(19) United States
`(2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2015/0238855A1
`Uy et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Aug. 27, 2015
`
`US 20150238.855A1
`
`(54) GAME CONTROLLER
`
`Publication Classification
`
`: …~~~ +.
`(71) Applicant: º (ºrio PTE. LTD.,
`ingapore (SG)
`
`(72) Inventors: Lawrence King Uy, Singapore (SG);
`Weiming Gabriel Chan, Singapore
`(SG); Zizhong Yu, Singapore (SG)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`14/430,882
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Sep. 26, 2012
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`§ 371 (c)(1),
`(2) Date:
`
`PCT/SG2012/000358
`
`Mar. 24, 2015
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A63F I3/24
`(52) U.S. CI.
`CPC ..…. A63F 13/24 (2014.09)
`
`(2006.01)
`
`-
`-
`- Abstract
`-
`(57)
`The present invention is a game controller including a hous
`ing; a plurality of game controls disposed on a first side of the
`housing; a lever disposed on a second side of the housing; a
`first switch configured to contact a first end region of the
`lever, and a second switch configured to contact a second end
`region of the lever, wherein the lever is configured to pivot
`between a neutral position in which the lever returns when no
`force is applied thereon, a first position in which the first
`switch is activated and a second position in which the second
`switch is activated. In another aspect, a lever assembly is also
`disclosed.
`
`100
`
`
`
`104
`
`102
`
`|
`
`108
`
`104
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 1 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`100
`
`
`
`104
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 2 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`
`
`FIG. 1B
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 3 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`200
`
`game controller
`
`FIG. 2
`
`302
`
`304
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Z.ZZZZZZººZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
`
`&
`
`
`
`S&H
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 4 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`302
`
`304
`
`Pi—T->|- an
`ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZººZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 3B
`
`
`
`302
`
`-
`
`304
`
`ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
`
`FIG. 3C
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 5 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`
`
`403
`
`FIG. 4
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 6 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`
`
`FIG. 5A
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 7 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`
`
`FIG. 5B
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 8 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`
`
`FIG. 5C
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 9 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`
`
`606
`
`604
`
`608
`
`FIG. 6A
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 10 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855A1
`
`
`
`602, 604
`
`FIG. 6B
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 11 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855A1
`
`
`
`FIG. 60
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 12 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855A1
`
`700
`
`lever assembly
`
`
`
`
`
`securing means
`
`
`
`bracket
`
`702
`
`704
`
`706
`
`
`
`FIG. 7
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 13 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855A1
`
`
`
`FIG. 8B
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 14 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 8C
`
`| ||||||||||
`
`804
`
`FIG. 8D
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 15
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 15 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855A1
`
`
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 16
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 16 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855A1
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 8F
`
`FIG. 8G
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 17
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Aug. 27, 2015 Sheet 17 of 17
`
`US 2015/0238855A1
`
`
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 18
`
`

`

`US 2015/0238.855 A1
`
`Aug. 27, 2015
`
`GAME CONTROLLER
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`[0001] Various embodiments generally relate to a gaming
`device, in particular, a game controller.
`
`BACKGROUND
`[0002] A typical gamepad or hand-held gaming device
`basically includesjoysticks, action buttons, directional game
`pads, multifunction triggers and/or (bumper) buttons. FIGS.
`1A and 1B respectively show a front view and a side view of
`an exemplary existing gaming device 100. The gaming device
`100 is usually held with a user’s thumbs (not shown) posi
`tioned on a top panel 102 triggering joysticks 104, action
`buttons 106 or directional gamepads 108 while the index
`fingers (not shown) positioned on a front 110 of the gaming
`device 100 switching multifunction triggers 112 or buttons
`114.
`[0003] At times, there are users who place their middle
`fingers at the front 110 together with their index fingers.
`However, more than often middle fingers which are posi
`tioned at the front 110 are overlapping the index fingers;
`thereby interferring the index fingers’ movements since the
`index fingers can actually reach all positions in the front 110.
`In addition, most of the gamepad have pull triggers 112 which
`are variable switches that are best triggered by most users’
`index fingers due to the index finger’s higher dexterity as
`compared to their middle fingers.
`[0004] Thus, more efficient and improved designs of gam
`ing devices are desirable.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0005] In an aspect, the present invention relates to a game
`controller including a housing; a plurality of game controls
`disposed on a first side of the housing; a lever disposed on a
`second side of the housing; a first switch configured to contact
`a first end region of the lever; and a second switch configured
`to contact a second end region of the lever, wherein the lever
`is configured to pivot between a neutral position in which the
`lever returns when no force is applied thereon, a first position
`in which the first switch is activated and a second position in
`which the second switch is activated.
