CN1676186A - Video game controller with integrated trackball control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A handheld video game controller used to interact with a computer game device. The video game controller includes a hollow housing with a central control section and left and right hand-held sections extending from said control section. The control part is equipped with a plurality of switches, which can be used by the user to input data and control signals. Those switches should be operated solely by one or two thumbs of the user. The video game controller also includes at least one trackball input device integrally mounted on the control portion of the housing, operable by a user to generate a game input signal indicating the relative orientation of the trackball in respective orthogonal directions. The amount and direction of rotational motion on the housing. Said game controller also includes at least one joystick integrally installed on the control part of the casing for use by the user.

Description

Video game controller with integrated trackball control

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/556,874, filed March 29, 2003 by Hussaini, S et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

The present invention relates generally to handheld electronic game controllers, and more particularly to handheld electronic game controllers incorporating trackball-like control elements having selectable programmable features.

Background technique

Computer video games are well known in the art. Such devices range from fully built-in devices that are hand-held, to larger standalone devices that interact with a separate manipulator. For more complex games, a stand-alone computer device can provide powerful processing power and work in conjunction with related peripheral devices - such as remote controls and TV display devices, in order to bring players a far more powerful gaming experience than handheld devices. A self-contained central control unit contains the basic processing elements needed to run computer games. A manipulator is connected to transmit operational control commands issued by the user. As previously mentioned, such conventional arrangements are well known in the art.

Due to the enormous commercial success of stand-alone computer game systems, an entire peripheral market has sprung up, ranging from advanced video controllers, joystick input devices, steering wheel devices for racing games, multi-plug controllers, vibration manipulators, televisions Stands, audio systems, and more. There are also programmable manipulators that allow users to customize the actions of the control buttons by programming different operating modes.

Trackballs have been used in notebook computers and other electronic devices. In these devices, such as laptop computers, a control ball is rotatably mounted on the surface of the console, and optical sensors are used to sense the movement of the ball. These prior art devices have been used to control the simple movement of a cursor on a laptop computer display. However, there is no prior art handheld control device that incorporates a trackball control element, or that uses a trackball control element for a personal video game platform. Several embodiments are included in the present invention to implement the use of a trackball in a handheld controller to control a video game.

Figures 1A and 1B show a prior art handheld manipulator comprising a conventional steering wheel, a pair of rocker control elements and four control buttons. The steering wheel is limited to limited control in four directions. More specifically, the prior art video game controller 10 includes a plurality of buttons 14, a multi-directional electric key 16 - commonly referred to as the D-pad (steering wheel), joystick input Devices 18a and 18b, and trigger (shoulder button) 20. D-pads are well known in the art of gaming controllers and function to provide specific contact engagements based on where the user presses on the working keys of the keyboard. When the user depresses the upper or north position of the D keyboard, it is equivalent to pressing a key on the standard keyboard. When the user presses the right or east position of the D keyboard, it is equivalent to pressing a different key on the standard keyboard. Similarly, by depressing the south or west position, different key inputs can be achieved. Other key inputs may also be provided by pressing the portion of the D-pad between the North, East, South and West positions without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Video game controller 10 has various keys to implement various modes of operation. The video game controller 10 and the computer game device contain circuits and drivers to implement instructions sent by the user to the computer game device through the video game controller 10 . For example, once the computer game device is turned on, the start key 24 can be used to start a video game. Typically, a splash screen is presented to the player on a display device. Another example of a key with a specific function is the selection key 28 .

In many cases, each button 14, rocker input device 18a or 18b, trigger (shoulder button) 20 can execute a specific command. For example, when a user is playing a game of ice hockey - the game being loaded into the computer game device - the D-pad 16 controls the movement of the player under the control of the video game controller 10 . Other players will be controlled by other users via another video game controller, or by the computer game device itself. When the user presses the button 14 with a square, the player on the display will pass the puck to another player, and if the user presses the button 14 with a triangle, the player will shoot the puck towards the goal . Similarly, the right trigger 20 enables a player under the control of the video game device to block or hit another player on the screen. The circled button 14 causes the athlete to accelerate and move faster than usual. It can be seen that each key 14 , trigger 20 , keyboard 16 and rocker input devices 18a, 18b are assigned different functions.

