Game console controller

Abstract

To provide a game console controller that is easy to use, convenient to carry, and capable of improving input accuracy and speed. [Solution] The game console controller 1 has a front surface 11, a back surface 21, and a side surface 31, and includes a main body 10 that is held by the player's left hand with the thumb TL1 placed on the front surface 11, a first direction button 12 located on the front surface 11 for inputting one of the four directions (up, down, left, or right), and three second direction buttons 32, 33, and 34 located on the side surface 31 for inputting the remaining three directions other than the one direction of the four. The main body 10 is held by the player with the index finger TL2, middle finger TL3, and ring finger TL4 of the left hand positioned to operate the three second direction buttons 32, 33, and 34 located on the side surface 31, respectively, and the little finger TL5 placed on the back surface 21.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a controller for a gaming machine that a player uses for operation when playing a game on the gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a controller for a gaming machine that a player uses for operation when playing a game on the gaming machine is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a controller for a gaming machine that has a front side and a back side, a held portion held by both hands of the player, and a plurality of buttons, a cross key, and a stick that are provided on the front side of the held portion and operated by the player.

[0003] On the other hand, a leverless controller that excludes a lever (stick) and replaces the input of direction by the lever with buttons is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Since the cross key inputs up, down, left, and right with one thumb, misinput and input delay are likely to occur. Also, the stick has a long neutral time, and there are limitations in improving input accuracy and speed. Furthermore, there are few button arrangements that make full use of the back surface and side surfaces, and there is a lack of efficient operability using multiple fingers.

[0006] On the other hand, a leverless controller can improve input accuracy and input speed of operations. However, since it cannot be held and used by the player's hand and is used by being placed on a table or on the player's knee, etc., there is a problem that it is uncomfortable to use and inconvenient to carry around.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a game console controller that is easy to use, convenient to carry, and capable of improving the accuracy and speed of input during operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the game controller of the present invention comprises a main body having a front surface, a back surface, and sides, which is held by at least one of the player's hands with the thumb positioned on the front surface; one first directional button positioned on the front surface for inputting one of four directions (up, down, left, or right); and three second directional buttons positioned on the sides for inputting the remaining three directions other than the one direction mentioned above. The main body is characterized in that the index, middle, and ring fingers of one of the player's hands are positioned to operate the three second directional buttons positioned on the sides, respectively, and the little finger is positioned on the back surface.

[0009] Furthermore, the game controller of the present invention has a front and a back surface, and comprises a main body that is held by the player with both hands with their thumbs positioned on the front surface, a plurality of operation buttons located on the back surface, and a display unit located on the front surface that indicates which of the plurality of operation buttons located on the back surface has been operated, wherein the main body is held by the player with multiple fingers from at least one of their hands, including the index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger, positioned to operate the plurality of operation buttons located on the back surface.

[0010] Furthermore, the game controller of the present invention has a front surface and a back surface, and includes a main body that is held by one hand of the player with the thumb positioned on the front surface and by the other hand with the thumb positioned on the back surface, a plurality of operation buttons arranged on the front surface in the area held by the other hand, and an engagement portion formed on the back surface in the area held by the other hand, into which the thumb of the other hand engages, characterized in that the main body is positioned so that multiple fingers of the player's other hand (index, middle, ring, and little fingers) can operate the plurality of operation buttons arranged on the front surface, and the thumb of the other hand is engaged with the engagement portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is easy to use, convenient to carry, and can improve the accuracy and speed of input during operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of the configuration of a game console controller according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the configuration of a game console controller according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the back. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the configuration of a game console controller according to the first embodiment, viewed from the upper left. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the usage state of a game console controller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a game console controller according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of the configuration of a game console controller according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the back. [Figure 7] This is a view from the back side showing an example of the usage state of a game console controller according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8]It is a diagram showing an example of display by a display unit of a game machine controller according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing another example of display by a display unit of a game machine controller according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing still another example of display by a display unit of a game machine controller according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game machine controller according to the third embodiment as viewed from the front side. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game machine controller according to the third embodiment as viewed from the back side. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of the usage state of a game machine controller according to the third embodiment as viewed from the front side. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of the usage state of a game machine controller according to the third embodiment as viewed from the back side.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is for the purpose of explanation and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which the following respective components are replaced with equivalent ones, and those are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, in the following description, for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the present invention, the description of important known technical matters is appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0014] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game machine controller according to the first embodiment as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game machine controller according to the first embodiment as viewed from the back side. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game machine controller according to the first embodiment as viewed from the upper left direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the usage state of a game machine controller according to the first embodiment.

