A device, especially for controlling a video game

Abstract

The object of the invention is a device for controlling a video game, designed to be placed on the user's finger, comprising: - a housing (1 ) with a shape that allows for placement the user's finger, wherein said housing (1 ) has an inner surface (2) and an outer surface (3), - a processor, - a power supply circuit, - a wireless communication circuit configured to send data from the device for controlling a video game, - at least one force sensor (6) configured to initiate, under pressure, the sending of a signal indicative of a press of the force sensor via the wireless communication circuit. The device is characterised in that the force sensor (6) is located in the part of the housing (1 ) which, when placed on the user's finger, is under the fingertip, wherein the lower part of the housing (1 ), which, when placed on the user's finger is under the fingertip, is configured to cooperate with the touch screen.

Description

[0001] A device, especially for controlling a video game

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is a device for controlling a video game, intended to be placed on the user’s finger. The device is correlated with a touch screen display.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] In prior art, there are numerous known wearable devices meant to monitor the position of the user's hand or finger. Many of them are based on the recognition of gestures for controlling a computer program or a VR environment. Due to this, the commands may be more intuitive, with no need to learn the rules of controlling complicated input systems.

[0006] An example of such a device is disclosed in document WO2019165139. This invention discloses a wearable device which, by using only the magnetic field, is capable of determining the position and the gestures of the user's hands and fingers on the basis of the bending of the joint. The device is capable of displaying a contour of the hand on the screen, while the tracing of the position of the device with respect to the screen has not been disclosed. Said method for locating elements provided with magnetic sensors may also be found useful in the technology of tablets.

[0007] Another document WO2019005586 discloses a device wearable on one of the fingers. It has optical, acceleration and force sensors, and it may connect wirelessly to other devices. Said device may trace the movement of fingers in a VR environment. The publication does not disclose any use of the invention with respect to touch screens, or to determining the position of the finger before touching the screen.

[0008] Another example of a device determining the position of the user’s hand is disclosed in American patent US10642356. This invention discloses a device in the form of a flexible material comprising an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope. It is intended to determine the position and movements of the hands in space in order to transfer them to a VR environment. The method of monitoring the user’s movements involves tracing the relative movement of at least two fingers by means of the device. No tracing of the movement with respect to external devices, such as a touch screen, is disclosed.

[0009] The essence of the invention

[0010] The object of the invention is a device for controlling a video game, designed to be placed on the user’s finger, comprising:

[0011] - a housing with a shape that allows for placement the user's finger, wherein said housing has an inner surface and an outer surface,

[0012] - a processor,

[0013] - a power supply circuit,

[0014] - a wireless communication circuit configured to send data from the device for controlling a video game,

[0015] - at least one force sensor configured to initiate, under pressure, the sending of a signal indicative of a press of the force sensor via the wireless communication circuit.

[0016] The device is characterised in that the force sensor is located in the part of the housing which, when placed on the user's finger, is under the fingertip, wherein the lower part of the housing, which, when placed on the user's finger is under the fingertip, is configured to cooperate with the touch screen.

[0017] Preferably, the processor, the power supply unit and the wireless communication circuit are located inside the housing. Preferably, the force sensor additionally comprises a position sensor adapted to recognize at which point on the force sensor the user is pressing and to send a signal about the recognized pressure point from the device for controlling a video game via the wireless communication system.

[0018] Preferably, the device comprises a motion sensor adapted to determine the position of the finger over the touch screen and to measure the angle between the distal phalanx of the user's finger and the touch screen.

[0019] Preferably, the device comprises two or more force sensors..

[0020] Preferably, one or more components of the device are removable, and preferably, all components of the device are removable.

[0021] Preferably, at least a portion of the lower part of the housing, which is located under the fingertip of the user when placed on the user's finger, is configured to generate, transmit, replicate or enable detection of an electrostatic field by the capacitive touch screen.

[0022] Preferably, at least that portion of the lower part of the housing, which is located under the fingertip of the user when placed on the user's finger, comprises electrically conductive material.

[0023] Preferably, the lower part of the housing is divided into several electrically conductive areas, such that each electrically conductive area is separated by a non-conductive area from the other electrically conductive areas.

