along the two openings inside the conduit; a detection module is disposed on the positioning strip, and the detection module generates detection data based on the position or displacement of the positioning strip inside the conduit, and the control unit outputs operation data based on the detection data.
[0069] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the detection module is a magnetic induction module, and the conduit is provided with a magnetic element; the magnetic induction module is communicatively connected to the control unit.
[0070] The input device is selected from one or both of the joystick module and the button module; the input device allows the user to input control signals (both generated by the joystick module and the button module are referred to as control signals); the magnetic detection module generates detection data; the control signals and the detection data 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.
[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 101 is shaped for easy one-handed gripping and is divided into a gripping part 101a at the rear and a control part 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 the STM32F407 control unit is mounted on the circuit board. The joystick module is electrically connected to the control unit via the circuit board. A conduit 106 is connected to the front end of the housing 101. The conduit 106 is a hollow rectangular tube with a square opening at each end.
[0072] The positioning strip 301 is a hollow rectangular strip with a square cross-section. Its dimensions are slightly smaller than the openings of the conduit 106. The positioning strip 301 can pass through both openings and be inserted into the conduit 106, and can move within the conduit 106 along the direction of the two openings. The direction of movement is as follows: Figure 3 As indicated by the middle arrow. The positioning strip 301 has a detection module inside, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the detection module is a magnetic induction module 3012, mounted on a PCB (printed circuit board) 3013. The PCB 3013 is connected to the circuit board inside the housing 101 via a cable 3014, thus realizing the connection between the magnetic induction module 3012 and the control unit. A magnetic element is provided on the conduit 106, preferably a magnet 1061, disposed on the surface of the conduit 106. The two poles of the magnet 1061 face the two openings of the conduit 106, respectively. That is, the N pole faces one opening of the conduit 106, and the S pole faces the other opening.
[0073] Preferably, the magnetic induction module is a linear Hall sensor module, including a linear Hall sensor and an AD converter (analog-to-digital converter). The linear Hall sensor senses the magnetic field of the magnet 1061 and outputs voltage signals of different magnitudes depending on the direction and magnitude of the magnetic field. The AD converter converts these voltage signals into digital signals. These digital signals are the detection data.
[0074] In use, the user holds the housing 101 with their left hand and grasps the right end of the positioning bar 301 with their right hand. Moving the positioning bar 301 left or right changes its position in the conduit 106, thereby changing the position of the linear Hall sensor module in the magnetic field. The linear Hall sensor module generates different detection data (in the form of digital signals) at different positions and sends them to the control unit. The control unit sends different operation data to a connected host based on the different detection data received, thereby controlling the host.
[0075] Only when the magnetic induction module 3012 can sense the magnetic field generated by the magnet 1061 can the host be controlled via the positioning bar 301. In this manual, the range within the conduit 106 where the magnetic field can be sensed by the magnetic induction module 3012 is referred to as the detection range. The control process is explained below by the movement of the positioning bar 301 from left to right within the detection range. Figure 5 As shown, the magnet 1061 set on the conduit 106 has its N pole on the left and its S pole on the right. The linear Hall sensor module, which serves as the magnetic induction module, senses a magnetic field with different directions on the left or right side of the magnet 1061, ensuring that the magnetic induction module outputs unique detection data at different positions throughout the detection range.
[0076] Preferably, in this embodiment, the game controller controls a PC, and the control unit is connected to the PC via a USB cable. The process by which the game controller controls the host via the positioning bar in this embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The control unit sends the received detection data to the host as operation data.
[0077] like Figure 5 As shown in the diagram above, the magnetic induction module 3012 has just entered the detection range. At this moment, the linear Hall sensor senses the magnetic field of the magnet 1061 and outputs a voltage signal. The AD converter outputs a digital signal "1" based on this voltage signal. This digital signal "1" is the detection data. The control unit sends this detection data to the host as operation data.
[0078] After the user moves the positioning bar 301 to the right a certain distance, the magnetic induction module reaches the center of the detection range. Figure 5 As shown in the middle figure), the output detection data "25" is received, and the control unit sends operation data "25" to the host based on the received detection data. The user continues to move the positioning bar 301 to the right to the edge of the detection range (as shown in the middle figure). Figure 5As shown in the figure below, at this time, the control unit sends operation data "50" to the host based on the received detection data. Assuming the detection range is 50 mm, the control unit can output operation data once for every 1 mm movement of the positioning bar 301. Then, during one complete movement of the positioning bar 301 from left to right within the detection range, the control unit can send 50 operation data, from 1 to 50, to the connected host based on the detection data output by the magnetic induction module.
