OU AUNAYAAA
`
`US 20100073283A1
`
`as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2010/0073283 A1
`
`
`(43) Pub. Date:Enright Mar.25, 2010
`
`(54) CONTROLLER WITH USER-SELECTABLE
`DISCRETE BUTTON EMULATION
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 19, 2008
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor:
`
`Robert Enright, Brentwood, NY
`(US)
`Correspondence Address:
`BARKUME & ASSOCIATES,P.C,
`20 GATEWAY LANE
`MANORVILLE, NY11949 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/233,803
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G09G 5/00
`(52) US. C1. ec eee cenceeaeeeerenereneneenene 345/156
`67)
`ABSTRACT
`A user device with a position control device such as a thumb-
`stick maybe used to emulate discrete button presses via uscr
`selection of a mode switch onthe device.
`
`OISCRETE BUTTONS
`
`DOM !
`
`1'‘it'‘''!ltI
`
`USER DEVICE
`
`24
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 1
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 1
`
`

`

`Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`vL
`
`NOILVONdd¥
`
`Wvud0ud
`
`
`
`
`
`SYIVNOIS(NOLLNG)BLAYDSIG
`
`
`
`SNOLLNG3L3yoSIO
`
`COAG
`
`
`
`
`
`ZhuBDIA30ONILAdWODLSOH
`
`b3YNDI4
`
`ZU39IAaqYasN
`
`
`
`TO¥LNOSNOILLISOd
`
`AMIAII
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 2
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 2
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`fONISSADONd
`
`
`
`
`
`SITIVNOIS(NOLLNG)SLaYOsIa
`
`
`
`SNOLLNSSLaYOSIO
`
`
`
`CDOGDGOGO
`
`
`
`
`
`VLVGJLYNIGUOODNOILLISOd
`
`pewremereeeeeemeeeeeeeK ASIA30
`
`Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 2 of 8
`
`NOILVSIIdd¥
`
`WyYdOud
`
`
`
`VSASIAONILNdINODLSOH
`
`
`
`TOYXLNODNOILISOd
`
`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`@SYNSI
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 3
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 3
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Mar. 25, 2010 Sheet 3 of 8
`
`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`€aYNNSId
`
`ab
`
`NOLLVOMNdd¥
`
`wv¥YdSOud
`
`
`
`SOIARSOOSLVESSLNI
`
`9
`
`
`
`TOYLNOSNOILISOd
`
`S3IAaa
`
`
`
`SNOLLNEG3L3YxDSId
`
`CODGOGO
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 4
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 4
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25,2010 Sheet 4 of 8
`
`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`
`
`FIGURE 4
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 5
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25,2010 Sheet 5 of 8
`
`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`
`
`FIGURE 5
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 6
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25,2010 Sheet 6 of 8
`
`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`
`
`FIGURE6
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 7
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25,2010 Sheet 7 of 8
`
`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`FIGURE 7A
`
`46
`
`
`§2
`
`46
`
`FIGURE 7B
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 8
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Mar. 25,2010 Sheet 8 of 8
`
`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`
` EXISTING SOFTWARE
`
`MANAGESINPUT TO AND
`
`OUTPUT FROM INPUT
`
`DEVICE
`
` INPUT: POSITIONAL
`
`COORDINATE DATA
`
`AND MODE SIGNAL
`FROM INPUT DEVICE
`
`IS
`
`
`MODE SWITCH
`
`PRESSED
`?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OUTPUT NEUTRAL
`
`
`POSITION COORDINATE
`DATA FOR
`ASSOCIATED
`POSITIONAL POINTER
`
`USE POSITION COORDINATE
`DATAINPUT TO DETERMINE
`THE POSITION OF THE
`POINTER
`
`OETERMINE WHICH
`
`
`PREDEFINED REGION THE
`POSITIONAL POINTER
`RESIDESIN
`
`OUTPUT THE VALUE
`
`OF THE BUTTON
`
`ASSOCIATED WITH
`THAT REGION
`
`FIGURE 8
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 9
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 9
`
`

`

`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`CONTROLLER WITH USER-SELECTABLE
`DISCRETE BUTTON EMULATION
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] This invention relates to inpul controller devices
`such as video game controllers and thelike, and in particular
`to a system and method for implementing a user-selectable
`button emulation mode wherein the position data from a
`thumbstick or the like may be interpreted. as presses of a
`discrete button.
