Game Controller With Dual Trackpads and Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current game controllers lack advanced features and ergonomic design, limiting user input precision and feedback, especially in complex gaming scenarios requiring multiple device functionalities like mice, keyboards, and gamepads.
Innovation Solution
The game controller integrates dual high-resolution trackpads with haptic feedback, a touch-enabled central display, and configurable button mappings, allowing it to function as a USB keyboard, mouse, and gamepad, with dynamic reconfiguration for different games, and providing enhanced haptic and audio capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional game controller design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but user input precision and feedback quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple device functionalities (mouse, keyboard, gamepad) into a single controller unit. The controller integrates trackpads for mouse-like precision input, programmable buttons for keyboard-like functionality, and analog sticks for traditional gamepad control, all within one device. This merging approach improves input precision while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can operate as a mouse, keyboard, and gamepad depending on configuration. The dual trackpads can function as mouse controls or directional pads, buttons can be programmed for various key mappings, and the device supports multiple gaming platforms. This multi-functionality enhances precision for different input needs while consolidating device requirements.
2Ease of operation
If basic controller features are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but feedback quality and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates haptic feedback mechanisms that use mechanical vibration to provide tactile response to user input. The trackpads and buttons include vibration motors or actuators that generate controlled vibrations to simulate physical feedback, enhancing the user experience by making digital inputs feel more tangible and responsive.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements multiple feedback loops including haptic feedback through vibration motors, visual feedback through LED indicators on buttons and trackpads, and auditory feedback through integrated speakers. These feedback mechanisms work together to provide comprehensive sensory response to user actions, significantly improving ease of operation and immersion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed controller functionality is used, then device reliability is improved, but adaptability to different games deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller features dynamically reconfigurable controls where buttons, trackpads, and other input elements can be programmatically assigned to different functions based on the game being played. The controller automatically or manually adapts its control scheme to match game requirements, maintaining reliability through consistent performance while achieving versatility through flexible configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller allows modification of operational parameters including button mappings, trackpad sensitivity, vibration intensity, and audio output levels. These parameters can be adjusted through software configuration or automatic detection of game type, enabling the same hardware to reliably adapt to different gaming scenarios without compromising control consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
Various game controller hardware and user interface configurations are disclosed. Some configurations may comprise two circular trackpads, driven by the player's thumbs, which may be clickable, allowing the entire surface to act as a button. Haptic feedback may be based on dual linear resonant actuators (e.g., by means of strong, weighted electro-magnets attached to each of the dual trackpads), capable of delivering a wide range of force and vibration, allowing control over frequency, amplitude, and direction of movement. The haptics-related components in certain implementations may also play audio waveforms and thereby function as speakers. In the center of the controller according to certain configurations may be another touch-enabled surface, this one backed by a display screen. In some configurations this entire screen itself may also be clickable, like a large single button. A variety of other exemplary implementations and configurations are described.