[0024] Preferably, the outer surface of the housing is made of a slippery material or is coated with a low-friction coating. Preferably, the housing is in the form of a fingertip cap, wherein the housing having an opening intended to receive the fingertip together with the fingernail.

[0025] Preferably, the housing comprises a finger-fitting element which is curved towards the centre of the device and configured to exert a slight resistance to the finger inserted by the user when the finger is placed in the device.

[0026] Preferably, the inner surface of the housing is made of a different material than the rest of the housing, preferably rubber, silicone, foam or shape memory foam.

[0027] Preferably, the wireless communication circuit is configured to communicate via Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi and / or near-field communication NFC and / or Li-Fi.

[0028] Advantages of the invention

[0029] The purpose of the invention is to provide a device for controlling a video game that combines the precision of touch screen control with additional controller functions. The device worn on the user’s finger, enables both standard interaction with the touch screen and performing additional actions in the game without having to lift the finger from the screen or use separate buttons. Thanks to the use of a force sensor under the fingertip and the ability to recognize various gestures and finger angles, the device increases the functionality and effectiveness of control in games. In addition, the compact design and versatility of the device allow it to be used with various touch screens, increasing its mobility and versatility.

[0030] Short description of the drawings

[0031] The invention will now be presented in more detail in preferred embodiments, with reference to the attached drawing, in which: Fig. 1 presents an axonometric front view of the device according to the invention,

[0032] Fig. 2 presents an axonometric rear view of the device according to the invention,

[0033] Fig. 3 presents a side view of the device according to the invention,

[0034] Fig. 4 presents a bottom view of the device according to the invention,

[0035] Fig. 5 presents a rear view of the device according to the invention,

[0036] Fig. 6 presents a rear view of the device according to the invention with the force sensor indicated,

[0037] Fig. 7 presents a side view of the device according to the invention with the force sensor indicated,

[0038] Fig. 8 presents an axonometric view of the device according to the invention with the force sensor indicated,

[0039] Fig. 9 presents the device according to the invention after being put on the user's finger.

[0040] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the device for controlling a video game, shown in detail in Fig. 1 -5, intended to be placed on a user's finger, and in particular on the end of the finger with the fingertip, comprises a housing 1 with a shape that allows for placement the user's finger, having an inner surface 2 and an outer surface 3, a processor, a power supply circuit, and a wireless communication circuit. The device is adapted to be placed in particular on the thumb, but it is possible to wear it on any finger. The device also comprises at least one force sensor 6, the outline of which is shown schematically in Figs. 6-8, which force sensor 6 is configured in such a way that, under pressure, it initiates sending, by means of the wireless communication circuit, a signal indicating pressing of the force sensor 6, whereby the application performs the operation or sequence of operations assigned to the pressing of the force sensor 6, which translates into performing the assigned action in the game. The force sensor 6 is located in a part of the housing 1 which, when placed on the user's finger, is located under the fingertip, preferably the force sensor 6 is located between the inner surface 2 and the outer surface 3 of the device and preferably is in the form of a flat flexible PCB, however it is known to the person skilled in the art that other available force sensors 6 can be used so that they are located inside the housing 1 under the fingertip. Thanks to this, it is possible to perform additional operations while playing a game, without having to lift the finger from the screen or use additional fingers other than the thumb to press additional buttons. The device, when used by a user to play a video game, detects the pressure of a fingertip on the force sensor 6, transmits, via the wireless communication circuit, a signal indicating that the user has pressed the force sensor 6.

[0042] The lower part of the housing 1 , which is under the fingertip during use, is configured to cooperate with the touch screen. In the preferred embodiment, a capacitive touch screen is used, wherein it is known that other touch screens known in the state of the art can also be used. In this way, when the lower part of the housing 1 touches the touch screen, it is possible to control the touch screen and the game in the same way as when touching the touch screen with a bare finger.

[0043] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the lower part of the housing 1 , which is located under the fingertip of the user when placed on the user's finger, is made of a material capable of generating, transmitting, replicating or enabling the detection of an electrostatic field, preferably comprises an electrically conductive material, which enables cooperation with a capacitive touch screen. The electrically conductive material may be incorporated into the lower part of the housing 1 and may be made of a different material than the rest of the housing 1 , e.g. it may be in the form of a plate. It is also possible to use a housing 1 made of a uniform electrically conductive material, or a housing 1 material may be used in which at least that portion of the lower part of the housing 1 that is located under the fingertip of the user when in use is made of an electrically conductive material. Preferably, the lower part of the device is configured to transmit, replicate or enable detection of an electrostatic field by the capacitive touch screen.

