Game Controller With Movable Upper Portion For Directional Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer games often require complex keyboard combinations for character or object movement, which can be cumbersome and distracting, taking attention away from other game functions and feeling awkward to use.
Innovation Solution
A game controller with a stationary base and movable upper portion that translates motion into programmable keystrokes or analog directional movements, featuring adjustable design elements, user-defined function keys, thumb switches, and a position sensor for immersive control, allowing easy access to multiple functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keyboard combinations are used for character movement, then movement control is achieved, but attention is taken away from other game functions and the experience becomes awkward and non-immersive
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is segmented into multiple controllable sections: the upper portion can be independently moved relative to the base portion, allowing separate control of movement directions (forward/backward via upper portion movement, left/right via base portion movement) while keeping other keyboard functions accessible but separate
Solution Approach 2:
A movable upper portion acts as an intermediary between the player's hand and the base keyboard, translating physical movements into directional commands without requiring direct keyboard key combinations, thereby improving immersion and ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple function keys are provided, then access to multiple functions is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller integrates multiple functions into a unified device: the base portion serves as both a structural foundation and a directional control surface, while the upper portion provides both movement control and additional function key access, eliminating the need for separate devices for each function
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single controller unit: directional movement controls are combined with function keys, and the movable upper portion integrates both control and input functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive game controller has a base portion and an upper portion. The base portion and the upper portion are constructed and arranged so that the base portion is stationary relative to the upper portion; and when the upper portion is moved parallel to the base portion, the game controller translates the relative motion of the upper portion to the base portion into programmable keystrokes or analog movements, which in turn correspond to movements with the game; the upper portion moving forward relative to the base portion translates to forward movement in the game; the upper portion moving backwards relative to the base portion translates to backwards movement in the game; the upper portion moving left or twisting left relative to the base portion translates to spinning; left or strafing left in the game; the upper portion moving right or twisting right relative to the base portion translates to right spinning or right strafing in the game. The upper portion has a palm portion, a raised portion over which the fingers extend, and a plurality of user defined function keys arranged in at least one row. The upper portion having a palm portion, a raised portion over which the fingers extend, and a plurality of user defined function keys arranged in three rows, with the row closest to the palm portion raised higher than the other two rows, so that arching a finger allows striking the front two rows of keys, while flattening the finger allows striking the back raised key. An electronic device is electrically connected to the plurality of user defined function keys, and there is a connector for connecting the game controller to a computer (or a part of a computer, like the keyboard).