`
`
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] As electronic devices become more complex, witha
`growing list of functions, the associated user input devices
`have become more complex and harder to use. Looking for
`the correct bullon to implement a desired [unction has
`becomea difficult task. and when coupled with a need for
`speedyinputs (such as gaming), it has becomeanintimidating
`task for the user to movetheir finger from one button to next
`desired button. In addition, video equipment such as playback
`devices and set-top boxes have controllers that are clogged
`with small buttons placed close together, makingit difficult to
`find and press onlythe desired button.
`[0003]
`Inaddition, in the video gaming field, game control-
`lers such as an XBOX360 controller include a position con-
`tro] device, such as a thumbstick, that enables the user to
`direct the gaming application to move a character in a desired
`direction orto control a camera view angle. The user normally
`will manipulate the thumbstick as desired during gameplay,
`but then mayneed to depress one or more of several available
`discrete buttons in order to perform additional desired func-
`tions, such as having the character jump or kick. Moving the
`finger from the thumbstick to a button on the controller and
`then back to the thumbstickis a difficult task for manyusers,
`especially novice users.
`[0004]
`Inaddition, manyapplications such as video games
`will require the user to select two buttons at the same time in
`order to generate a certain function. That is, in order to gen-
`erate a first function the user must press button X, in order to
`generate a second function the user must press button Y, and
`in order to generate a third function the user must press
`buttons X and Y simultaneously. ‘This is also a difficult task
`for many users, especially since it requires taking the finger
`off of the thumbstick and positioning the thumb over the
`control button without looking awayfrom the gamedisplay.
`[0005]
`It is therefore desired to provide a user-operated
`controller device that can allow a userto easily select discrete
`button commands on the controller without looking at the
`buttons or having to movehis finger off of the thumbstick or
`other type of position control device.
`[0006]
`It is also desired to provide a user-operated control-
`ler device that can allowa user to easily select button com-
`mands on the controller that would otherwise require simul-
`taneousselection of more than one button.
`
`It is further desired to provide a user-operated con-
`[0007]
`troller device that can allow a userto easily select additional
`button commands on the controller in addition to those
`assigned to existing buttons on the controller (i.e. to provide
`new additional options).
`[0008]
`It is also desired to assist memorization of com-
`mands for in-game actions by relating those actions to spe-
`cific pointer/thumb movements. For example, swinging a bat
`
`could be activated by sweeping the position control pointer
`through multiple sections as defined by the application.
`
`
`
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0009] The present invention accomplishes these objec-
`tives byselectively using the positional data froma position
`control device (such as a thumbstick) to mimic or emulate
`existing physical input buttons orto add functionality without
`having to provide additional buttons. Positional data, typi-
`cally X and Y coordinates, are used to define a point on a
`plane. Multiple X, Ydatasects are typically used to determine
`movementof that point on the plane defined bythe physical
`movement range of the X-Y input device. These movement
`data sets are then output to the controlled device (such as a
`gaming console or a personal computer).
`[0010] This invention will allow the plane defined bythe
`movement area of the position control input devices to be
`divided logically into various regions, and to assign a unique
`output value to each section. If the physical movement range
`ofthe X-Y input device defines a circular plane, then multiple
`wedge-shaped regions ofthat circular plane would be defined
`bytheir X,Y values. The present invention reinterprets X,Y
`input data to determine which assigned discrete button value
`should be output to the controlled device.
`[0011] Thus, by defining regions of the plane as discrete
`buttons, the need to remove a finger from one button and
`moveit to the next is eliminated. If desired, the cost and size
`ofthe input device can also be reduced withthe elimination of
`each button that is now assigned to a section of the plane
`defined by the X-Y input devices physical movementrange.
`[0012] The useris able to sclect between a position made,
`for whichthe positional data fromthe position control device
`is interpreted as position data asinthe priorart, and a discrete
`mode, for which the positional data from the position control
`device is interpreted as discrete button press information as
`described herein.