[0044] When playing a video game, two devices worn on the thumbs are most commonly used, wherein it is possible to use a device on more fingers.

[0045] According to the preferred embodiment, the processor, the power supply circuit and the wireless communication circuit are located inside the housing 1. Furthermore, one or more components of the device are removable, and preferably all these components are removable. Thanks to this, components that wear out faster, such as the flexible materials of the housing 1 including the force sensor 6, can be replaced without having to replace the electronic components, which have a much longer service life. Therefore, preferably, the main electronics in the form of a PCB with the processor, the power supply circuit and the wireless communication circuit are assembled separately, preferably in a separate container placed inside the housing 1 . This also makes it possible to produce different sizes of the housing 1 , adapted to accommodate fingers of different sizes - such as small fingers when the device is intended for children, or larger sized fingers when the device is intended for an adult user. In addition, it is possible to produce the housing 1 in different stylistic versions, wherein each type of housing 1 including the force sensor 6 can be sold separately from the other electronic components. In the preferred embodiment, the power supply circuit is in the form of a battery, although it is known for the person skilled in the art that other power supply circuit know in the prior art may be used.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the force sensor 6 additionally comprises a position sensor adapted to recognize at which point on the force sensor 6 the user is pressing and to send a signal about the recognized pressure point from the device for controlling a video game via the wireless communication system. In this way, it is possible to determine at which point of the force sensor 6 the user presses and it is possible to assign additional buttons to the force sensor 6 in order to perform additional game operations.

[0047] According to another embodiment, the force sensor 6 and the position sensor are two separate, unconnected sensors.

[0048] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a motion sensor adapted to determine the position of the finger over the touch screen and to measure the angle between the distal phalanx and the proximal phalanx of the user's finger. The motion sensor may be in the form of a gyroscope, or a gyroscope with an accelerometer or a gyroscope with an accelerometer and a magnetometer, it may be a whole set of sensors constituting a motion sensor located at any point on the finger. When performing a tap / click, the fingers perform a specific micro movement. The collection of data from the motion sensor allows for discerning this movement / gesture from a normal touch and swipe against the screen. The angle of inclination of the distal phalanx relative to the touch screen allows for discerning various types of operations, especially in combination with information about pressing the force sensor 6, in particular, but not exclusively, when the motion sensor is placed on the distal phalanx. For example, action A is pressing with a flat finger, placed parallel to the touch screen, with the distal phalanx straightened. Action B is a finger bent at a 45-degree angle. Activity C is a finger bent at 90 degrees to the touch screen and pressing with the fingertip (the part of the fingertip directly under the fingernail).

[0049] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the lower part of the housing 1 is divided into several electrically conductive areas, such that each electrically conductive area is separated by a non-conductive area. This enables additional touch points to be recognized with the touch screen, which allows for increased navigation capabilities.

[0050] Preferably, the outer surface 3 of the housing 1 , and especially its lower part, is made of a slippery material or covered with a coating with a low coefficient of friction. Thanks to this, after pressing the device to the screen, the device moves smoothly on the screen and ensures comfortable use of the device. The user does not feel any difference in moving on the screen while wearing the device according to the invention on his finger - he feels the same comfort as when operating on the screen with a bare finger.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the invention, the housing 1 is in the form of a fingertip cover, which has an opening 5 intended for placing the end of a finger with a nail therein - for example, it may be an opening 5 in a place which, after being put on the user's finger, is located directly at the end of the nail. The opening 5 may be a through hole, it may also be a non-through recess for the nail located on the inner surface 2 of the housing 1 . Thanks to the use of the opening 5, it is easier to adjust the device to different shapes and lengths of the finger. Additionally, it allows the device to be put on a finger with a long nail without any problems.