Many games allow the user to select a "turbo (enhanced)" mode for specific functions. Often it is desirable to perform certain functions at an increased speed, or to provide additional impetus to actions on the display. Thus, the user would engage the "turbo" or program mode by actuating the "turbo" button 30 . For example, when the hockey player in the above example is skating and the user wishes to activate the "turbo" function, he can press the key 14 with the circle on top and the "turbo" key 30 at the same time. This puts the circle key 14 into "turbo" or program mode. When the circle button 14 is in "turbo" mode, the athlete's gliding speed will be higher than if the circle button 14 is pressed but not in "turbo" or program mode. Thus, a specific key can be selectively programmed for normal or "turbo" mode.

Although existing handheld video game controllers - including but not limited to those described above - have proven acceptable, these devices still need to be improved in order to increase their performance and ease of use. Knowing this, there is a need to develop improved hand-held video game controllers that facilitate the advancement of technology.

Contents of the invention

The object of the present invention is a computer game controller comprising a hand-held housing, a plurality of control buttons neatly arranged in the housing-operated by the user to generate various game control signals, and at least one of which is integrally installed in the housing. Trackball input device - operated by the user to generate a game input signal. A communication cable connects the manipulator and the separate computer game device. The cable establishes a communication link for the transmission of command signals. The video game controller proposed by the present invention provides two-way interaction with a stand-alone computer device. Alternatively, the video game controller may be a wireless controller.

A handheld video game controller according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes two integrated trackball controls: a first trackball control and a second trackball control, and a joystick input device. The video game controller also includes first and second sensitivity switches mounted in the housing for selectively controlling the sensitivity of the first and second trackball control means.

A handheld video game controller according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a trackball control device and left and right joystick input devices. The video game controller also includes a sensitivity switch mounted in the housing to selectively control the sensitivity of the trackball input device, and a trackball mode switch that allows the trackball input device to be used as a Directional pad, right joystick input device or left joystick input device to use.

A handheld video game controller according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a trackball control device, a directional pad (D-pad) and right and left joystick input devices. The video game controller also includes a sensitivity switch mounted in the housing to selectively control the sensitivity of the trackball control device, and a trackball mode switch that allows the trackball input device to be used as a Directional pad, right joystick input device or left joystick input device to use.

Thus, the handheld video game controller according to the present invention represents an entirely new configuration of video game controllers that incorporates a trackball input device into the handheld game controller for controlling a variable in an application program. The sensitivity of the trackball input device is controllable, and it is also possible to select which conventional input elements the trackball input device replaces. A video game controller with an integrated trackball input device can thus provide excellent control over application variables, as well as the ability for users to customize the control and operation of the application to suit their individual needs.

Description of drawings

Figure 1A shows a top view of a conventional video game controller in the prior art;

FIG. 1B shows a bottom view of a conventional video game controller of the prior art;

Figure 2A shows a top view of a video game controller consistent with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2B shows a front view of a video game controller consistent with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2C shows a left side view of a video game controller consistent with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of a video game controller consistent with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4A shows a partial perspective top view of a video game controller consistent with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

4B shows a partial perspective rear view of a video game controller consistent with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view from the plane identified by line A-A in Figure 4A;

Figure 5B shows a cross-sectional view from the plane identified by line B-B in Figure 4A;

Figure 6A shows a top view of a video game controller consistent with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6B shows a front view of a video game controller consistent with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

6C shows a left side view of a video game controller consistent with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7A shows a top view of a video game controller consistent with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

7B shows a front view of a video game controller consistent with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7C shows a left side view of a video game controller consistent with a third example embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of the following description, certain terms are used in the following description for convenience, without any limitation. The words "right", "left", "down" and "upper" denote directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions towards or away from, respectively, the geometric center of the invention and designated parts thereof. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may assume various alternative orientations other than those expressly indicated. Said terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives of these words, and words of similar import.

It is also to be understood that the specific items shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are only exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts. Unless specifically stated otherwise, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. In addition, the word "a" used in the claims means "at least one".

2A-2C, 3, 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B illustrate a handheld video game controller 110 consistent with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The video game controller 110 is ergonomically shaped to be held by a user. Video game controller 110 includes a plurality of operating elements that are manually manipulated by a user to interact with the game. The manipulator may be programmable and may include a vibrating element for enhanced gaming, illuminated keys, and the like. A communication cable 111 is used to transmit operating commands to a separate computer game device or game console (not shown) in response to user actions on said operating elements. The end of the communication cable 111 has a plug 111a. This plug 111a is used to connect the communication cable 111 with a computer game device. The plug 111a has a series of electrical contacts that correspond to the electrical contacts in the receptacle on the computer game device. In addition, the video game controller 110 can also be a wireless controller, which includes a radio frequency or infrared transmitter for sending control signals to the game console, wherein the game console also includes a receiver for for receiving control signals from the game console.

