Input device and method for controlling a computer game using an input device

Abstract

Input device for controlling a computer game executed on a computer unit (2) comprising a first and a second grip element (3, 4) by means of which the input device (1) is held by a user with both hands, wherein the grip elements (3, 4) are rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis (DA), wherein a rotation angle sensor (5) is provided by means of which the rotation angle that the grip elements (3, 4) have relative to each other can be determined, and wherein the grip elements (3, 4) are operatively connected to a drive unit (6), wherein the drive unit (6) is configured to generate a torque between the two grip elements (3, 4) depending on first control information (S1) received from the computer unit (2), which causes a rotation of the two grip elements (3, 4) relative to each other about the rotational axis (DA), wherein the rotation angle sensor (5) provides an output signal, and wherein a control unit (9) is provided.which is configured to generate second control information (S2) in the form of a steering signal for the computer game based on the output signal of the rotation angle sensor (5) and wherein the drive unit (5) is designed to generate a torque that counteracts the twisting of the handle elements (3, 4) relative to each other performed by the user.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an input device for a computer unit for controlling a computer game, in particular a vehicle racing game.

[0002] Different types of input devices are known for controlling computer games.

[0003] The first type of input device is the so-called gamepad. A gamepad is a device that the user holds freely; it doesn't need to be placed on a surface like a table, but is held directly in the user's hands. This has the advantage that the computer game can be controlled using the gamepad while sitting on the sofa, for example, which users find very convenient.

[0004] Conventional gamepads consist of a housing with a pair of grip elements attached. These grip elements are rigidly connected, meaning they cannot move. The gamepad may have several control elements, such as buttons, joysticks, etc., for controlling the computer game. However, realistic control of computer games requiring steering movements, especially in a way that provides the player with feedback on lateral forces and / or the loss of traction, is not possible with conventional gamepads.

[0005] Furthermore, a second type of input device is known, in which the input device is designed as a steering wheel. This type of input device is frequently used to control racing games. The steering wheel has a stand to allow it to be placed on a surface. Such steering wheels can feature force feedback, meaning the user feels torque applied to the steering wheel depending on the driving situation. This allows for very realistic control in racing games. However, it requires the user to be seated behind this surface, which is considered a disadvantage, as controlling the computer game without a stand, for example while sitting on the sofa, is not possible.

[0006] Document US 2010 / 0 279 773 A1 discloses a game controller that has two grip elements for ambidextrous holding and whose grip elements are actively adjustable.

[0007] The publication EP 3 418 862 A1 discloses a one-handed controller that enables haptic rotation effects.

[0008] Publication WO 2005 / 103 869 A2 discloses a game controller that converts user-generated movements into electrical signals.

[0009] The publication DE 100 62 013 A1 discloses a gamepad with grip areas that are movable relative to each other.

[0010] The publication DE 100 08 025 A1 discloses a computer input device with a double-axis joint and position sensors by means of which a relative position of handle elements can be detected.

[0011] Document US 5 785 317 A discloses an input device for a game console.

[0012] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide an input device that does not need to be placed on a surface, but can be operated by holding it freely, thereby enabling a realistic gaming experience.

[0013] The problem is solved by an input device having the features of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. A method for controlling a computer game executed by a computer unit by means of an input device is the subject of dependent claim 11.

[0014] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to an input device for controlling a computer game running on a computer unit. The input device comprises a first and a second grip element, by means of which the user holds the input device with both hands. The grip elements are rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis. The rotational axis preferably runs transversely to the grip elements and extends along the longitudinal direction of the input device. A rotation angle sensor is provided by means of which the rotational angle that the grip elements exhibit relative to each other can be determined. Thus, the rotational angle sensor can determine the rotational position of the two grip elements relative to each other. The grip elements are also operatively connected to a drive unit.The drive unit is designed to generate a torque between the two grip elements, based on initial control information received from the computer unit. This torque causes the two grip elements to rotate relative to each other around the axis of rotation. The initial control information is preferably force feedback provided by the computer unit to give the user of the input device realistic feedback of the forces acting on the steered wheels of a vehicle used in the computer game, depending on the driving situation.