[0079] The host computer uses received operation data to perform various controls on the video game. For example, when controlling a racing game, the received operation data is converted into the vehicle's steering angle. For instance, operation data 25 represents no steering, operation 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; operation data 24 represents a 1-degree left turn, operation data 23 represents a 2-degree left turn, and so on, with operation 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 of the large detection range, users can easily control the positioning bar 301 to stay in specific positions to obtain the desired steering angle, making proportional control easier compared to the small travel of joysticks on existing game controllers.
[0080] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, two magnetic induction modules are disposed on the positioning bar 301. These two magnetic induction modules are linear Hall effect sensor modules, such as... Figure 6 As shown, two magnetic induction modules 3012 are mounted on the positioning strip 301. Both modules are mounted on the PCB 3013, spaced apart. The distance between the two modules is adjusted so that their detection ranges are adjacent but do not overlap. The control unit identifies the two modules to distinguish signals originating from them and outputs different ranges of operational data based on the signals from different modules. For example, operational data 1 to 50 is output based on detection data from one module, and operational data 51 to 100 is output based on detection data from the other module. This implementation expands the detection range without changing the accuracy.
[0081] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, two magnetic induction modules are disposed on the positioning bar 301. These two magnetic induction modules are switch-type Hall sensors, spaced apart by a distance, for example, 50mm. The switch-type Hall sensors are electrically connected to the control unit. Therefore, they can be directly connected to the STM32F407 chip, which serves as the control unit. When the switch-type Hall sensors sense the magnetic field of the magnet 1061, they output an electrical signal that can be recognized by the control unit; this electrical signal is the detection data. The control unit identifies the electrical signals from the two magnetic induction modules and outputs different operation data based on the signals from different modules. For example, it outputs operation data "1" when receiving an electrical signal from one module and outputs operation data "2" when receiving an electrical signal from the other module. When the user pulls the positioning bar, bringing different magnetic induction modules close to the magnet 1061, different operation data is output, achieving the purpose of controlling the video game through the positioning bar 301.
[0082] In this embodiment, the magnet 1061 installed on the conduit 106 does not have a requirement for the orientation of its magnetic poles.
[0083] In this embodiment, the control performance can be increased by adding magnetic induction modules. For example, eight switch-type Hall sensors are set on the positioning bar, arranged in a row, with a distance of 20 mm between two adjacent sensors. These eight switch-type Hall sensors are eight magnetic induction modules. Based on the electrical signals output by these eight magnetic induction modules, the control unit outputs operation data 1 to 8 respectively.
[0084] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, such as Figure 7 As shown, the conduit 106 is also equipped with rollers 1062. The rollers 1062 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the positioning strip 301, with each roller 1062 having a central axle connected to the outer shell of the conduit 106, allowing the roller 1062 to rotate. The rollers 1062 are in contact with the edge of the positioning strip 301, and the movement of the positioning strip 301 within the conduit 106 drives the rollers 1062 to rotate. The original sliding friction is transformed into rolling friction, reducing friction and allowing the positioning strip 301 to move more smoothly.
[0085] In one embodiment of the game controller in this example, the conduit 106 and the housing 101 are rotatably connected. For example... Figure 8As shown, the front end of the housing 101 has a protrusion 1011. This protrusion 1011 has a mounting hole. The conduit 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 conduit 106, and the other end is inserted into the mounting hole and can rotate within it. In this embodiment, the handle, with its conduit 106, can rotate in the horizontal direction, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the rotatable connection between the conduit 106 and the housing 101 makes the user more comfortable when using the handle. Because the connection between the conduit and the housing is fixed, the user's hands are in a relatively fixed position when using the handle, and the right hand controlling the positioning bar must be positioned to the side of the housing. By changing to a rotatable connection, the conduit can rotate within a certain angle, allowing the user's hand controlling the positioning bar to move back and forth within a certain range.