`[0013] Accordingly, the present invention ina first embodi-
`mentis a device that includes a housing and a user-control-
`lable mode switch connected to the housing cnabling a userto
`select a position mode or a discrete mode. A position contro!
`device (such as a thumbstick or trackball) is also connected to
`the housing, and. it is manipulatable by a user to provide
`position coordinate data that varies in accordance with a
`position of the position control device (such as X-Y coordi-
`nate data). Processing circuitry is coupled to the mode switch
`and the position control device, andis adapted to determine if
`a user has selected the position modeor the discrete mode.
`When the mode switch is in the position made, the position
`coordinate data is output as a function of the position of the
`position control device. When the mode switch is in the
`discrete mode,at least one discrete signal maybe output as a
`function ofthe position ofthe position control device.
`[0014] The position contral device maybe adapted to track
`manipulation thereof by a user over a predefined coverage
`area, wherein the coverage area is logically divided into a
`plurality of regions, and wherein each discrete signal is assa-
`ciated with one of the regions, such that manipulation of the
`position control device into a region will cause the processing
`circuitry to output the discrete signal associated with that
`region when the mode switch is in the discrete mode. ‘The
`output of a discrete signal may emulate a single button selec-
`tion bythe user, or it may emulate a dual button selection by
`the user, or any other function as defined by the application
`program.
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 10
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 10
`
`

`

`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`device, but if the mode switchis in the discrete mode. thenat
`least one discrete signal is processed as a function of the
`
`positionofthe position control device.
` BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`[0015] A plurality of buttons mayalso be connected to the
`housing and coupled to the processing circuitry, wherein
`selection by the user of a button will cause the pracessing
`circuitry to output a discrete signal associated with that but-
`ton, and further when the modeswitchis in the discrete mode,
`a discrete signal output bythe processing circuitry as a func-
`FIG.1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of
`[0019]
`tion ofthe position ofthe position control device emulates the
`the present invention which is implemented completely in a
`selection by the user of an associated button. The housing
`controller device that is separate from a host device.
`maybe a user input or control device such as, but not limited
`[0020]
`FIG.2 is a block diagram of a second embodiment
`to, a video game controller, a computer mouse, or a pyro-
`of the present invention which is implemented in a combina-
`scopic control device.
`tion controller device and a separate host device.
`[0016]
`Inasecond embodimentofthe invention, a system is
`[0021] FIG.3 isa block diagram ofathird embodiment of
`
`provided that includes a user device and a host computing
`the present invention which is implemented in anintegrated
`device interconnectable with the user device. The user device
`hand-holdable computing system.
`includes a housing, a user-controllable mode switch con-
`[0022]
`FIG. 4 showsan exemplary user device that may be
`nected to the housing, andaposition contro] device connected
`ulilized in accordance with the present invention.
`to the housing. The mode switch outputs a mode signal that
`[0023]
`TIG.5 illustrates the underside ofthe housing ofthe
`indicates if a user has selected a position modeora discrete
`user device of FIG.4.
`mode. The position control device is manipulatable by a user
`[0024]
`FIG.6 illustrates the housing of the user device of
`to provide position coordinate data that varies in accordance
`FIG. 4, with the thumbstick controller partially removed to
`witha position ofthe position control device. The user device
`illustrate the operation of the thumbstick.
`also has means for transmitting the mode signal and the
`[0025]
`FIG. 7A illustrates implementationof a four-region
`position coordinate data to a host computing device, which
`position control device, and FIG. 7B illustrates implementa-
`mayfor example be a wireless ora wired connection. The host
`tion of an cight-region position control device.
`computing device includes means [or receiving the mode
`[0026]
`FIG.8 illustrates a Nowchart of the operation of the
`signal and the position coordinate data from the user device,
`present invention.
`and processing circuitry that is adapted to determineif a user
`has selected the position modeorthe discrete mode based on
`the mode signal. When the mode signal indicates that the
`mode switchis in the position mode, then the position coor-
`dinate data is processed as a function of the position of the
`position control device. When, however, the mode signal
`indicatesthat the modeswitchis in the discrete mode, then the
`position coordinate data is processed asat least one discrete
`signal as a function of the position of the position control
`device.