A computer gaming device typically includes a disc drive mechanism in which a disc - such as a compact disc - containing a video game program can be played, and conventional circuitry for executing the video game program stored on the disc. For example, the game device may include a processor, memory, and inherent system programs for controlling the operation of the game device, manipulator interface circuits, and audio/video generation and output circuits. Examples of such computer gaming devices include Nintendo N64™, SEGA Genesis, X-Box, Gamecube, Sony Playstation gaming systems, and the like. A handheld video game controller 10 consistent with this embodiment of the invention is connected to the gaming device by a direct link in the form of a communications cable 111 . Alternatively, the wireless controller may be connected to the gaming device, eg, by a direct link or by a mating connector.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , game controller 110 includes a hollow housing 112 that defines a central control portion 114 , and left and right hand grip portions 116 a and 116 b extending from control portion 114 . Therefore, the game controller 110 is to be used by the user with both hands. The user holds the left and right handle portions 116 a and 116 b with two hands, respectively, and keeps the thumbs covering the central control portion 114 . Usually, the player holds the left and right hand parts 116a and 116b during the game, and manipulates the control switch corresponding to the held hand parts.

The control section 114 includes a plurality of manipulation elements with which a user can input data and control signals. These operating elements mounted on the control part 114 are to be operated by the user with one or two thumbs.

Mounted on the control portion 114 of the housing 112 is a keypad 118 with a plurality of user-actuated keys (or switches) 119 and is accessible from the outer peripheral surface of the housing 112 . Game controller 110 also includes a battery (not shown) that provides power to the controller's internal components.

Game controller 110 also has a joystick input device 122 located on the left side of control portion 114 on housing 112 and trigger switches (shoulder buttons) 124a, 124b and 126a, 126b. Joystick input device 122 is a directional control device, which is an input device used to control two-dimensional or three-dimensional motion of an object controlled by game controller 110, while trigger switches 124a, 124b, 126a, and 126b can be controlled by Used to implement at least one control function related to the object. Typically, trigger switches are used to fire weapons in games.

The video game console has various keys to implement various modes of operation in the game console 110 . The video game controller 110 and the computer game device contain circuits and drivers to implement commands sent by the user through the video game controller 110 to the computer game device. For example, the "START" button 128 is used to start a video game when the computer game device is turned on. Typically, a splash screen is presented to the operator on a display device. Another example of a key having a specific function is the "SELECT" key 130 . The SELECT button 130 allows the user to scroll through the various options offered by the computer gaming device. The "TURBO" button 132 allows the user to select the "TURBO" mode for a particular function. Often (users) want to perform a certain function faster, or to provide extra momentum for actions on the display. At the same time, the user can also use the “PROGRAM” button 134 to implement the program mode.

Also included in the video game controller 110 is a frequency responsive element in the form of a conventional vibration device well known in the art. Such devices include the triggering of a rotating eccentric hammer and are well known to those skilled in the art. The video game controller 110 of the present invention includes a 3-position vibration switch 131 for disabling the vibration element or selecting between low and high vibration modes.

In addition, the game controller 110 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention also includes two integrated trackball control devices: the first trackball control device 140 and the second trackball control device 150 . By comparing Fig. 2A with Fig. 1A, it can be found that the first trackball control device 140 replaces the D-keyboard 16 of the prior art video game controller 10, and the second trackball control device 150 replaces the prior art D-keyboard 16. The joystick input device 18b of the game manipulator. Ideally, the first and second trackball controls 140 and 150 are substantially identical, and they may be in the form of any suitable off-the-shelf trackball configuration, which is well known to those skilled in the art. For example, trackball controls 140 and 150 may be similar to the mechanical type trackball structures disclosed in U.S. Pat. inventing. Ideally, in accordance with the present invention, the first and second trackball control devices 140 and 150 are optical type trackball devices comprising a trackball and associated optics, see US Pat. Nos. 5,854,482 and 5,680,157 are well known in the prior art, and the above-mentioned patents are incorporated in the present invention by reference. Trackball devices of the optical type are well known in the art and are used in a variety of applications, for example as cursor control and mouse devices in notebook computers.

