US20170065881A1 - Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller - Google Patents
Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170065881A1 US20170065881A1 US15/356,185 US201615356185A US2017065881A1 US 20170065881 A1 US20170065881 A1 US 20170065881A1 US 201615356185 A US201615356185 A US 201615356185A US 2017065881 A1 US2017065881 A1 US 2017065881A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- user
- controller
- trigger
- processor
- actuator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/25—Output arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/28—Output arrangements for video game devices responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/25—Output arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/28—Output arrangements for video game devices responding to control signals received from the game device for affecting ambient conditions, e.g. for vibrating players' seats, activating scent dispensers or affecting temperature or light
- A63F13/285—Generating tactile feedback signals via the game input device, e.g. force feedback
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
- A63F13/211—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
- A63F13/214—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types for locating contacts on a surface, e.g. floor mats or touch pads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/24—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles
- A63F13/245—Constructional details thereof, e.g. game controllers with detachable joystick handles specially adapted to a particular type of game, e.g. steering wheels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/40—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment
- A63F13/42—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/40—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment
- A63F13/42—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle
- A63F13/428—Processing input control signals of video game devices, e.g. signals generated by the player or derived from the environment by mapping the input signals into game commands, e.g. mapping the displacement of a stylus on a touch screen to the steering angle of a virtual vehicle involving motion or position input signals, e.g. signals representing the rotation of an input controller or a player's arm motions sensed by accelerometers or gyroscopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/80—Special adaptations for executing a specific game genre or game mode
- A63F13/837—Shooting of targets
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/90—Constructional details or arrangements of video game devices not provided for in groups A63F13/20 or A63F13/25, e.g. housing, wiring, connections or cabinets
- A63F13/92—Video game devices specially adapted to be hand-held while playing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A33/00—Adaptations for training; Gun simulators
- F41A33/06—Recoil simulators
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/1037—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/1043—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being characterized by constructional details
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/105—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/1062—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to a type of game, e.g. steering wheel
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/1068—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals being specially adapted to detect the point of contact of the player on a surface, e.g. floor mat, touch pad
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/30—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by output arrangements for receiving control signals generated by the game device
- A63F2300/302—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by output arrangements for receiving control signals generated by the game device specially adapted for receiving control signals not targeted to a display device or game input means, e.g. vibrating driver's seat, scent dispenser
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/80—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game specially adapted for executing a specific type of game
- A63F2300/8076—Shooting
Definitions
- FIG. 5 b is a block diagram of a controller, which includes a recoil component that generates a recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention.
- the components, process steps, and/or data structures described herein may be implemented using various types of operating systems, computing platforms, computer programs, and/or general purpose machines.
- devices of a less general purpose nature such as hardwired devices, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or the like, may also be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
- FPGAs field programmable gate arrays
- ASICs application specific integrated circuits
- FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a haptically enabled gun controller for use with a video game in accordance with an embodiment.
- the controller 100 includes a body 102 , a handle 104 , a trigger 106 , an input/output port 108 which may be wired, as shown, or wireless using any appropriate known technology.
- the gun controller shown in FIG. 1 is only an example and any other design of gun is contemplated.
- the controller may be designed to look like a semi-automatic or automatic rifle, shotgun, grenade launcher, and the like.
- the system may be configured such that the sensor 120 provides a sensor signal of the location where the barrel is pointed immediately after the recoil is output. This would provide the user with a more realistic experience of the difficulty of successfully hitting a target when the weapon has a substantial recoil effect.
- FIG. 7 a is a cross-sectional illustration of a controller 700 that generates a user-grounded recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention.
- controller 700 may include, among other things, a recoil actuator 702 , a controller base 710 , a linkage 712 , a controller anchor 714 , a grounding base 720 , a linkage 722 , and a grounding anchor 724 .
- Controller base 710 may be movably coupled to grounding base 720 .
- controller base 710 is coupled to grounding base 720 via a hinge (not illustrated in FIG. 7 a ).
- recoil actuator 702 imparts a combination of force vector 734 and force vector 744 to thereby impart the recoil effect.
- the magnitude of forces generated by recoil actuator 702 may be varied to simulate different levels of recoil effects, such as a greater recoil effect for a larger simulated gun as compared to a smaller simulated gun.
- a haptic effect may be imparted to the body part of user 1010 while recoil device 906 b is worn by user 1010 .
- user 1010 may feel the recoil effect at one or more parts of the body of user 1010 .