`
`BEST MODEFOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`
`
`[0027] The present invention may be implemented in at
`least any ofthe three embodiments that will nowbe described
`with reference to the Figures. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a
`first embodiment of the present invention which is imple-
`mented completelyin a user controller device 2 that is sepa-
`rate from a host computing device 12. For example, the user
`device 2 may be a video game controller (wired or wireless)
`and the host computing device 12 may be a gaming console
`such as an XBOX360 or a personal computer. The user device
`2 includes a housing that has a user-controllable mode switch
`4 and a position control device 6 (such as a thumbstick)
`connected thereto, for exampleat least partially on the outside
`of the housing so as to give a user access to control of these
`devices. Processing circuitry $ and supporting memoryreside
`in the housing, and are coupled to the mode switch 4 and the
`position control device 6. Optionally,a set of discrete buttons
`10 (including for example, the X, Y, A and B buttons) are also
`provided on the housing. Other user control devices such as
`triggers, D-pads, and additions thumbsticks may be provided
`as knownin the art.
`[0028] The mode switch 4 is preferably a two-position
`switch that maybeselectivelyset to either a position mode or
`a discrete mode bythe user during operation. For example,
`the mode switch may be a momentary switchthat is normally
`biased in the position mode, but which is then momentarily
`set to the discrete mode by the user when desired. Oneof the
`functions of the processing circuitry, as will be further
`described herein, is to detect if the mode switch 4 is in the
`position mode or the discrete mode. When the processing
`circuitry detects the position mode,it will cause the position
`coordinate data generated by the position control device(e.g.
`the X-Y data) to be transmitted to the host computing device
`12 and processed bythe application program 14 in a normal
`prior art manner. Thus, in the case wherein the host comput-
`
`Ina third embodimentof the invention, an integrated
`[0017]
`hand-holdable computing system is provided, that includes a
`housing, a user-controllable mode switch connected to the
`housing, a position control device connected to the housing,
`and processingcircuitry. Optionally a display and/or speakers
`are provided. The mode switch outputs a mode signal that
`indicatesif a user has selected a position mode or a discrete
`mode. The position control device is manipulatable by a user
`to provide position coordinate data that varies in accordance
`with a position of the position control device. The processing
`circuitry is adapted to determine if a user has selected the
`position modeorthe discrete mode based onthe modesignal.
`Whenthe modesignal indicates that the mode switchis in the
`position mode, then the position coordinate data is processed
`as a function of the position of the position control device.
`When, however, the mode signal indicates that the mode
`switch is in the discrete mode, then the position coordinate
`dala is processedasal least one discrete signalas a function of
`the positionof the position control device.
`[0018]
`Provided also is a method of operating a device by
`enabling a user to operate a mode switchin orderto select a
`position mode or a discrete mode, enabling the user to
`manipulate a position control device to provide position coor-
`dinate data that varies in accordance with a position of the
`position control device, and determiningifthe mode switch is
`in the position mode orthe discrete mode. If the mode switch
`is in the position mode, then the position coordinate data is
`processed as a function of the position of the position control
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 11
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 11
`
`

`

`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`provide for the thumbstick 26 to emulate the pressing of any
`or all of the buttons 25 alone or in selected combination,or it
`may emulate additional button presses of buttons not other-
`wise provided onthe housing. This top side ofthe housing 24
`will appear to the user as any conventional game controller
`device as knownin theart.