[0015] The technical advantage of this input device lies in its portability, allowing it to be used without a suitable surface. At the same time, it enables a highly realistic gaming experience, as twisting the two grip elements relative to each other requires a pivoting motion of the user's hands, similar to steering a steering wheel. The input device can provide the user with feedback that simulates the loss of traction (for example, during jumps, driving over oil slicks, etc.), thus enabling realistic driving at the vehicle's limits. This makes the input device suitable for use in e-sports events (e-sports: competitive video game racing).

[0016] According to one embodiment, the drive unit comprises an electric motor. The use of an electric motor enables very precise control of the torque applied to the handle elements.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the drive unit comprises a servo motor. The servo motor has means for measuring the rotor's rotational position, which can be used as a rotation angle sensor. Thus, a servo motor offers the possibility of controlling the rotor's angular position as well as its rotational speed and acceleration. This allows for very precise force feedback, enabling realistic control of the computer game.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the drive unit is designed as a direct drive. The direct drive comprises a rotor and a stator, with each rotor and stator being directly coupled to one of the two handle elements without a deflection unit or gearbox; that is, the rotor directly to one of the two handle elements and the stator directly to the other handle element. This achieves a very direct torque transmission to the handle elements without backlash and / or delays.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the drive unit is coupled to the handle elements via a deflection gear. The deflection gear can, in particular, be a right-angle gear. This allows the size of the motor drive to be reduced, since the gear ratio enables high torque to be achieved even with drives that have lower torque or are lighter in construction.

[0020] In one embodiment, the drive unit is coupled to the handle elements via a planetary gear. Due to its gear ratio, a planetary gear also offers the advantage that a lower-torque, and therefore smaller and lighter, drive can be used to achieve the desired torque. Furthermore, a planetary gear allows for more direct power transmission than a bevel gear.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a control unit is provided which is configured to generate control information for the drive unit based on the initial control information received from the computer unit. The control unit converts the initial control information, in particular into a servo motor control signal, in order to control the drive unit, especially the servo motor. This allows the drive unit to be controlled appropriately based on the initial control information.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the torque of the drive unit depending on the initial control information. Based on this initial control information, for example, a control signal is provided that determines the current level through the drive unit, so that the initial control information also influences the torque applied to the grip elements. This allows for the generation of realistic force feedback at the input device.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the angle sensor is a digital angle encoder. Specifically, the angle encoder is the sensor integrated into a servo motor, used to determine the rotor's rotational position. This allows the angle of rotation of the two handle elements relative to each other to be determined very precisely.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the rotary angle sensor provides an output signal, and a control unit is provided that is configured to generate secondary control information in the form of a steering signal for the computer game based on the rotary angle sensor's output signal. This allows the steering signal required to control the computer game and be transmitted to the computer unit to be generated based on the rotary angle sensor's output signal. The rotary angle sensor is preferably the sensor integrated into a servo motor, which forms the drive unit, and is used to determine the rotor's rotational position.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the drive unit is designed to generate a torque that counteracts the twisting of the handle elements relative to each other by the user. This allows the force feedback to replicate the forces occurring at the steering mechanism during cornering, resulting in realistic steering behavior for the user in the computer game.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the input device is designed as a gamepad that the user can hold freely with both hands. This allows the computer game to be controlled even without a surface on which the input device is placed.

[0027] According to a further aspect, a method for controlling a computer game executed by a computing unit using an input device is disclosed. The input device has a first and a second grip element for two-handed holding by a user. The grip elements are rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis. The input device has a rotation angle sensor by means of which the rotation angle of the grip elements relative to each other is determined. The grip elements are operatively connected by means of a drive unit in order to generate a torque between the two grip elements that can be rotated relative to each other. The method comprises the following steps: - Transmission of second control information from the input device to the computer unit, wherein the second control information is based on an output signal from the rotation angle sensor resulting from a user-initiated rotation of the handle elements relative to each other; - Transfer of initial control information from the computer unit to the input device in response to the second control information, whereby, based on the initial control information, the drive unit generates a torque that counteracts the twisting of the handle elements performed by the user.

[0028] The described method has the technical advantage that, in response to a steering movement initiated by the user, the drive unit generates a counter-torque that opposes the user-initiated rotation of the handle elements relative to each other. This counter-torque simulates the moments acting on the steering wheel due to lateral forces when actually steering the vehicle, resulting in a very natural steering response at the input device.

[0029] The terms “approximately”, “essentially” or “about” mean, within the meaning of the invention, deviations from the respective exact value by + / - 10%, preferably by + / - 5% and / or deviations in the form of changes that are insignificant for the function.