Conventionally, a trackball device is generally used as an input device (pointing device) of position information for inputting position information to move a cursor on a display screen of an information processing device such as a computer. In order to save operating space, a trackball device includes a ball, such as a round ball, which is rotatably mounted on a roller bracket so that a part of its arc is exposed, and in said trackball device A circuit is included to convert the amount of rotation of the sphere into an electrical signal. The trackball can rotate in any direction independently of the roller bracket. Corresponding to the signal, position information is input into a control unit of an information processing device such as a computer.

Referring to Fig. 2A-2C and Fig. 3, the first trackball control device 140 is described optical type trackball device, and it comprises a first trackball 140 that is installed on the first roller bracket 144, and this trackball can Orthogonal axis of rotation relative to housing 112, the trackball control device also includes a first trackball rotational position sensor 146, and a first selector switch 148 (shown in FIGS. The switch is activated when the trackball 142 is depressed. In this particular embodiment, the first trackball 142 is a round ball with a substantially smooth surface. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , the first roller bracket 144 is integrally mounted in a recess in the control portion 114 of the housing 112 such that the first trackball 142 partially extends outside the housing 112 .

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , which shows electronic circuitry 160 of a video game controller 110 consistent with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, said first trackball control device 140 includes a first An associated array of optical (light-sensitive) elements 147, which constitute two rotational position sensors 146, are vertically opposite each other. However, in other embodiments, more or fewer than two rotational position sensors may be employed, and their orientation relative to each other may be oriented in any suitable direction. The optical element 146 is connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) 162 of an electronic circuit 160, such as a microprocessor.

Accordingly, first trackball control means 140 is provided to generate a signal indicative of the amount and direction of rotational movement of first trackball 142 relative to housing 112 in respective orthogonal directions.

The second trackball control unit 150 is substantially the same as the first trackball control unit 140 described above and includes a second trackball 152 mounted on a second roller bracket 154 for rotation relative to the housing 112 on an orthogonal axis. , also includes a second trackball rotational position sensor 156, and a second selector switch 158 (shown in FIG. 3 ), which is triggered when the second trackball 152 is pressed. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the second roller bracket 154 is integrally mounted in a recess in the control portion 114 of the housing 112 such that the second trackball 152 extends partially outside the housing. It is also shown in FIG. 3 that the second trackball control device 150 includes therein an associated array of second optical (light sensing) elements 157, which constitute two rotational position sensors 156 vertically opposite each other.

Ideally, the second trackball control device 150 is smaller than the first trackball control device 140 . More ideally, the diameter of the first trackball 142 is 22 mm, while the diameter of the second trackball 152 is 20 mm. Similar to the first trackball control device 140, the second trackball control device 150 is preferably an optical type trackball device and includes therein an associated array of optical (photosensitive) elements 156 to form two rotating position sensor. The optical element 156 is electrically connected to the ECU 162 of the electronic circuit 160. Thus, the second trackball control device 150 can generate a signal to indicate the amount and direction of the rotational movement of the second trackball 152 relative to the housing 112 in two perpendicular directions.

4A-5B show further partial perspective and cross-sectional views of the first example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3 . In this embodiment, the first and second trackball controls 140 and 150 each include a selector switch 148 and 158 in the form of a microswitch for enhanced operation of the trackball controls. As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, trackballs 142 and 152 are each suspended within a carriage formed by spring deformable support members. Press the trackball to move the trackball. The microswitches, ie, the first or second selector switches 148 and 158, are on/off type switches, and they are placed under the trackball. When the trackball is pressed hard, it can overcome the resistance of the spring and make contact. This switch closes the circuit to the ECU (microcontroller) 162 . The microcontroller 162 thus recognizes whether the trackball is depressed or remains suspended for rotational control. When the switch is closed, the microcontroller still uses the last known direction and speed sensed by the controller to send control command signals to the game device. Therefore, the user can regard the trackball control device as a flexible and variable device, which can be used to continuously fire like a shooting device, or can be used to control the motion of a racing car or other moving objects. For example, when a user wants a game object to move continuously in a certain direction, the user can simply move the trackball until said game object moves at a desired speed in the desired direction. Then, after achieving such direction and speed, the user can simply press the trackball and the microcontroller will continuously sense the control signal to maintain the direction and speed control. When it's time to change direction or speed, users simply let go of the trackball.