`
`ing device 12 is a gaming console such as an XBOX360,and
`the user device 2 is an XBOX360 controller adapted in accor-
`dance with this invention, then the user device will send the
`X-Y data as generated bythe position contro! device (thumb-
`stick) 6 as knowninthe art. When, however, the userselects
`the discrete mode by operating the mode switch 4, then the
`processing circuitry will analyze the position coordinate data
`[0032] FIG.5illustrates the underside of the housing 24,
`
`with a first mode switch 32 and a second mode switch 34
`from the thumbstick 6 in accordance with this invention, and
`as a result output various discrete (button) signals to the host
`provided. These have been added in accordance with the
`computing device 12. ‘Lhis particular methodology will be
`present invention and are not found in controllers ofthe prior
`described further below. Whenthe user re-selects the position
`art. Two mode switches 32, 34 are shown,althoughonly one
`mode(such asby letting go ofthe mode switch4ifit is biased
`such mode switch is required for this invention. The device
`to return to the position mode), then the position control data
`maybe configured suchthat either of the mode switches 32,
`will resumebeing transmitted to the host computing device as
`34 will change the modeof the thumbstick 26 in accordance
`with this invention. This will accommodate left-handed as
`in the prior art. In this embodiment of the invention, the
`processing andintelligence ofthe invention resides in the user
`well as right-handed users as desired. Or, ifdesired, one mode
`device 2, and the host computing device is unaware as to how
`switch may operate in conjunction with the thumbstick 26
`the various button press signals are generated. Thus, the user
`and the other may operate in conjunction with the thumbstick
`device 2 of this first embodiment may be used to retrofit
`30. Ofcourse, it may be desired to provide onlyofthese mode
`existing game consoles and the like without requiring adap-
`switches 32 or 34. For purposes of explanation we will refer
`tation to the console or gaming software executing thereon.
`to the mode switch 32 but the invention applies equally to the
`use of modeswitch34. In addition, these mode switches are
`[0029]
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram ofa second embodiment
`of the present invention which is implemented in a combina-
`shown in FIG. 5 on the underside since they will reside near
`tion controller device and a separate host device. Ilere, the
`the user’s finger(s), which makes for easy operation of the
`processing andintelligence to ascertain ifthe position control
`invention. That is, the user naturally grasps the housing 24
`data should be interpreted as position control data or as button
`such that one hand curls aroundthe left grip 35 and the other
`presses will reside in the host computing device 12. In FIG. 2,
`hand curls around the right grip 33, making placement near
`the processing circuitry of the user device 2 is shown as
`the mode switches 32, 34 optimal. It is noted that the switches
`omitted for purposes of this invention, although it is under-
`may be located elsewhere on the housing if ergonomically
`desired.
`stood that some processing circuitry will exist in the user
`device 2 as known intheart. In this case, the modesignal from
`the made switch 4 is transmitted along with the position
`coordinate data (and optional discrete data from additional
`hardwired buttons if desired) directly to the processing and
`application program 16 of the host computing device 12.
`Here,the transmitting means maybe any know device suchas
`a USBtransmitter, bluetooth transmitter etc., and the receiv-
`ing meansin the host computing device may be any known
`compatible device such as a USBreceiver, bluetoothreceiver,
`etc. The determination of how to process the position coordi-
`nate date (i.e. as position coordinate dataoras discrete button
`presses) will be made by the processing and application pro-
`gram 16. Thus, the inventionin this embodimentis distributed
`amongst the user device 2 and the host computing device 12.
`It is noted that the application programitself (suchas a video
`game program) mayprovide the analysis of the signal infor-
`mation from the user device 2, or the host operating system
`maybe programmed accordingly and control the gamesoli-
`ware if desired.
`
`FIG. 6 illustrates the housing 24 of FIG.4, withthe
`[0033]
`cap of thumbstick controllers 26 and 30 partially removed to
`illustrate the operation of the thumbstick. As can be seen, the
`thumbstick may be manipulated in two degrees offreedom,
`that is, in the X-Yplanc. In the position mode (the normal
`prior art mode), the manipulation of the thumbstick by the
`user will provide a set of X-Y coordinates that indicate the
`relative location of the thumbstick. So, if the user is control-
`ling the movement of a character in a video game with the
`thumbstick, he may push the thumbstick all the wayto the left
`to get the characterto go theleft. Similarly, he may have the
`character go partially to the left and partially forward by
`moving the thumbstick accordingly. Thumbstick technolo-
`gies (or any position contral technology) are well known the
`art and need not be discussed further herein; sufficeit to state
`that X-Y coordinate data is generated by movement of the
`thumbstick from the center (quiescent or null) position.