`[0006] In another aspect, a lever assembly for a game con
`troller is provided. The lever assembly includes a lever con
`figured to pivot between a neutral position in which the lever
`returns when no force is applied thereon, a first position in
`which the lever moves when a force is applied on one end of
`the lever and a second position in which the lever moves when
`another force is applied to another end of the lever; a securing
`means configured to detachably secure the lever to a game
`controller; and a bracket configured to hold the securing
`means to the lever.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0007] In the drawings, like reference characters generally
`refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The
`drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead gen
`erally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the
`invention. The dimensions of the various features/elements
`may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In the
`following description, various embodiments of the invention
`are described with reference to the following drawings, in
`which:
`
`[0008] FIG. 1 shows (A) afront view and (B) a side view of
`an exemplary existing gaming device;
`[0009] FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a game
`controller, in accordance to various embodiments;
`[00101 FIGS. 3A to 3C show cross-sectional views of an
`exemplary lever configured to activate switches, in accor
`dance to various embodiments;
`[0011] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
`housing configured to hold a switch assembly including a
`lever, according to various embodiments;
`[0012] FIGS.5A and 5B show perspective view of the game
`controller as seen from its top and its underneath side respec
`tively, in accordance to various embodiments;
`[0013] FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the lever
`secured to the game controller, in accordance to various
`embodiments;
`[0014] FIG. 6 shows (A) a plan view, (B) a side view and
`(C) an end view of an exemplary game controller, according
`to various embodiments;
`[0015] FIG. 7 a schematic block diagram of a lever assem
`bly, in accordance to various embodiments;
`[0016] FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively show a perspective
`view and an exploded view of the lever assembly, in accor
`dance to various embodiments;
`[0017|| FIGS. 8C and 8D respectively show a cross-sec
`tional plan view and a cross-sectional side view of the lever
`assembly, in accordance to various embodiments;
`[0018] FIG. 8E shows a perspective bottom view of the
`level assembly, in accordance to various embodiments; and
`[0019| FIGS. 8F to 8I respectively show a bottom view, a
`top view, a plan view and a side view of the lever assembly, in
`accordance to various embodiments.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`[0020) The following detailed description refers to the
`accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration,
`specific details and embodiments in which the invention may
`be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient
`detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inven
`tion. Other embodiments may, be utilized and structural, and
`logical changes may be made without departing from the
`scope of the invention. The various embodiments are not
`necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be
`combined with one or more other embodiments to form new
`embodiments.
`[0021] In order that the invention may be readily under
`stood and put into practical effect, particular embodiments
`will now be described by way of examples and not limita
`tions, and with reference to the figures.
`[0022] Various embodiments provide a gaming device hav
`ing a set of game controls on its top panel and its front
`including, for example, joysticks, action buttons, directional
`gamepads, multifunction triggers and/or buttons; and another
`set of triggers placed on its underside (or bottom), designed
`specifically for triggering by a user’s middle finger. For
`example, the top panel and the front may refer to the top panel
`102 and the front 110 of FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the
`other set of triggers may either share some gaming functions
`of the buttons triggered by the user’s index finger or simply
`carry other functions in gaming.
`[0023] For example, additional multi-function triggering
`features may be added on an existing gamepad or gaming
`device for the user’s middle fingers to use so as to provide
`more advantage in a gaming environment where additional
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 19
`
`

`

`US 2015/0238.855 A1
`
`Aug. 27, 2015
`
`commands with speed is critical in playing and/or winning a
`game. Utilizing the movement of the fingers such as the
`middle fingers or the ring fingers or the little fingers (pinkies)
`therefore adds advantage to the user.
`[0024] Various embodiments provide a middle-finger flick,
`pull and or push activation switch for a gaming device.
`[0025] In an aspect, a game controller 200 is provided as
`shown in FIG. 2. The game controller 200 includes a housing
`202; a plurality of game controls 204 disposed on a first side
`of the housing 202; a lever 206 disposed on a second side of
`the housing 202; a first switch 208 configured to contact a first
`end region of the lever 206; and a second switch 210 config
`ured to contact a second end region of the lever 206, wherein
`the lever 206 is configured to pivot between a neutral position
`in which the lever 206 returns when no force is applied
`thereon, a first position in which the first switch 208 is acti
`vated and a second position in which the second switch 210 is
`activated.