[0030] Further developments, advantages, and possible applications of the invention will also become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. All features described and / or illustrated are, individually or in any combination, fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, irrespective of their compilation in the claims or their cross-reference. The content of the claims is also incorporated into the description.

[0031] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1. An exemplary first embodiment of an input device in the form of a gamepad; Fig. 2. A schematic three-part illustration to clarify how steering commands can be generated by rotating the handle elements of the input device relative to each other; Fig. 3. An example of a partial exploded view of the [unclear text] Fig. 1. Input device shown to illustrate its structure; Fig. 4. By way of example, a partial exploded view of a second embodiment of the input device, in which the handle elements are rotatably coupled to each other via a drive unit having a planetary gear; Fig. 5. An example of a side view of the drive unit of the input device according to the Fig. 4, in which the compound planetary gear is recognizable; Fig. 6. An exemplary schematic representation of a second embodiment of the input device, in which the handle elements are rotatably coupled to one another via a drive unit having an angle gear; and Fig. 7. An exemplary and schematic diagram shows the coupling of the input device with a computer unit for controlling a computer game.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an input device 1, by means of which a computer game running on a computing unit 2 can be controlled. The computing unit 2 can be, for example, a computer, a laptop, or a game console.

[0033] The input device 1 is designed as a so-called gamepad. It has a first and a second grip element 3, 4, which are diametrically opposed to each other. The grip elements 3, 4 can, for example, be ergonomically adapted so that their outer contour is adapted to the left or right hand of a human user. Additional control elements, such as buttons, joysticks, action buttons, etc., can be provided on the grip elements 3, 4, by means of which control inputs can be made. In particular, so-called triggers can be provided on the grip elements 3, 4, by means of which the accelerator and brake of a vehicle to be driven in the computer game can be controlled.

[0034] The first and second handle elements 3, 4 are pivotally connected to each other such that they can be rotated relative to each other about an axis of rotation DA. This axis of rotation runs along the longitudinal direction of the input device 1, i.e., transversely to the longitudinal direction of the handle elements 3, 4. A pivot point is provided in the central part of the input device 1 between the two handle elements 3, 4, which ensures their rotation relative to each other. One or more stops are provided to limit the angle of rotation of the handle elements 3, 4. The limit is preferably selected such that each handle element 3, 4 can be rotated by an angle of less than or equal to 180°. Thus, the handle elements 3, 4 can preferably be rotated relative to each other by an angle of less than or equal to 360°.

[0035] The input device 1 has an interface for coupling with the computer unit 2 in order to be able to exchange at least first and second control information between the input device 1 and the computer unit 2 and thus enable user interaction with the computer game.

[0036] The rotation of grip elements 3 and 4 relative to each other is used to generate secondary control information, which serves to control the computer game depending on the degree of rotation of grip elements 3 and 4 relative to each other. This secondary control information is, in particular, steering information for controlling a vehicle or similar object in the computer game.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows how the rotation of the handle elements 3 and 4 relative to each other provides steering information in the computer game. Thus, a zero position of the handle elements 3 and 4 (for example, midway between the two rotation end stops), as shown in the left illustration, can be used. Fig. 2 shows that, in order to provide straight-ahead steering information, the handle elements 3, 4 are rotated into a first relative rotational position, as shown in the middle illustration in Fig. 2 shows a leftward steering movement and a twisting of the handle elements 3, 4 into a second relative rotational position, as shown in the right-hand illustration in Fig. As shown in point 2, this leads to steering to the right.

[0038] To determine the rotational position of the two handle elements 3, 4, a rotation angle sensor 5 is provided. The rotation angle sensor 5 is in Fig. 3 evident, whereby Fig. 3 a partial exploded view of the embodiment of the input device of the Fig. Figure 1 shows the output information from the rotary angle sensor 5, which is preferably transmitted to a control unit 9 of the input device 1. The control unit 9 has, for example, a processor and / or a microcontroller and a memory unit and is configured to generate the second set of control information based on the output information, which is then transmitted to the computer unit 2.

[0039] The rotation angle sensor 5 can in particular be a digital angle encoder in order to provide the most accurate angle information possible.

[0040] The input device 1 also features a force feedback unit to enable feedback to the input device 1 that corresponds to the real driving characteristics of the controlled vehicle.