`[0034] Whenthe user selects the mode switch 32 to be in
`the discrete mode, however,then the processing circuitry will
`interpret the position control data (the X-Y data) from the
`thumbstick to generate discrete signals indicative of associ-
`ated button presses. FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate the coverage
`arca of the thumbstick in this embodiment. In this case, the
`area is logically divided into four regions (FIG. 7A) or into
`eight regions (FIG. 7B). In both instances an additional null
`region 56 is provided in the center. Referring to FIG. 7A,
`when the user manipulates the thumbstick to be anywhere in
`region 40, then a discrete signal is generated by the process-
`ing circuitry 8 to indicate an associated button press bythe
`user. In this embodiment, region 40 will cause the processing
`circuitry to signal that button A has been pressed bythe user.
`Likewise, when the user manipulates the thumbstick to be
`anywhere in region 42, then a discrete signal is generated by
`the processing circuitry 8 to indicate that associated button
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 12
`
`FIG. 3 isa block diagram ofa third embodiment of
`[0030]
`the present invention which is implemented in anintegrated
`hand-holdable computing system 22, such as a SONY PSP
`device. In this case, all functionality of the invention as
`described herein resides in the same hand-holdable housing.
`[0031] Referring back to the first embodiment, further
`details of the present invention are now provided. FIG. 4
`shows an exemplary user device 2 that may be utilized in
`accordance with the present invention. Hand-holdable hous-
`ing 24 is knownin the art and is easily held by a user. The
`housing 24 contains at least one position control device,
`which inthis example is the right-thumb thumbstick 26. Also
`shownin the housing 24 is a D-pad 28, a second(left-thumb)
`thumbstick 30, and a set ofdiscrete buttons which include the
`X,Y, Aand B buttons 25. The operation ofthis invention may
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 12
`
`

`

`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`ever, a predetermined threshold is reached and the corre-
`sponding button press(s) will be generated as described
`above.
`
`press B has been made bythe user; whenthe user manipulates
`the thumbstick to be anywhere in region 44, then a discrete
`signal is generated by the processing circuitry 8 to indicate
`that associated button press Y has been madebythe user; and
`when the user manipulates the thumbstick to be anywhere in
`region 46, then a discrete signal is generated by the process-
`ing circuitry 8 to indicate that associated button press X has
`been madebythe user.
`[0035]
`So, whenin the discrete mode, the user device 2 will
`output discrete button signals to the host device 12 whether
`they were generated by actually pressing the button on the
`housing or by manipulating the thumbstick as described
`above. The application program 14 running in the host com-
`puting device 12 is unaware ofhow the button presses were
`made bythe user and operates on them regardless of their
`origin. By using the discrete mode ofthe present invention,
`the user may quickly depress the mode switch 32, 34 when he
`or she desires to emulate a button press ofX, Y, A or B without
`having to move his thumboff of the thumbstick, and then
`return to normal by releasing the mode switch when desired.
`[0036]
`In the alternative to emulating button presses of
`pre-existing buttons X, Y, A and B (orothers on the housing),
`the present invention maybe useful to emulate bullon presses
`of new buttons that have no hardware equivalent. Thatis, the
`application software may benefit from additional button
`presses without having to add buttonsto the housing.So,ifa
`housing has ten buttons in hardware, the application software
`maybe adapted to accept fourteen buttons, which would be
`the ten existing hardware buttons and the four new emulation
`buttons from implementing the present
`invention. For
`example, as shownin FIG.6, region B9 will cause buttonYto
`be emulated. Likewise, region B10 will cause bulton A to be
`emulated, region B11 will cause button X to be emulated, and
`region B12 will cause button B to be emulated. In the same
`manner, regions B5, B6, B7 and B8 in thumbstick 30 will
`optionally be associated with other discrete buttons for the
`device.
`
`[0039] The present invention may operate optionally in a
`single press modeor ina repeat press mode.In the single press
`mode, the user manipulates the thumbstick into the desired
`region to generate the desired button press, and must exit that
`region (either to the null region or another button region) and
`thenreturnto generate another ofthe same buttonpress. Inthe
`alternative, in the repeat press mode,a timer function is used
`to determineifthe thumbstick remains in the region for more
`than a predefined time. If the thumbstick remains in that
`region then successive button presses are generated by the
`processing circuitry until the user manipulates the thumbstick
`to anotherregionor to the null region 56. This is similar to a
`repeat mode of a keypad wherein holding a certain key down
`will cause successive key entries until released.