The video game controller 110 also has an ON/OFF switch 133, as shown in FIG. 2A. In the OFF state of the switch 133, the rocker input device 122 on the left side and the second trackball control device 150 on the right side play predetermined functions. However, when the switch 133 is in the ON state, the left stick input device 122 and the right trackball control device 150 are swapped. In other words, in the ON state, the left stick input device 122 generates the control signal normally generated by the right trackball control device 150 (when the switch 133 is in the OFF state), and the right trackball control device 150 generates the normal A control signal generated by the left stick input device 122 .

Integrating trackball controls 140 and 150 in handheld video game controller 110 can provide excellent control over variable signals, which is particularly suitable for aim (direction) and force control, such as golf video games such as TigerWoods on the Playstation II platform , and other game software.

Existing commercial trackball control devices, such as those used in notebook computers for cursor control and mouse devices, generate control signals that are difficult to control and manipulate in certain applications. In addition, different applications may require different sensitivities to control variable signals in the application. In addition, user's personal preferences and technical abilities also require different sensitivities to achieve optimal control for a particular user.

Thus, integrated into the handheld video game controller 110 is a means for selectively controlling the sensitivity of the trackball controls 140 and 150 . As shown in FIG. 2A, video game controller 110 also includes first and second sensitivity switches 170 and 172, which are mounted in housing 112 to selectively control first and second trackball controls 140 and 150, respectively. sensitivity.

Sensitivity switches 170 and 172 can be slid between at least three different positions—H high, M medium, and L low sensitivity—from which trackball controls 140 and 150 are drawn, for precise motion control in video games. As shown in the schematic diagram of the electronic circuit 162 in FIG. 3, the sensitivity switches 170 and 172 each move between a plurality of different positions, and their position changes are either infinitely variable or between discrete positions. . The sensitivity switches 170, 172 make or break contact in different ways to change the impedance between the sensitivity switches 170, 172 and the ECU 162. Therefore, the current across the variable resistor will vary with the voltage drop. The ECU 162 can sense different conditions and the internal software is programmed to process the input (control) signals from the trackball controls 140, 150 differently depending on the selected position of the sensitivity switch 170, 172. Specific algorithms for selectively controlling the trackball control devices 140, 150 according to different sensing conditions (positions of sensitivity switches) are not a part of the present invention, and these algorithms can be deduced and implemented by ordinary techniques in the art.

6A-6C of the accompanying drawings illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a hand-held video game controller consistent with the present invention. Components that are the same as those in the first example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIG. The similarity between corresponding elements in is readily apparent to the reader.

A handheld video game controller 210 in the second exemplary embodiment includes a hollow housing 212 that includes a central control portion 214 and left and right hand-held portions 216a and 216b extending from the control portion 214 . A keypad 118 with a plurality of user-activated keys (or switches) is mounted on the control portion 214 of the housing 212 and is accessible from the outer surface of the housing 212 .

The game controller 210 also has right (first) and left (second) joystick inputs 222a and 222b, and trigger switches (shoulder buttons) 124a, 124b and 126a, 126b. The right and left joystick input devices 222a and 222b are all directional control devices, which are input devices used to control two-dimensional or three-dimensional motion of objects controlled by the game controller 210, while the trigger switches 124a, 124b, 126a and 126b It can then be used to implement at least one control function related to the object. Typically, trigger switches are used to fire weapons in games.

In addition, the game controller 210 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention also includes a trackball input device 240, which replaces the traditional D-pad 16 of the prior art video game controller 10, as shown in FIG. 1A . The trackball input device 240 is substantially the same as the trackball input devices 140 and 150 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6A , video game controller 210 also includes a sensitivity switch 170 mounted in housing 212 to selectively control the sensitivity of trackball control 240 .

Game controller 210 also includes a trackball mode switch 272, which provides game controller 210 with a choice of which traditional control elements (i.e., D-pad 16, right and left joysticks shown in FIG. input devices 18a and 18b). The trackball mode switch 272 can be slid between at least three different positions, namely D—for the D-pad, L—for the left stick input device, and R—for the right stick input device. In other words, when the trackball mode switch 272 is in position D, the trackball input device 240 can be used instead of the traditional D-keyboard. When in position L, the trackball input device 240 can control variables normally associated with the first (left) stick input device 222b, and in position R, it replaces the second (right) stick input device 222a. In this example, switch 272 is also selectively positioned to change the impedance between the switch and the ECU of game controller 210 . In this way, the ECU can easily recognize which operating mode is selected, and use the input signal of the trackball to control the operations originally associated with the conventional input device in the prior art. This increased programmability allows users to define the control of game variables according to their personal preferences.