[0015] The first embodiment is an embodiment in which direction input buttons are dispersedly arranged on the front surface and the side surface, enabling fingers other than the thumb to be utilized for direction input and enhancing the input accuracy and input speed of the direction input operation.

[0016] The game console controller 1 is a device used for performing various operations when a player plays a game on the game console. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the game console controller 1 according to the first embodiment has a main body portion 10. The main body portion 10 is held in a state where the thumb is placed on the front surface by one hand (for example, the left hand) of the player. The main body portion 10 has an asymmetric shape based on ergonomics assumed to be held by the left hand, and has a front surface 11, a back surface 21, and a side surface 31. In a state where the player holds the main body portion 10, the front surface 11 is the upper - positioned surface, the back surface 21 is the lower - positioned surface, and the side surface 31 is the surface positioned on the side opposite to the player (the game console side). The side surface 31 intersects both the front surface 11 and the back surface 21.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface 11 of the main body portion 10, one first - direction button 12 for inputting one of the four directions of up, down, left, and right is arranged. The first - direction button 12 is, for example, a button for upward - direction input. As shown in FIG. 4, the first - direction button 12 for upward - direction input is arranged in the upper region where the thumb TL1 of the left hand can naturally reach. The first - direction button 12 is formed in a circular shape slightly larger than each direction button of the conventional cross - key so that it can be easily pressed by the entire belly of the thumb TL1. Note that the shape of the first - direction button 12 may be other than circular (for example, square, etc.).

[0018] Furthermore, the surface 11 has multiple operation buttons and a stick 151. The multiple operation buttons include, for example, a square button 131, a cross button 132, a triangle button 133, a circle button 134, an R1 button 135, an R2 button 136, an L1 button 141, an L2 button 142, etc. The stick 151 is an analog stick and is tilted by the player's left hand. The first directional button 12, L1 button 141, L2 button 142, and stick 151 are located on the left-hand side of the surface 11, while the multiple operation buttons 131-136 are located on the right-hand side of the surface 11.

[0019] On the side 31 are three second directional buttons 32, 33, and 34 for inputting the remaining three directions out of the four directions (up, down, left, and right), excluding one direction. The second directional buttons 32, 33, and 34 are, for example, buttons for left, down, and right input. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the main body 10 is held in the left hand, the second directional button 32 for left input, the second directional button 33 for down input, and the second directional button 34 for right input are positioned so that they can be reached by the index finger TL2, middle finger TL3 (not shown), and ring finger TL4 (not shown) in a natural bending state. Each button is shaped to fit the fingertip, and by setting a short press stroke, both a clicky feel and high-speed response can be achieved.

[0020] Furthermore, the back surface 21 may be treated with an anti-slip finish or have a gentle indentation that allows the pad of the little finger to slightly fit into it, so that the little finger TL5 (not shown) can contact and engage with the lower part of the back surface 21 of the main body 10. This helps to provide a stable grip on the game controller 1 and to absorb the reaction force when directional input is performed.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the main unit 10 is held with the player's left index finger TL2, middle finger TL3, and ring finger TL4 positioned on the side 31 to operate the three second directional buttons 32, 33, and 34, respectively, and the little finger TL5 positioned on the back 21. The main unit 10 is also held with multiple fingers of the player's right index finger TR2, middle finger TR3, ring finger TR4, and little finger TR5 positioned to operate the multiple operation buttons 131-136 located on the front 11. In other words, the player holds the left side of the main unit 10 with their left hand, positioning their thumb TL1 on the first directional button 12, and their index finger TL2, middle finger TL3, and ring finger TL4 on the second directional buttons 32-34, respectively. The little finger TL5 contacts the back 21 to assist in holding. This allows for independent input of the four directions (up, down, left, and right) with different fingers, making directional input operations extremely accurate and fast compared to conventional input devices.

[0022] According to the first embodiment described above, the main body 10 of the game console controller 1 is held by the player's left and right hands. Because the player can hold and use it in their hands during gameplay, it is easy to use and convenient to carry. The player can also input the four directions (up, down, left, and right) using independent button operations with the left thumb TL1, index finger TL2, middle finger TL3, and ring finger TL4. This reduces input errors compared to using a stick (lever) or a directional pad with one finger, thus improving input accuracy. Furthermore, it reduces the time during which no direction is input (neutral time) compared to using a stick (lever) or a directional pad with one finger, thus increasing input speed. For example, it becomes possible to accurately and quickly switch directions or input diagonal directions simultaneously (e.g., upper right).