`[0026. In the context of various embodiments, the term
`“game controller” may interchangably be referred to as gam
`ing controller, gaming device, gamepad, video game control
`ler, game controller unit, controller, controller unit, game
`console, gaming console, gaming console unit, console unit,
`gaming input device or gaming input unit. It should be under
`stood and appreciated that a game controller, for example, the
`game controller 200 may generally refer to any device that is
`configured to send signals to execute a game program or
`gaming function. The game program may be but is not limited
`to a video game program or a computer game program. For
`example, the game controller 200 may be for use with a
`PLAYSTATION system (made by Sony Corporation) or a
`XBOX system (made by Microsoft Corporation).
`[0027] As used herein, the term “plurality of game con
`trols” refers to input components of the game controller 200
`that is assessed and activated by a user to execute a game
`program or gaming function.
`[0028] In various embodiments, the plurality of game con
`trols 204 may include at least one of a pushbutton, a joystick
`ora directional pad. For example, the pushbutton, the joystick
`and the directional pad may be the action button 106, the
`joystick 104 and the directional gamepad 108 of FIG. 1A,
`respectively.
`[0029] For example, the plurality of game controls 204 may
`be triggered by a user’s thumb(s) and/or index finger(s).
`[0030] The term “lever” may broadly mean any mechanical
`device or actuator that can be moved between at least two
`positions. For example, when the lever 206 is actuated, it
`usually transmits a force to an additional trigger located at one
`of the at least two positions. The lever 206 may be in contact
`with the additional trigger. For example, the additional trigger
`may be the first switch 208 or the second switch 210.
`[0031] For example, the lever 206 may be of an elongate
`structure having end regions that may be configured to con
`tact or make contact with additional triggers located at two
`positions. In this context, the phrase “configured to contact”
`generally refers to making direct (physical) contact. For
`example, when an additional trigger (or switch) is “config
`ured to contact” an end region of a lever, this may mean that
`a surface of the additional trigger abuts or touches a surface of
`the end region of the lever. In a different example, the phrase
`“configured to contact” may refer to making indirect contact,
`for example, the additional trigger may come into direct con
`tact with an intermediate component such as an adaptor or a
`gear, which then make direct contact to the end region of the
`
`lever. By contacting the additional trigger to the end region of
`the lever, an exerting force is applied onto the additional
`trigger; thereby activating it.
`[0032] The lever 206 may be pivotable about a pivot point
`to move from one of the two positions to the other. The lever
`206 may resume the neutral position which is a position
`where the lever does not make contact with any of the addi
`tional triggers located at the two positions. For example, if the
`contact surfaces of the additional triggers lie on a plane, the
`neutral position may be a position where the lever is parallel
`to this plane. The lever 206 may resume the neutral position
`when no force is applied on the lever 206. The lever 206 may
`resume the neutral position due to a bias, for example, a
`spring. In other embodiments, the lever 206 may return to its
`neutral position due to the spring bias of the switches 208 and
`210.
`[0033] As used herein, the pivot point may be proximate to
`the second side of the housing. For example, the pivot point
`may be arranged to be located inside the housing or sitting on
`a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing or an internal
`part of the housing such that the lever pivoting about the pivot
`point is disposed on the second side of the housing. In other
`examples, the pivot point may be arranged at the second side
`of the housing.
`[0034] As used herein, the phrase “end region” may refer to
`the corners, edges, ends or substantially ends of a lever. The
`end region may have a surface, for example, a bottom surface,
`configured to contact or abut the switch (e.g., the first switch
`208 or the second switch 210).
`[0035) In various embodiments, the lever 206 may be con
`figured to pivot from the first position to the second position
`via the neutral position. The lever 206 may be configured to
`pivot about a pivot point, as defined above.
`[0036) In various embodiments, the lever 206 may be con
`figured to pivot from the second position to the first position
`via the neutral position.
`[0037] As used herein, the term “switch” usually refers to
`an electrical or electro-mechanical device with contacts and
`by changing the position of the switch alters the states of the
`contacts. For example, one state may relate to turning a device
`on while another state may relate to turning the device off. In
`this context, the switch does not refer to a power on-offswitch
`for the game controller.
`[0038] The first switch 208 and the second switch 210 may
`be but are not limited to biased switches (e.g. pushbutton
`switches), toggle switches, or a combination of both.
