Game Controller Thumb Stick Multi-Axis Rotation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional game controllers require users to remove their thumbs from thumb sticks to operate additional actions, leading to loss of control, particularly in precision games, as they need to switch between thumb sticks and buttons or direction pads.
Innovation Solution
A game controller design with a pivotally coupled first and second part, allowing for rotational movement about orthogonal axes, incorporating paddle levers and sensors to enable additional control functions without relinquishing thumb stick control, using a coupler such as a ball joint or spherical bearing, and a switch mechanism for digital input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users operate additional actions on conventional controllers, then control functions are expanded, but thumb stick control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into the thumb stick itself by enabling rotational movement about multiple orthogonal axes. The single input device (thumb stick) now provides both traditional analog control and additional directional inputs through multi-axis rotation, eliminating the need to switch between separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb stick is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it maintains its traditional analog control capability while also providing additional directional inputs through rotation about orthogonal axes. This multi-functional design allows users to access various control functions without relinquishing the primary thumb stick control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between thumb sticks and buttons, then additional actions are controlled, but precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of separate buttons into the thumb stick by enabling it to detect rotation about multiple orthogonal axes. This integration allows precision control to be maintained while accessing additional actions, as all controls are performed through the same precise input device rather than requiring switching between different controls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional controllers provide multiple controls, then control versatility is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the thumb stick universal by enabling it to perform multiple control functions through rotation about orthogonal axes. This reduces operational complexity by allowing users to control additional actions through the same familiar input device rather than requiring them to learn and switch between multiple different controls.
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 users to access multiple control functions from a single input device with distinct gestures, maintaining control over thumb sticks without needing to remove thumbs, enhancing gaming precision and reducing fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for determining the position of the first part relative to the second part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus for supplying user inputs to a computer program, a games controller and an actuator mounted to a controller. The apparatus comprises a case having a first part and a second part. Each of the first and second parts comprise one or more controls. One of the first and second parts comprises a sensor for determining the position of the first part relative to the second part, wherein the position of the first part relative to the second part provides an input control device.