[0023] In the first embodiment described above, the directional buttons are operated with the left hand and the operation buttons with the right hand. However, the shape of the main body 10 and the arrangement of the buttons may be made symmetrical to the shapes shown in Figures 1 to 4, so that the directional buttons are operated with the right hand and the operation buttons with the left hand. Also, in the first embodiment described above, the first directional button 12 is assigned to the upward direction, and the second directional buttons 32, 33, and 34 are assigned to the left, down, and right directions, respectively. However, the assignment of directions to each button may be different from that described above.

[0024] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described using Figures 5 to 10. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game console controller according to the second embodiment, viewed from the front side. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game console controller according to the second embodiment, viewed from the back side. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the usage state of the game console controller according to the second embodiment, viewed from the back side. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the display by the display unit of the game console controller according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram showing another example of the display by the display unit of the game console controller according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of the display by the display unit of the game console controller according to the second embodiment.

[0025] The second embodiment employs a directional input mechanism as a cross-pad, while consolidating the operation of function buttons for right-hand use on the back to improve the efficiency of complex game operations. Furthermore, by placing a display unit on the front, the device provides visual feedback to the player by displaying information on the display unit when each operation button is pressed.

[0026] As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the game controller 1 according to the second embodiment has a main body 50. The main body 50 is held by the player with both hands with their thumbs positioned on the surface. The main body 50 has an ergonomically symmetrical shape designed for two-handed gripping and has a surface 51, a back surface 61, and sides 71. As shown in Figure 5, four directional buttons 52 in the shape of a crosspad and two sticks 151 and 152 are arranged on the surface 51 of the main body 50. The four directional buttons 52 are located on the area of ​​the surface 51 that is held by the left hand. Stick 151 is an analog stick and is tilted by the player's left hand. Stick 152 is an analog stick and is tilted by the player's right hand.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6, multiple operation buttons are arranged on the back surface 61 of the main body 50. These operation buttons include, for example, the × button 621, the □ button 622, the ○ button 623, the △ button 624, the R2 button 625, the R1 button 626, etc. In addition, L1 button 631 and L2 button 632 are arranged in two rows, one above the other, on the left side of the side surface 71 of the main body 50.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, the six operation buttons 621-626 are positioned on the right-hand side of the back surface 61, specifically in a location accessible by the pads of the four fingers of the right hand: the index finger TR2, middle finger TR3, ring finger TR4, and little finger TR5. These operation buttons 621-626 are arranged hierarchically to match the natural placement of each finger (for example, R1 / R2 on the bottom row and the four basic buttons on the top row), ensuring that each finger can easily operate multiple buttons 621-626. By positioning the four fingers TR2-TR5 of the right hand on the back surface 61, the player can input up to six functions simultaneously. This allows for the execution of complex actions and commands completely independently of directional input.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, a display unit 53 is located on the front surface 51 of the main body 50. The display unit 53 indicates which of the multiple operation buttons 621 to 626 located on the back surface 61 has been pressed. The display unit 53 may be configured to display information by, for example, lighting up LEDs, or it may be a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL display. The display unit 53 is protected by, for example, a transparent resin cover (acrylic, etc.).

[0030] Figure 8 shows an example where all four buttons, for example, the X button 621, the square button 622, the circle button 623, the triangle button 624, the R2 button 625, and the R1 button 626, are operated by the four fingers TR2 to TR5 of the right hand, and the operation buttons 621 to 626 are displayed on the display unit 53. Note that it is possible to operate more buttons than the number of fingers by operating multiple buttons simultaneously with each finger of the right hand. Figure 9 shows an example where the R1 button 626 is operated by any of the four fingers TR2 to TR5 of the right hand, and the R1 button 626 is displayed on the display unit 53. Figure 10 shows an example where the circle button 623 and the triangle button 624 are operated by any of the four fingers TR2 to TR5 of the right hand, and the circle button 623 and the triangle button 624 are displayed on the display unit 53.

[0031] The display unit 53 may also display information other than the button that was operated, such as the function assignment status for each button.