`[0040] Various types of position control devices 6 maybe
`used withthis invention. ‘There exist various types of thumb-
`stick or joystick controllers, both of the analog and digital
`type, that are useful in this invention. One example of an
`analog joystick uses a magnet, along with four small sensors.
`Thesensors are arranged like a compass, with oneat each of
`the cardinal points (north, south, east, west). The base of the
`joystick is shapedlike a ball, with tiny spokes radiating oul.
`The ball sits in a socket above the sensors. Spikes on the
`socket fit between the spokes on the ball. This allows for
`movement without letting the joystick twist oul of alignment
`with the sensors. As the joystick is moved, the magnet in the
`base moves closer to one or two of the sensors, and farther
`from the others. The processing circuitry monitors the
`changes in induction caused by the magnet’s movement to
`calculate the position of the joystick.
`[0041]
`In another type of analog joystick, two wheels are
`positioned at right angles to each other below the joystick.
`Wheneverthe joystick is moved, the two wheels turn slightly.
`Tinyslots are arranged around the perimeter of each wheel.
`‘The wheels are each mounted between an LED (Light Emit-
`ting Diode) and a photocell. Light from the IED, shining
`through the slots in the wheel on the cell, creates a small
`[0037] This invention is not limited to emulation of four
`amount of current. When the amount oflight changes, the
`buttons, and maybe extended further. As shown in FIG. 7B,
`level of current changes. By monitoring the output of cach
`the coveragearea of the thumbstick may be logically divided
`photo cell, the processing circuitry can determine the exact
`into eight distinct regions40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, and 54,as
`angle al which the joystick is being held.
`well as null region 56 in the center. In this example, the
`[0042]
`Ina further type of analog joystick, two potentiom-
`processing circuitry is programmed to output discrete button
`eters are positioned at right angles to each other belowthe
`signals for both buttons A and B whenregion 48is entered.
`This is useful for the situation where a user needs to make a
`joystick. Current flows constantly through each one, but the
`amount of current is determined by the amountofresistance.
`dual-button press, such as by pressing A and B simulta-
`Resistance is increased or decreased based on the position of
`neously the character will jump and kick. This can be an
`the joystick. By monitoring the output of each potentiometer,
`especiallydifficult move to make, and by allowingthe userto
`the processing circuitry can determine the exact angle at
`select the discrete mode, and then manipulate the thumbstick
`whichthe joystick is being held.
`into region 48. this otherwise difficult move is made much
`easier to implement. The sameis true for region 50 (B and Y
`[0043]
`Inaddition to thumbsticks orjoysticks, devices such
`presses emulated), region 52 (X andYpresses emulated), and
`as trackballs and computer mice may be uscdas a position
`region 54 (A and X presses emulated). Likewise, any ofthese
`control device in accordance with this invention. These may
`eight regions may be logically associated with any existing
`utilize analog technologies or digital technologies such as
`button or combination of buttons on the controller, or they
`optical encoders, as well knownin the art. For example, in a
`may emulate additional buttons if desired.
`mouse embodiment, a mode switch may be provided so that
`the user can select the discrete mode and cause the mouse to
`[0038] The null region 56 is provided for a quiescent posi-
`output various discrete commands such as back and. forward
`tion in which no button press is emulated and thus no discrete
`while in a web browser application, for example.
`signals are generated by the processing circuitry 8. Whenthe
`thumbstick is in the middle quiescent position, it will reside
`[0044]
`In addition to utilizing a two degrees of freedom
`over the null region, and no signals are generated. Once the
`(X-Y) implementation, the present invention may also work
`user manipulates the thumbstickinto the desired region, how-
`with three degrees of freedom in an X-Y-Z coordinate space.
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 13
`
`IRONBURG EX2013, Page 13
`
`

`

`US 2010/0073283 Al
`
`Mar. 25, 2010
`
`c. a position control device connected to the housing,
`manipulatable by a user to provide position coordinate
`data that varies in accordance with a position of the
`position control device:
`d. processing circuitry coupled to the mode switch and the
`position control device and adapted to determine if a
`userhas selected the position madeorthe discrete mode;
`wherein
`
`i. when the mode switch is in the position mode, to
`output the position coordinate data as a function ofthe
`position of