`[0039] In one example, the lever 206 and the first and sec
`ond switches 208, 210 may be integrated into a switch pack
`age. For example, the switch package may be a rocker switch.
`[0040] As used herein, the term “activated” may interchan
`gably be referred to as triggered, turned on, initiated, or
`started.
`[0041] In the context of various embodiments, the term
`“side” with respect to the housing 202 means a face of the
`housing 202. For example, the “side” may refer but is not
`limited to the top panel 102 or the front 110 of the gaming
`device of FIG. 1B. The underside or bottom as opposed to the
`top panel 102 may also be referred to as a “side” of housing
`202.
`[0042] In various embodiments, the first side of the housing
`202 may be an upper side of the housing 202 and the second
`side of the housing 202 may be an underside of the housing
`202.
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 20
`
`

`

`US 2015/0238.855 A1
`
`Aug. 27, 2015
`
`[0043] Various embodiments provide a game controller
`with additional triggers or switches which may be activated
`by actuating a lever which is configured to make contact with
`the additional triggers. The additional triggers may be located
`on the underside of a housing of the game controller while the
`upper side of the housing is the side accommodating a plu
`rality of game controls which are or may be triggered by a
`user’s thumb(s) and/or index finger(s). The lever may be
`actuated by the movement of a finger, for example, the user’s
`middle finger when the game controls are triggered using the
`user’s thumb?s) and/or index finger(s). The additional trig
`gers are not the same as and do not refer to the game controls.
`In some examples, the lever may also be actuated by the user’s
`ring finger or little finger (pinky). The lever may be best
`actuated by the movement of the user’s middle finger due to
`the middle finger’s higher dexterity as compared to the ringer
`finger and little finger. The lever is pivotable about a pivot
`point and may allow the user’s fingerto glide along its surface
`to reach and activate the additional triggers which are usually
`placed apart from one another. The lever advantageously
`provides a guide for the user’s fingers so that the user can
`move from one of the additional triggers to another quickly
`and accurately. Such fast activation of the additional triggers
`are usually required in gaming in order to achieve good gam
`ing results or to win a game. The additional trigger may be
`activated when the lever is actuated by a force exerted into the
`additional trigger, for example, the force may be exerted
`directly from above the additional trigger which allows the
`force to be in the same direction as the movement of the
`additional trigger. In another example, the additional trigger
`may be, activated and move in a direction when the lever is
`actuated by a force applied along the lever, the force being in
`another direction substantially normal to the direction in
`which the additional trigger moves. In some examples, a force
`may be applied any where along the lever away from the pivot
`point to activate the additional triggers.
`[0044] In various embodiments, the first switch 208 may be
`activated whena force into the direction of the first switch 208
`is applied to the lever 206.
`[0045] Invarious embodiments, the second switch 210 may
`be activated when another force into the direction of the
`second switch 210 is applied to the lever 206.
`[0046) In further embodiments, the lever 206 may be con
`figured to pivot about a pivot point to the first position or the
`second position by exerting a pulling force or a flicking force
`or a pushing force on the lever 206 into the direction of the
`first switch 208 and the direction of the second switch 210,
`respectively, wherein the pulling force is a force exerted in an
`opposite direction to the flicking force.
`[0047] FIG. 3A shows an exemplary lever 300 configured
`to activate a first switch 302 and a second switch 304 in
`accordance to various embodiments. In FIG. 3A, the lever
`300 may experience a pulling force or a flicking force or a
`pushing force, for example, as shown by left-pointing arrows
`306, 308 or right-pointing arrows 310, 312 or upward point
`ing arrows 314, 316, respectively.
`[0048] In the context of various embodiments, the pulling
`force and/or the flickering force may be a force exerted along
`the lever 300 and is in a direction normal to the actuation
`movement of the first switch 302 or the second switch 304.
`The pushing force may be a force exerted on the lever 300 and
`into the first switch 302 or the second switch 304, i.e., in the
`same direction as the actuation movement of the first switch
`302 or the second switch 304.
`
`[0049] For example, FIG. 3B shows the activation of the
`first switch 302 by exerting the pulling force, for example, as
`shown by the left-pointing arrows 306, 308 or the pushing
`force, for example, as shown by the upward pointing arrows
`314 on the lever 300.
`[0050] For example, FIG. 3C shows the activation of the
`second switch 304 by exerting a flicking force, for example,
`as shown by the right-pointing arrows 310,302 or a pushing
`force, for example, as shown by the upward pointing arrows
`316 on the lever 300.