[0032] As shown in Figure 7, the main unit 50 is held by both hands with multiple fingers of the player's right hand positioned to operate the multiple operation buttons 621-626 located on the back surface 61. In other words, the player holds the main unit 50 with both hands and can operate the multiple operation buttons 621-626 on the back surface 61 using the index finger TR2, middle finger TR3, ring finger TR4, and little finger TR5 of the right hand.

[0033] According to the second embodiment described above, the main body 50 of the game console controller 1 is held by both hands of the player. Since the player can hold and use it in their hands while playing a game, it is easy to use and convenient to carry. The player can also operate the multiple operation buttons 621 to 626 located on the back 61 using multiple fingers of the right hand, specifically the index finger TR2, middle finger TR3, ring finger TR4, and little finger TR5. This reduces input errors compared to operating multiple operation buttons with one finger, thereby improving input accuracy. It also reduces the time required to switch between operation buttons compared to operating multiple operation buttons with one finger, thus increasing input speed. Furthermore, simultaneous operation of multiple operation buttons 621 to 626 becomes easy, allowing for accurate and rapid input of complex command operations using combinations of multiple operation buttons 621 to 626. In addition, the display unit 53 provides visual feedback to the player on which of the operation buttons 621 to 626 located on the back 61 has been operated, thus suppressing errors.

[0034] In the second embodiment described above, the directional buttons on the front surface 51 are operated with the left hand and the operation buttons on the back surface 61 are operated with the right hand. However, the button arrangement of the main body 50 may be made symmetrical to the arrangement shown in Figures 5 to 10, so that the directional buttons on the front surface 51 are operated with the right hand and the operation buttons on the back surface 61 are operated with the left hand.

[0035] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will be described using Figures 11 to 14. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game console controller according to the third embodiment as viewed from the front side. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the game console controller according to the third embodiment as viewed from the back side. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the usage state of the game console controller according to the third embodiment as viewed from the front side. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the usage state of the game console controller according to the third embodiment as viewed from the back side.

[0036] The third embodiment is one in which the directional input mechanism is adopted as a cross-pad, while the function buttons operated by the right hand are concentrated on the surface, thereby improving the efficiency of complex game operations.

[0037] As shown in Figures 11 to 14, the game controller 1 according to the third embodiment has a main body 80. The main body 80 is held by one of the player's hands (e.g., the left hand) with the thumb positioned on the front surface, and by the other hand (e.g., the right hand) with the thumb positioned on the back surface. The main body 80 has an ergonomically designed asymmetrical shape intended for gripping with the left hand, and has a front surface 81, a back surface 91, and side surfaces 101.

[0038] As shown in Figure 11, the surface 81 of the main body 80 has four directional buttons 82 in the shape of a crosspad and a stick 151. The stick 151 is an analog stick and is tilted by the player's left hand. The four directional buttons 82 and the stick 151 are located on the area of ​​the surface 11 that is held by the left hand. In addition, L1 button 841 and L2 button 842 are arranged in two rows, one above the other, on the left side of the side 101 of the main body 80.

[0039] Furthermore, multiple operation buttons are arranged on the surface 81 of the main body 80. These operation buttons include, for example, a square button 831, a cross button 832, a triangle button 833, a circle button 834, an R1 button 835, an R2 button 836, and so on. The operation buttons 831 to 836 are located on the area of ​​the surface 11 that is held by the right hand.

[0040] As shown in Figure 12, a recessed engagement portion 92 is formed on the back surface 91 of the main body 80, into which the right thumb TR1 engages. The engagement portion 92 is formed in the area of ​​the back surface 91 that is held by the right hand. As shown in Figure 14, when the controller is grasped with the right hand, the fingertip or pad of the thumb TR1 fits into the engagement portion 92. The engagement portion 92 functions as a pivot point for fixing the right hand to the game console controller 1.

[0041] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the main body 80 is held by both hands with the player's right hand, with multiple fingers (index finger TR2, middle finger TR3, ring finger TR4, and little finger TR5) positioned to operate the multiple operation buttons 831-836 located on the surface 81, and the right thumb TR1 engaged with the engagement part 92. That is, the player holds the left side of the main body 80 with their left hand and simultaneously holds the right side of the main body 80 by engaging (fixing) their right thumb with the engagement part 92. While maintaining this fixed state, the player uses their right index finger TR2 to little finger TR5 to operate the operation buttons 831-836 on the surface 81.