[0041] For this purpose, the input device 1 has a drive unit 6 by means of which a torque acting relatively between the handle elements 3, 4 is transferred to the handle elements 3, 4.

[0042] The input device 1 has an interface through which initial control information is received from the computer unit 2. This initial control information consists of force feedback information received by the input device 1 and converted by the control unit 9, or a separate control unit, into a control signal for the drive unit 6. Depending on this initial control information, the drive unit 6 can then generate a torque that provides force feedback to the user. The force feedback is preferably configured such that the user experiences feedback based on the known driving characteristics of a vehicle by rotating the handle elements 3 and 4 relative to each other. For example, when driving through a curve, the force feedback can reflect the lateral forces acting on the steered wheels of the vehicle in real-world driving conditions.In particular, the force feedback can be selected such that the torque applied to the grip elements 3, 4 replicates the lateral forces acting on the wheels.

[0043] Furthermore, the initial control information can, for example, cause a torque that counteracts a steering movement that deviates from the straight-ahead position, since in reality a vehicle wants to maintain the vehicle's straight-ahead steering.

[0044] As another example, the initial control information can, for instance, apply a relative torque to the grip elements 3 and 4, similar to the torque generated when driving over ruts in a vehicle's steering wheel. This allows the user in the computer game to perceive feedback from the vehicle on the grip elements 3 and 4, mimicking the sensation of driving over ruts in the game. This creates a realistic gaming environment.

[0045] Furthermore, the application of torque based on the initial control information can give the user the feeling of a loss of traction, which occurs, for example, when the vehicle lifts off the ground, when driving over oil slicks, or through aquaplaning.

[0046] The drive unit 6 can, in particular, comprise an electric motor whose winding is energized depending on the initial control information, thereby generating a relative torque on the handle elements 3, 4. In particular, the electric motor can be a servo motor, i.e., the electric motor can be configured to control the angular position of the motor shaft as well as the rotational speed and acceleration or torque.

[0047] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. In section 3, the drive unit 6 is designed as a direct drive. This means that the stator of the drive unit 6 is directly connected to one of the handle elements 3, 4, and the rotor of the drive unit 6 is directly connected to the other handle element 4, 3. The axis of rotation of the drive unit 5 coincides with the axis of rotation DA, about which the handle elements 4, 3 can rotate relative to each other. In particular, the axis of rotation of the drive unit 5 forms this axis of rotation DA. Due to the direct coupling of the drive unit 6 with the handle elements 3, 4—that is, a coupling without gear ratios or transmission—very direct feedback is achieved.

[0048] Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the input device 1, in which – as in the one described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the axis of rotation of the drive unit 5 coincides with the axis of rotation DA. The essential difference is that the drive unit 5 is connected to one of the two handle elements 3, 4 via a gearbox, in particular a planetary gearbox 8. The planetary gearbox 8 is specifically designed such that the stator is coupled to one of the handle elements 3, 4, the sun gear 8.1 is directly coupled to the rotor of the drive unit 6, and the ring gear 8.2 is coupled to the other of the two handle elements 4, 3, and the satellite gears 8.3 provide the drive coupling between the sun gear 8.1 and the ring gear 8.2. In other words, one of the two handle elements 3, 4 is not directly coupled to the rotor or stator of the drive unit 6, but indirectly via the planetary gearbox 8. This allows the drive unit 6 to be dimensioned smaller in order to achieve a predetermined torque at the handle elements 3, 4.

[0049] Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the input device 1, which also has a transmission for coupling the handle elements 3, 4 with the drive unit 6, namely a deflection transmission 7. In this embodiment, the deflection transmission 7 is designed as a right-angle transmission, i.e., the axis of rotation of the drive unit 6 and the axis of rotation DA, about which the handle elements 3, 4 can be rotated relative to each other, are perpendicular to each other. In particular, the axis of rotation of the drive unit 6 and the axis of rotation DA are perpendicular to each other.

[0050] Fig. Figure 7 roughly schematically shows the coupling of the input device 1 with a computer unit 2, which in turn is coupled with a monitor 10.

[0051] First and second control information S1, S2 is transmitted between input device 1 and computer unit 2. The first control information S1 is provided by computer unit 2 and contains information on the force feedback, which is applied as a relative torque between the grip elements 3, 4.