Many software applications have been developed for use with the conventional game controller 10 shown in FIG. 1A. For example, some games associate certain controlled variables with the D-pad 16, the left stick input device 18b, or the right stick input device 18a. Thus, the game controller 210 of the present invention will allow the user to choose which conventional input device the trackball input device 240 controls.

7A-7C of the accompanying drawings illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a handheld video game controller consistent with the present invention. Components that are the same as those in the first example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , 3 and 6A-6C , or elements that work in the same way, are given the same reference numerals and will generally not be described in detail, As the similarity between corresponding elements in the two embodiments is readily apparent to the reader.

The handheld video game controller 310 in the third exemplary embodiment includes a hollow housing 312 including a central control portion 314 and left and right hand-held portions 316a and 316b extending from the control portion 314 . A keypad 118 with a plurality of user-activated keys (or switches) is mounted on the control portion 314 of the housing 312 and is accessible from the outer surface of the housing 312 . Gamepad 310 also has right and left joystick inputs 222a and 222b, a D-pad as a directional control, and trigger switches (shoulder buttons) 124a, 124b and 126a, 126b. The right and left joystick input devices 222a and 222b are all directional control devices, which are input devices used to control two-dimensional or three-dimensional motion of objects controlled by the game controller 210, while the trigger switches 124a, 124b, 126a and 126b It can then be used to implement at least one control function related to the object. Typically, trigger switches are used to fire weapons in games.

In addition, the game controller 310 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a trackball input device 340 located in the middle of the control portion 314 on the housing 312 . The trackball input device 340 can be operated by the thumb of the user's right or left hand. The trackball input device 340 is substantially the same as the trackball input device 240 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7A , video game controller 310 also includes a sensitivity switch 170 mounted in housing 312 for selectively controlling the sensitivity of trackball control 340 . Game controller 310 also includes a trackball mode switch 372, which provides game controller 310 with the option to have the trackball input replace any of the traditional control elements (D-pad 350, right stick input 222a, and left stick input device 222b). The trackball mode switch 372 can be slid between at least three different positions, namely D—for the D-pad, L—for the left stick input device, and R—for the right stick input device. When in position D, the trackball input device 340 replaces the traditional D keyboard. The trackball input device 340 replaces the first (left) joystick input device 222b when in position L and the second (right) joystick input device 222a when in position R. In this example, switch 372 is also selectively positioned to change the impedance between the switch and the ECU of game controller 310 .

Accordingly, a handheld video game controller in accordance with the present invention provides a novel video game controller architecture that integrates a trackball input device into the handheld game controller to control variables in the application. The sensitivity of the trackball input device is controllable, and it is also possible to select which traditional input element the trackball input device replaces. A video game controller with an integrated trackball input device thus provides excellent control over application variables, as well as the ability for the user to define the control and operation of the application to suit the user's individual needs.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration and in accordance with the provisions of the patent statute. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The embodiments disclosed above were chosen to best illustrate the principles of the invention and the practical application, to enable those with basic knowledge of the art to best employ the invention in its various embodiments, and to The invention may be modified in various ways to suit a particular application while following the principles described herein. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variation, application or improvement of the present invention under the basic principles of the present invention. In addition, this application also covers those situations that deviate from the content of this specification but involve known or customary applications in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Accordingly, modifications may be made to the above-described invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims (33)