[0042] According to the third embodiment described above, the main body 80 of the game console controller 1 is held by both hands of the player. At this time, the player can engage the thumb TR1 of the right hand with the engagement portion 92 formed on the back surface 91, so that the game console controller 1 can be held stably. Therefore, it is easy to use and convenient to carry. In addition, the player can operate the multiple operation buttons 831 to 836 located on the front surface 81 using multiple fingers of the right hand, including the index finger TR2, middle finger TR3, ring finger TR4, and little finger TR5. This reduces the chance of misinput compared to operating multiple operation buttons with one finger, thus improving input accuracy. Also, it reduces the time required to switch between operation buttons compared to operating multiple operation buttons with one finger, thus increasing input speed. Furthermore, simultaneous operation of multiple operation buttons 831 to 836 becomes easy, so complex command inputs using combinations of multiple operation buttons 831 to 836 can be performed accurately and quickly.

[0043] In the third embodiment described above, the directional buttons are operated with the left hand and the control buttons with the right hand. However, the shape of the main body 80 and the arrangement of the buttons may be made symmetrical to the shape shown in Figures 11 to 14, so that the directional buttons are operated with the right hand and the control buttons with the left hand.

[0044] <Variation> In addition to what has already been described above, the methods described in the above embodiments and their respective modifications may be used in appropriate combinations.

[0045] For example, the configuration in which the directional buttons 12, 32, 33, and 34 of the main body 10 of the first embodiment are distributed on the front surface 11 and the side surface 31 may be combined with the configuration in which the operation buttons 621 to 626 of the main body 50 of the second embodiment are arranged on the display section 53 and the back surface 61. Alternatively, the engagement section 92 of the third embodiment may be formed on the back surface 21 of the main body 10 of the first embodiment.

[0046] Furthermore, in addition to circular, rectangular, and oval shapes, buttons may also adopt ergonomic shapes with indentations and protrusions that conform to finger movements.

[0047] Furthermore, the second directional buttons 32-34 in the first embodiment may be provided with a position adjustment mechanism so that they can be finely adjusted to match the length and thickness of the fingers.

[0048] The game console controller 1 can connect to game consoles, PCs, smartphones, etc. via wired connection (USB-C, etc.) or wireless connection (Bluetooth Low Energy, proprietary low-latency protocol, etc.). Power is supplied by a large-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery, enabling long-term use.

[0049] This invention can be applied to any field requiring high-speed and precise input, such as home game consoles, PC games, arcade game machines (which can also be integrated into the cabinet), and operation assistance devices for VR / AR devices. It is particularly advantageous in fighting games, rhythm games, and highly competitive action games.

[0050] While the above embodiment assumes directional input using the left hand, the technical scope of the present invention also includes models for directional input using the right hand with the left and right button layouts reversed, and separate models that are symmetrical and used with one unit in each hand.

[0051] Furthermore, although not to be exemplified individually, the present invention may be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 10 Main body 11 Surface 12. First directional button 21 Back side 31 Side view 32-34 Second Direction Button 50 Main body 51 Surface 52 Directional buttons 53 Display section 61 Back side 80 Main body 81 Surface 82 Directional buttons 91 Back side 92 Engaging part 131 □ button 132 × buttons 133 Triangle button 134 ○ button 135 R1 button 136 R2 button 141 L1 button 142 L2 button 621 × button 622 □ button 623 ○ button 624 Triangle button 625 R2 button 626 R1 button 631 L1 button 632 L2 button 831 □ button 832 × button 833 △ button 834 ○ button 835 R1 button 836 R2 button 841 L1 button 842 L2 button TL1 Thumb TL2 Index finger TL3 middle finger TL4 Ring finger TL5 little finger TR1 Thumb TR2 Index Finger TR3 middle finger TR4 Ring finger TR5 little finger

Claims

[Claim 1] The main body has a front surface, a back surface, and sides, and is held by one hand of the player with their thumb positioned on the front surface, and also held by the other hand. One first directional button is located on the surface in the area held by one hand, for inputting one of the four directions: up, down, left, or right. The aforementioned side is arranged and includes three second directional buttons for inputting the remaining three directions out of the four directions, excluding the one direction mentioned above. It has a plurality of operating buttons located on the surface in the area held by the other hand, The main body is, The player's index, middle, and ring fingers of one hand are positioned to operate the three second direction buttons located on the side, and the little finger is positioned on the back, while the player's other hand is held in a position where multiple fingers of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers are positioned to operate the multiple operation buttons located on the front. A game console controller characterized by the following features.

Images