`[0051] For example, in various context, the lever 300, the
`first switch 302 and the second switch 304 may be the lever
`206, the first switch 208 and the second switch 210 of FIG. 2.
`[0052] Invarious embodiments, the lever 206 (for example,
`the lever 300 of FIGS. 3A to 3C) may be an arc-shaped lever
`having a concave part 318 located between the first end region
`320 and the second end region 322 of the lever 300, wherein
`the first end region 320 is located opposite to the second end
`region 322.
`[0053] The end region may further include to a leg or an
`extension or a protrusion. For example, the leg, the extension
`or the protrusion may be formed or disposed on another
`surface of the end region, this other surface being different
`from the surface contacting the switch. In one example, the
`other surface may be the top surface with reference to the
`bottom surface of the end region which may be configured to
`contact or abut the switch. The concave part 318 may be
`located between the leg, the extension or the protrusion of the
`first end region 320 and the leg, the extension or the protru
`sion of the second end region 322 of the lever 300.
`[0054] In the context of various embodiments, the phrase
`“concave part” may be but is not limited to being interchan
`gably referred to as a groove, a sunken area or a sunken part,
`a caved part, a curved part, a dip, a dish, a crescent part/
`feature, a moon-shaped part/feature, or a recessed portion
`relative to the top edge of the leg/extension/protrusion. In
`some examples, a plurality of projections such as “small
`bumps” may be formed on the leg, the extension or the pro
`trusion. The plurality of projections or small bumps provide
`better grip or more friction between the leg, the extension or
`the protrusion and a user’s finger contacting the leg, the
`extension or the protrusion during gameplay.
`[0055] Invarious embodiments, the lever 206 (for example,
`the lever 300 of FIGS. 3A to 3C) may be configured to pivot
`about the pivot point to the first position by exerting the
`pulling force, for example, as shown by the left-pointing
`arrow 306 from inside of the concave part 318 towards the
`first end region 320 of the lever 300.
`[0056] Invarious embodiments, the lever 206 (for example,
`the lever 300 of FIGS. 3A to 3C) may be configured to pivot
`about the pivot point to the second position by exerting the
`flickering force, for example, as shown by the right-pointing
`arrow 312 from inside of the concave part 318 towards the
`second end region 322 of the lever 300.
`[0057] Invarious embodiments, the lever 206 (for example,
`the lever 300 of FIGS. 3A to 3C) may be configured to pivot
`about the pivot point to the first position or the second position
`by exerting the pushing force, for example, as shown by the
`upward pointing arrows 314, 316 onto the first or second end
`region 320, 322 of the lever 300 respectively.
`[0058] Invarious embodiments, the second switch 210 may
`be deactivated when the lever 206 is in the first position. The
`first switch 208 may be deactivated when the lever 206 is in
`the second position. As used herein, the term “deactivated”
`
`IPR2018-00354
`COLLECTIVE EX1018 Page 21
`
`

`

`US 2015/0238.855 A1
`
`Aug. 27, 2015
`
`has the opposite meaning to the term “activated” as defined
`hereinabove and may be interchangably referred to as untrig
`gered, turned off, or ended.
`[0059] In further embodiments, the lever 206 may be con
`figured to pivot about a pivot point to the first position in
`which the first switch 208 is activated to send a first signal
`indicating that a first gaming function is to be executed; and
`the lever 206 may be configured to pivot about the pivot point
`to the second position in which the second switch 210 is
`activated to send a second signal indicating that a second
`gaming function is to be executed. The pivot point may be as
`defined above.
`[0060] In the context of various embodiments, the term
`“signal” generally refers to an electrical signal and may mean
`a message or an instruction. The term “indicating” refers to
`reflecting or representing. The phrase “gaming function”gen
`erally means an algorithm to perform an action or an instruc
`tion in a video or computer game.
`[0061] In various embodiments, irrespective of the lever
`206 being configured to pivot about the pivot point to the first
`or second position, the first signal may be the same as the
`second signal. It should be appreciated that the term “same”
`may meanidentical, equivalent, exact duplicate, substantially
`identical, or substantially equivalent.
`[0062] In other embodiments, the first signal may be dif
`ferent from the second signal.
`[0063] In various embodiments, the plurality of game con
`trols 204 and the lever 206 may be configured to be actuated
`to send a plurality of signals indicating that a plurality of
`gaming functions is to be executed.