[0052] The input device 1 receives the initial control information S1 from the control unit 9 and converts it into a control signal for the drive unit 6. If the drive unit 6 is a servo motor, the initial control information S1 is converted into servo motor control signals.

[0053] The second set of control information S2 is transmitted from the input device 1 to the computer unit 2. This second set of control information S2 is based on the output signal of the rotary angle sensor 5 of the input device 1. This output signal is preferably converted into the second set of control information S2 by the control unit 9, so that it can be further processed by the computer unit and used as a steering signal in the computer game.

[0054] Preferably, an interaction exists between the first and second control signals S1 and S2, such that the first control signal S1, triggered by the rotation of the handle elements 3 and 4, causes a change in the second control signal S2. This change in the second control signal S2, in turn, generates a torque on the handle elements 3 and 4 via the drive unit 6, which counteracts the rotation of the handle elements 3 and 4 initiated by the user. This allows the lateral forces actually acting on the steering axis to be simulated, thus achieving realistic driving behavior.

[0055] The invention has been described above using exemplary embodiments. It is understood that numerous modifications and adaptations are possible without thereby departing from the scope of protection defined by the patent claims. Reference symbol list 1 Input device 2 computer units 3 first handle element 4 second handle element 5 Rotation angle sensor 6 Drive unit 7 deflection gears 8 planetary gears 8.1 Sun wheel 8.2 Ring gear 8.3 Satellite wheel 9 Control unit 10 Monitor DA axis of rotation S1 first tax information S2 second tax information

Claims

[1] Input device for controlling a computer game executed on a computer unit (2) comprising a first and a second handle element (3, 4) by means of which the input device (1) is held by a user with both hands, wherein the handle elements (3, 4) are rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis (DA), wherein a rotation angle sensor (5) is provided by means of which the rotation angle that the handle elements (3, 4) have relative to each other can be determined, and wherein the handle elements (3, 4) are operatively connected to a drive unit (6), wherein the drive unit (6) is configured to generate a torque between the two handle elements (3, 4) depending on first control information (S1) received from the computer unit (2), which causes a rotation of the two handle elements (3, 4) relative to each other about the rotational axis (DA), wherein the rotation angle sensor (5) provides an output signal, and wherein a control unit (9) is provided.which is configured to generate second control information (S2) in the form of a steering signal for the computer game based on the output signal of the rotation angle sensor (5) and wherein the drive unit (5) is designed to generate a torque that counteracts the twisting of the handle elements (3, 4) relative to each other performed by the user. [2] Input device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the drive unit (6) comprises an electric motor. [3] Input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , the drive unit (6) includes a servo motor. [4] Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drive unit (6) is a direct drive comprising a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor and the stator are each directly coupled to a handle element (3, 4) without a deflection unit or a gearbox. [5] Input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the drive unit (6) is coupled to the handle elements (3, 4) via a deflection gear (7). [6] Input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the drive unit (6) is coupled to the handle elements (3, 4) via a planetary gear (8). [7] Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a control unit (9) is provided which is configured to generate control information for the drive unit (6) based on the first control information (S1) received from the computer unit (2). [8] Input device according to claim 7, characterized by , that the control unit (9) is configured to control the torque of the drive unit (6) depending on the first control information (S1). [9] Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rotation angle sensor (5) is a digital angle encoder. [10] Input device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed as a gamepad that can be held freely with both hands of the user. [11] Method for controlling a computer game executed by a computer unit (2) by means of an input device (1) which has a first and a second grip element (3, 4) for holding the input device (1) with both hands by a user, wherein the grip elements (3, 4) are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis, wherein the input device (1) has a rotation angle sensor (5) by means of which the rotation angle that the grip elements (3, 4) have relative to each other is determined, and wherein the grip elements (3, 4) are operatively connected by means of a drive unit (6) in order to generate a torque between the two grip elements (3, 4) that are rotatable relative to each other, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Transmission of second control information (S2) from the input device (1) to the computer unit (2), wherein the second control information (S2) is based on an output signal of the rotation angle sensor (5) resulting from a rotation of the handle elements (3, 4) relative to each other performed by the user; - Transmission of first control information (S1) from the computer unit (2) to the input device (1) in response to the second control information (S2), whereby, based on the first control information (S1), the drive unit (6) generates a torque that counteracts the twisting of the handle elements (3, 4) performed by the user.

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