Capacitive Trigger Game Controller for Hand-Held Touch Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Playing video games on hand-held electronic devices with touch screens is challenging due to the small screen size, requiring precise and rapid movements that can lead to unintentional interactions, causing frustration and fatigue, especially in 'shooter' type games that demand multiple button controls.
Innovation Solution
A game controller designed to securely hold hand-held electronic devices, allowing players to comfortably operate the device while accessing the touch screen display with capacitive tips that can be selectively pressed to control game objects, featuring adjustable handles and a biasing mechanism for secure grip and ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch screen display is used for hand-held electronic devices, then the device can be operated without external controls, but precise and rapid movements are required leading to unintentional interactions and user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary device (the controller with physical buttons and triggers) that mediates between the user's intent and the touch screen. The physical controls serve as an intermediate interface, translating user input into precise touch interactions with the screen, thereby eliminating the need for direct finger manipulation while maintaining operational precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical interaction of fingers with the screen with a mechanical control system. Physical buttons, triggers, and joysticks are used to generate touch inputs on the screen, substituting the direct mechanical system of finger-swiping with a more precise mechanical control interface that reduces unintentional movements.
2Volume of moving object
If the screen size is reduced for hand-held devices, then portability is improved, but control precision and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by separating them from the main device body. The controller is an independent auxiliary device that can be detached or adjusted, allowing the main device to remain compact while providing extended control capabilities externally. This segmentation enables portability to be maintained while adding comprehensive control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the control interface into another dimension by adding external physical controls that protrude from or attach to the device. Instead of relying solely on the two-dimensional screen surface, the controller adds three-dimensional physical interfaces (buttons, triggers, joysticks) that provide ergonomic control options without increasing the core device footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control points are required for shooter games, then game functionality is enhanced, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal controls that can perform multiple functions. The physical buttons and triggers are configured to map to different game controls depending on the game being played. A single physical control mechanism can serve multiple virtual control points on the screen, reducing the need for separate dedicated controls for each function while maintaining full game functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables more accurate and comfortable gameplay by allowing players to control game objects on hand-held devices without fatigue, improving the gaming experience and reducing the risk of repetitive motion injuries.
Implementation Method 1
a screen engaging mechanism for contacting the touch screen display with a capacitive tip
Data Source
AI summary
A game controller for use with a hand-held electronic device having a touch screen display, such as a smart phone or tablet, for more comfortably and easily playing a video game on the electronic device. The game controller has one or more control assemblies that define a securing mechanism for securing the electronic device in the game controller. In a preferred configuration, the securing mechanism clamps against the sides of the electronic device. Each control assembly has one or more screen engaging mechanisms that are configured to contact the touch screen display. The screen engaging mechanisms include a trigger that is mechanically connected to a stylus having a capacitive tip. The user can rapidly and repeatedly press the trigger to drive the tip against the touch screen display to control the game and/or one or more game objects thereof. The game controller can include one or more user handles.