[0086] In one embodiment of the game controller in this example, the conduit 106 and the housing 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 conduit 106 via a universal connector. This universal connector includes a ball joint 120 fixed to the middle of the 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 joint 120. Preferably, in this embodiment, the input device is a button module, which includes buttons 103 disposed on the surface of the housing and a portion inside the housing. The portion inside the housing is disposed on a circuit board within the housing. Figure 10 As shown, the top surface of the control unit 101b of button 103.
[0087] In one embodiment of the game controller in this example, 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.
[0088] 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 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 2Compared 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. By using a positioning bar to control the direction of the game character's movement and the second button module 203 to control the character's actions, it is possible to control both the direction and actions of the game character simultaneously, enhancing control capabilities.
[0089] In one embodiment of the game controller in this example, the second control unit further includes a second conduit and a second positioning bar. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the second conduit 206 is connected to the second housing 201. The second positioning strip 401 is disposed in the second conduit and can move axially within the second conduit. 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 positioning strip 401, and a magnetic element is provided on the second conduit. The second detection module outputs second detection data to the second control unit based on the position of the second positioning strip in the second conduit. The second control unit controls a host based on the second detection data. Preferably, the second detection module is a magnetic induction module, and the second detection data is a voltage signal. In this embodiment of the game controller, the user can control the game character by moving it left and right in the air, as well as by moving it up and down in the air, while holding the second control unit. For example, the left and right movement can be used to control the left and right movement of the game character, and the up and down movement can be used to control the up and down movement of the game character, providing a richer control method.
[0090] In one embodiment of the game controller in this application, the detection module is a camera module, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the camera module includes a light-emitting module 3015, a lens 3016, and an image sensor module 3017. The image sensor module further includes an image sensor and a DSP (digital signal processor). The camera module is mounted on a PCB 3013, which is connected to a circuit board in the control unit via a cable.
[0091] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, an observation hole 3018 is opened in the middle of one side of the positioning strip 301, and the lens 3016 is disposed below the observation hole 3018. The light-emitting module 3015 is disposed next to the lens 3016. The side of the positioning strip 301 with the observation hole is close to the inner wall of the conduit. Preferably, the light-emitting module is a light-emitting diode, and the camera circuit is an optical engine from an optical mouse, such as the Agilent A2014 optical engine, which includes an image sensor and a DSP. The lens 3016 is an optical lens that matches the optical engine.
[0092] The game controller of this embodiment can control the connected host computer by the displacement of the positioning bar 301 in the conduit 106. The following describes the usage of the game controller in this embodiment using the control of cursor movement on a screen as an example. The host computer connected to the game controller is a PC host, which drives a screen. During use, the user holds the grip with their left hand and moves the end of the positioning bar 301 to the left or right with their right hand. At this time, the light-emitting module 3015 emits light, and the light illuminates the inner wall of the conduit 106 through the observation hole 3018. The image sensor module captures images of the inner wall of the conduit through the lens 3016 and forms a digital image on the image sensor. The image sensor sends the digital image to the DSP for image processing. This process is continuous; for example, the image sensor is set to send one frame of digital image to the DSP every 8 milliseconds. During the movement of the positioning bar, the DSP continuously receives digital images. The DSP obtains displacement data based on the comparison of the previous and subsequent digital images and provides it to the control unit. The control unit outputs operation data based on this displacement data, which is an X-axis cursor movement signal used to control the cursor movement on the screen driven by the host computer. The logic for the control unit to generate cursor movement signals is as follows: when the positioning bar moves to the right, the control unit generates a cursor movement signal of X+, and the cursor on the screen moves to the right. When the positioning bar moves to the left, the control unit generates a cursor movement signal of X-, and the cursor on the screen moves to the right. X+ and X- contain numbers indicating the number of pixels moved.
[0093] For example, if the positioning bar 301 moves a small distance to the right, the control unit outputs X+10 based on the received displacement data, and the host computer drives the cursor on the screen to move 10 pixels to the right; if the positioning bar moves a small distance to the left, the control unit outputs X-10 based on the received displacement data, and the cursor on the screen moves 10 pixels to the left. In this embodiment, the detection module is a camera module, and the output detection data is displacement data.