`[0064] In further embodiments, the plurality of game con
`trols 204 may be configured to be actuated to send a plurality
`of signals indicating that a plurality of gaming functions is to
`be executed. The lever 206 may be configured to pivot about
`a pivot point to the first position in which the first switch 208
`is activated or the second position in which the second switch
`210 is activated to send another signal indicating that at least
`part of the plurality of gaming functions is to be executed.
`[0065] In yet further embodiments, the plurality of game
`controls 204 may be configured to be actuated to send a
`plurality of signals indicating that a plurality of gaming func
`tions is to be executed. The lever 206 may be configured to
`pivot about a pivot point to the first position in which the first
`switch 208 is activated or the second position in which the
`second switch 210 is activated to send another signal indicat
`ing that another gaming function different from the plurality
`of gaming functions is to be executed.
`[0066] In various embodiments, the lever may also be con
`figured to switch to the neutral position to send a signal
`indicating that a gaming function is to be executed.
`[0067] In various embodiments, the game controller may
`further include a pair of handles; and if a user plants each
`palm to the respective handle, a first finger and a second finger
`of a hand of the user assess the plurality of game controls 204
`on the first side of the housing 202 and the lever 206 disposed
`on the second side of the housing 202 is a position to be
`operable by a third finger of the hand. For example, the pair of
`handles may be the handles 606, 608 of FIG. 6A. The lever
`206 may have a concave part, for example, the concave part
`318 of FIG. 3A for the third finger of the hand such that the
`lever 206 can be pivoted about a pivot point to the first posi
`tion by pressing the first end region of the lever 206 with an
`
`upper side of the third finger and to the second position by
`pressing the second end region of the lever with an underside
`of the third finger.
`[0068] In this context, the underside of the third finger
`refers to a fingerprinted surface of the hand.
`[0069. In various embodiments, the first, second and third
`fingers of the hand may refer to a thumb, an index finger and
`a middle finger of the hand, respectively.
`[0070] In various embodiments, the lever 206 may be dis
`posed at a substantially centre region of the second side of the
`housing 202.
`[0071] It should be appreciated and understood that the
`term “substantially” may include “exactly” and “similar”
`which is to an extent that it may be perceived as being “exact”.
`For illustration purposes only and not as a limiting example,
`the term “substantially” may be quantified as a variance of
`+/–5% from the exactor actual. For example, the phrase “A is
`(at least) substantially the same as B” may encompass
`embodiments where A is exactly the same as B, or where A
`may be within a variance of +/–5%, for example of a value, of
`B, or vice versa.
`[0072] The lever 206 may be disposed anywhere on the
`second side of the housing 202 such that the lever 206 may be
`assessed or reached by at least the middle finger.
`[0073] In various embodiments, the housing 202 may be
`configured to hold a switch assembly comprising the lever
`206, the first switch 208 and the second switch 210. FIG. 4
`shows an exemplary housing 400 which may refer to the
`housing 202 of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments. In
`FIG. 4, the housing 400 holds the switch assembly 402 such
`that the pivot point 403 of the lever 406 may be configured to
`sit or reside in a notch or cavity 404 of the housing 400 to
`provide the pivoting of the lever 406. For example, more
`specifically in FIG. 4, a frame 410 of the housing 400 may
`hold the PCB switch assembly 402. In an example, the notch
`404 may be formed as part of the frame 410 or as part of the
`PCB assembly 402.
`[0074] The lever 406 may refer to the lever 206 of FIG. 2.
`For example, the lever 406 may be a moon-shaped rocker for
`a user to place his finger either inside a crescent/concave
`feature 412 of the moon-shaped rocker or outside. The rocker
`may also be pushed underneath when the finger is below
`pushing features 414. When finger is outside the crescent/
`concave feature 412, for example, at least near the pushing
`features 414, a flicking action and a pulling action may still be
`done.
`[0075] Surfaces 416 of the lever 406 which extend from the
`notch 404 may be tapered and then level with the contact
`surfaces 418, 420.
`[0076] In an embodiment, the switch assembly 402 may be
`a printed circuit board (PCB) switch assembly. A PCB switch
`assembly refers to a circuit board including printed tracks for
`conducting electrical signals upon actuating of the switch(es)
`connected to the PCB.
`[0077] In various embodiments, the game controller may
`further include a cover, for example, the cover 408 of FIG. 4,
`configured to hold parts of the game controller within the
`housing 400. For example, the cover 400 prevents any parts
`from falling out of the game controller.
`[0078] In various embodiments, the game controller may
`further include another lever disposed on the second side of
`the hou