1. A handheld video game controller for interacting with a computer game device, said controller comprising: a handheld case; and A plurality of operating elements reasonably distributed on the casing for user operation to generate various game control signals; One of the operating elements includes at least one trackball input device, and the trackball input device is integrally installed on the casing for user operation. 2. The handheld video game controller of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensitivity switch for selectively controlling the sensitivity of said at least one trackball input device. 3. The handheld video game controller of claim 2, wherein said at least one sensitivity switch is integrated into said housing. 4. The hand-held video game controller of claim 2, wherein said at least one sensitivity switch is configured by selectively changing the distance between said at least one trackball input device and an electronic control element of said video game controller. to control the sensitivity of the at least one trackball input device. 5. The hand-held video game controller of claim 2, wherein said at least one sensitivity switch includes a variable resistor for selectively changing the relationship between said at least one trackball input device and said video game controller. resistor between the electronic control unit of the device. 6. The handheld video game controller of claim 1, wherein said at least one trackball input device is mounted in a recess in an upper surface of said handheld housing. 7. The handheld video game controller of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a control portion; and wherein said plurality of operating elements are mounted on the control portion of said housing. 8. The hand-held video game controller of claim 7, wherein said at least one trackball input device comprises a roller mount mounted on said control portion of said housing, a a substantially spherical trackball on a support that is free to rotate in any direction relative to said housing, and means for sensing the amount and direction of rotational movement of said trackball relative to said housing in each orthogonal direction, The trackball input device described above generates a signal indicative of the amount and direction of rotational movement of the trackball relative to the housing in respective orthogonal directions. 9. The handheld video game controller of claim 1, wherein said plurality of operating elements further includes at least one directional control device for operation by a user with one of a right hand or a left hand. 10. The handheld video game controller of claim 9, further comprising a trackball mode switch that enables said at least one trackball input device to selectively override and replace said at least one directional control device . 11. The handheld video game controller of claim 9, wherein said at least one directional control device comprises a directional pad. 12. The handheld video game controller of claim 9, wherein said at least one directional control device comprises a joystick input device. 13. The hand-held video game controller of claim 9, further comprising a switch adapted to toggle a control parameter controlled by said at least one trackball input device and said at least one directional produced by the control device. 14. The hand-held video game controller of claim 1 , wherein said at least one directional control device includes at least one first operating element operable with a user's right hand and at least one second operating element operable with a user's left hand . 15. The hand-held video game controller of claim 14 , further comprising a trackball mode switch enabling said at least one trackball input device to selectively override and replace said first and second Any one of the operating elements. 16. The handheld video game controller of claim 15 , wherein said trackball mode switch enables said trackball input device to function as a directional pad, said at least one first operating element, and said at least one one of the second operating elements to work. 17. The handheld video game controller of claim 15, wherein said at least one first operating element comprises a first joystick input device and said second operating element comprises a second joystick input device. 18. The handheld video game controller of claim 17, wherein said trackball mode switch enables said at least one trackball input device to selectively override and replace said first joystick input device and One of the second rocker input devices. 19. The handheld video game controller of claim 17, wherein said at least one second operating element further comprises a directional pad. 20. The handheld video game controller of claim 19, wherein said trackball mode switch enables said at least one trackball input device to selectively override and replace said directional pad, said second A rocker input device and one of the second rocker input device. 21. The handheld video game controller of claim 1, wherein said at least one trackball input device comprises a first trackball input device and a second trackball input device. 22. The hand-held video game controller of claim 21 , wherein said first trackball input device is provided for operation with the user's left hand, and said second trackball input device is provided for operation by the user's left hand. right-handed operation. 23. The hand-held video game controller of claim 21 , further comprising a first sensitivity switch to selectively control the sensitivity of said first trackball input device, and a second sensitivity switch to selectively control the sensitivity of said first trackball input device. Describe the sensitivity of the second trackball input device. 24. The handheld video game controller of claim 23, wherein said first and second sensitivity switches are integrated into said housing. 25. The hand-held video game controller of claim 14, further comprising a switch adapted to toggle a control parameter provided by said at least one trackball input device, and said at least one generated by one of the first operating element and the at least one second operating element. 26. The hand-held video game controller of claim 1 , further comprising at least one communication cable connected to said hand-held housing, which is provided for controlling said plurality of keys and said at least one trace The operation done by the ball input device transmits the game input and control signals to the computer game equipment. 27. The handheld video game controller of claim 21, further comprising a joystick input device mounted on said housing for use by a user to generate said game control signals. 28. The hand-held video game controller of claim 27, further comprising a switch adapted to switch control parameters generated by said second trackball input device and joystick input device . 29. The handheld video game controller of claim 1, further comprising first and second joystick input devices, and a directional pad mounted on said housing for operation by a user to generate said game input signal. 30. The handheld video game controller of claim 29, further comprising a trackball mode switch enabling said at least one trackball input device to replace said directional pad, said first joystick One of the input device and the second rocker input device. 31. The handheld video game controller of claim 1, wherein said at least one trackball input device is operated by a user's left hand. 32. The handheld video game controller of claim 1, wherein said at least one trackball input device is operated by a user's right hand. 33. The handheld video game controller of claim 1, wherein said at least one trackball input device is operable with either a left hand or a right hand of a user.

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