[0094] Existing optical mice also use a light-emitting module, lens, and optical engine to detect their own movement on the desktop. They then output cursor movement signals to the host computer via the mouse's control unit. The difference is that existing optical mice can output cursor movement signals along both the X and Y axes. However, the game controller in this embodiment detects the movement of a positioning bar within a guide tube, meaning it can only detect movement along one line. Therefore, the game controller's control unit only outputs a cursor movement signal along one axis to the host computer.
[0095] In this embodiment of the game controller, the user can quickly and accurately control the movement of the cursor on the X-axis on the screen by controlling the direction and distance of the positioning bar.
[0096] The control unit's control of cursor movement on the screen based on displacement data generated by the optical engine is existing technology, and its cursor control signal can also be in other formats, such as the format used in existing optical mice. This will not be elaborated further in this specification.
[0097] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, a second control unit is also included, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the second control unit includes a housing 201, a second control unit disposed within 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.
[0098] In one embodiment of the game controller of this application, the second control unit further includes a second conduit and a second positioning bar. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the second conduit 206 is connected to the second housing 201. The second positioning strip 401 is disposed in the second conduit and can move axially within the second conduit. One end of the second positioning strip 401 is perpendicularly connected to one end of the positioning strip 301. A second detection module, which is a camera module, is provided in the second positioning strip 401. The camera module outputs second detection data to the second control unit based on the displacement of the second positioning strip in the second conduit. The second detection data is displacement data. The second control unit generates operation data based on the displacement data. The operation data is a Y-axis cursor movement signal. The logic of the second control unit generating the Y-axis cursor movement signal based on the second detection data is as follows: when the user moves the second control unit upward, the second control unit generates a Y+ cursor movement signal; when the user moves the second control unit downward, the second control unit generates a Y- cursor movement signal. The host computer controls the cursor movement on the screen based on the Y-axis cursor movement signal.
[0099] For example, if the user moves the second control unit upwards a short distance, the control unit outputs Y+10 to the host, and the cursor on the screen moves upwards by 10 pixels; if the user moves the control unit downwards a short distance, the control unit outputs Y-10 to the host, and the cursor on the screen moves downwards by 10 pixels. When the user moves the second control unit diagonally in the air, the positioning bar 106 will be displaced in the guide tube, and the second positioning bar will also be displaced in the second guide tube. The control unit will receive displacement data from the detection module and the second detection module, and the cursor on the screen will move on both the X and Y axes, resulting in diagonal movement on the screen.
[0100] The game controller of this embodiment can quickly and accurately control the cursor on the screen to move in any direction in the air, achieving the performance that only optical mice in the prior art have, while still retaining the advantages of a game controller.
Claims
1. A gamepad, characterized in that, The application relates to a control device, which comprises a shell, an input device arranged on the shell, a circuit board arranged in the shell, and a catheter connected with the shell, wherein 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 catheter and can move axially in the catheter; a detection module is arranged on the positioning strip, the detection module outputs detection data to the control unit according to the position or displacement of the positioning strip in the catheter, and the control unit outputs operation data according to the detection data.
2. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, The catheter is provided with a magnetic element; and the detection module is a magnetic induction module.
3. The gamepad of claim 2, wherein, The magnetic element is a magnet; and the magnetic induction module is a linear Hall sensor module.
4. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, The detection module is a camera module; the camera module shoots the inner wall of the catheter and performs image processing on the formed image; and the control unit controls a host according to the image processing result.
5. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, The detection module is a camera module; the camera module comprises a light-emitting module, a lens, and an image sensor module.
6. The gamepad of claim 5, wherein, The sensor module is an optical engine; and the lens is an optical lens.
7. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, A roller is arranged in the catheter and beside the positioning strip.
8. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, The shell and the catheter are movably connected.
9. The gamepad of claim 1, wherein, The shell and the catheter are connected through a universal joint.
10. A gamepad, characterized in that, The application relates to a control device, which comprises a first control part and a second control part; the first control part comprises a shell, an input device arranged on the shell, a circuit board arranged in the shell, and a catheter connected with the shell; 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 catheter and can move axially in the catheter; a detection module is arranged on the positioning strip, the detection module generates detection data according to the position or displacement of the positioning strip in the catheter; the control unit generates operation data according to the detection data; the second control part comprises a second shell, a second button module arranged on the second shell, and a second circuit board arranged in the second shell; a second control unit is arranged on the second circuit board; the second button module is electrically connected to the second control unit; and the second shell is connected with one end of the positioning strip.