[0052] Preferably, the housing 1 comprises a finger-fitting element 4 configured to adapt to a finger, which element 4, when it is not worn on the user’s finger, is bent inwards into the device and connected to the rest of the housing 1 at the sides so as to exert a slight resistance to the finger being inserted by the user, as can be seen in Fig. 9, which shows the device according to the invention when fitted to the user's finger. In this way, regardless of the length and bend of the fingertip and how far the user wishes to insert the finger, the finger adaptor element 4 adapts to the fingertip of the user's finger every time.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface 2 of the housing 1 , i.e. that part of the housing 1 which, after the device is placed on the finger, touches the user's finger, is made of a different material than the rest of the housing 1 . It can be very soft rubber / silicone or foam, or even foam in the form of shape memory foam, the so-called "memory foam". Such a solution, with an appropriate design, allows to limit the number of manufactured sizes of housings 1. Instead of producing a size for each finger, one can limit oneself to a few sizes, e.g. S M L.

[0054] Preferably, the wireless communication circuit is configured to communicate via Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi (wireless-fidelity) and / or near-field communication NFC (near-field communication) and / or Li-Fi (Light-Fidelity).

[0055] Preferably, the device may also include a vibration motor.

[0056] Depending on the needs and application, it is possible to use two or more force sensors 6 in the solution according to the invention. It is also possible to use a force sensor 6 with two or more pressure points. This allows the force sensor 6 to send a signal which force sensor 6 the user has pressed or which pressure point the user is pressing, allowing more additional operations to be performed in the video game.

Claims

Claims1 . A device for controlling a video game, designed to be placed on the user’s finger, comprising:- a housing (1 ) with a shape that allows for placement the user's finger, wherein said housing (1 ) has an inner surface (2) and an outer surface (3),- a processor,- a power supply circuit,- a wireless communication circuit configured to send data from the device for controlling a video game,- at least one force sensor (6) configured to initiate, under pressure, the sending of a signal indicative of a press of the force sensor (6) via the wireless communication circuit, characterised in that the force sensor (6) sensor is located in the part of the housing (1 ) which, when placed on the user's finger, is under the fingertip, wherein the lower part of the housing (1 ), which, when placed on the user's finger is under the fingertip, is configured to cooperate with the touch screen.

2. The device, according to claim 1 , characterised in that the processor, the power supply unit and the wireless communication circuit are located inside the housing (1 ).

3. The device, according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the force sensor (6) additionally comprises a position sensor adapted to recognize at which point on the force sensor (6) the user is pressing and to send a signal about the recognized pressure point from the device for controlling a video game via the wireless communication system.

4. The device, according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterised in that it comprises a motion sensor adapted to determine the position of the finger over the touch screen and to measure the angle between the distal phalanx of the user's finger and the touch screen.

5. The device, according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterised in that it comprises two or more force sensors (6).

6. The device according to any one of the claims 1 -5, characterised in that one or more components of the device are removable, and preferably, all components of the device are removable.

7. The device according to any one of the claims 1 -6, characterised in that at least a portion of the lower part of the housing (1 ), which is located under the fingertip of the user when placed on the user's finger, is configured to generate, transmit, replicate or enable detection of an electrostatic field by the capacitive touch screen.

8. The device according to any one of the claims 1 -7, characterised in that at least that portion of the lower part of the housing (1 ), which is located under the fingertip of the user when placed on the user's finger, comprises electrically conductive material.

9. The device according to any one of the claims 1 -8, characterised in that the lower part of the housing (1 ) is divided into several electrically conductive areas, such that each electrically conductive area is separated by a non-conductive area from the other electrically conductive areas.

10. The device according to any one of the claims 1 -9, characterised in that the outer surface (3) of the housing (1 ) is made of a slippery material or is coated with a low-friction coating.1 1 .The device according to any one of the claims 1 -10, characterised in that the housing (1 ) is in the form of a fingertip cap, wherein the housing (1 ) having an opening (5) intended to receive the fingertip together with the fingernail.

12. The device according to any one of the claims 1 -1 1 , characterised in that the housing (1 ) comprises a finger-fitting element (4) which is curved towards the centre of the device and configured to exert a slight resistance to the finger inserted by the user when the finger is placed in the device.

13. The device according to any one of the claims 1 -12, characterised in that he inner surface (2) of the housing (1 ) is made of a different material than the rest of the housing (1 ), preferably rubber, silicone, foam or shape memory foam.

14. The device according to any one of the claims 1 -13, characterised in that the wireless communication circuit is configured to communicate via Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi and / or near-field communication NFC and / or Li-Fi.

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