Abstract
Various systems, game controllers, and methods for simulating various objects such as weapons are provided. For example, a game controller may include a trigger, a processor within the body that receives a trigger signal when the trigger is activated by the user. The processor may communicate with a computer running a software program such as a gaming application, and an actuator coupled to the trigger, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor. The game controller may simulate a gun and generate a recoil effect. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by impacting a moving mass from a discharge end of the gun to a handle end of the gun. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by using a body part of a user as a tether.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/964,628 filed Aug. 12, 2013, now allowed, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/652,599 filed Jan. 5, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,506,369 issued Aug. 13, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61,142,864, filed Jan. 6, 2009, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- The present disclosure relates generally to a programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller.
- Video games and video game systems have become even more popular due to the marketing toward, and resulting participation from, casual gainers. Popular video game systems like the PLAYSTATION 3 and XBOX have shooting games in which regular palm-type controllers are used to move and operate a weapon. These systems may utilize controllers that output haptic effects which are presented to the user. The WII system utilizes a WIIMOTE controller which can fit into a plastic shell-shaped gun, whereby the WIIMOTE can provide limited haptic effects which are felt by the user during playing a gun game.
- However, none of the existing systems or games are configured to provide the user with a gun controller that provides extreme realism which allows the user to be immersed in the gaming experience.
- The invention addressing these and other drawbacks in the art relates to systems, game controllers, and methods for simulating various objects such as weapons. For example, a game controller may include a body having a handle adapted to be grasped by a user, a trigger coupled to the body adapted to be operated by the user's finger, a processor within the body and configured to receive a trigger signal from the trigger when the trigger is activated by the user, the processor configured to communicate with a computer running a software program, and an actuator coupled to the trigger, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor.
- In some embodiments, a method of generating a recoil effect on a controller may include detecting a trigger signal, moving a mass, by an actuator in response to the trigger signal, from a first position at a discharge end of the controller in a first direction toward a second position, releasing the mass, by the actuator, at the second position such that the mass travels from the second position in the first direction to an end stop at a handle end of the controller and impacts the end stop using momentum from the actuator, where the impact generates the recoil effect.
- In some embodiments, a method of generating a recoil effect remote from a controller may include detecting, by a recoil device remote from the controller, a trigger signal originating from the controller such that the recoil device contacts a first location of a body of the user and the controller contacts a second location of the body of the user. The controller may be operated by the user to control a gaming application. The method may further include causing, by the recoil device in response to the trigger signal, a recoil effect to be output to a user at the first location remote from the second location.
- Various other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent through the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings attached hereto. It is also to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and not restrictive of the scope of the invention.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more examples of embodiments and, together with the description of example embodiments, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the embodiments.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example game controller in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an example game controller in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a game controller in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a recoil actuator that generates a recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 5a is a block diagram of a controller, which includes a recoil component that generates a recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 5b is a block diagram of a controller, which includes a recoil component that generates a recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 5c is a block diagram of a controller, which includes recoil component that generates a recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional illustration of a controller that generates a user-grounded recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 6b is a block diagram of a controller that generates a user-grounded recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 7a is a block diagram of a controller that generates a user-grounded recoil effect as held by a user, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 7b is a block diagram of a controller that generates a user-grounded recoil effect as held by a user, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 8a illustrates a controller that generates a user-grounded recoil effect as grasped by a user, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 8b illustrates a controller that generates a user-grounded recoil effect as grasped by a user, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system for providing recoil effects, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 10a illustrates a system for providing recoil effects using a recoil device configured as a foot pad, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 10b illustrates a system for providing recoil effects using a recoil device configured as a wearable body device, according to various embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 10c illustrates a system for providing recoil effects using a recoil device configured as a wearable arm device, according to various embodiments of the invention. - Example embodiments are described herein in the context of a programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the example embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like items.
- In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
- In accordance with this disclosure, the components, process steps, and/or data structures described herein may be implemented using various types of operating systems, computing platforms, computer programs, and/or general purpose machines. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that devices of a less general purpose nature, such as hardwired devices, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or the like, may also be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is understood that the phrase “an embodiment” encompasses more than one embodiment and is thus not limited to only one embodiment. Where a method comprising a series of process steps is implemented by a computer or a machine and those process steps can be stored as a series of instructions readable by the machine, they may be stored on a tangible medium such as a computer memory device (e.g., ROM (Read Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Eraseable Programmable Read Only Memory), FLASH Memory, Jump Drive, and the like), magnetic storage medium (e.g., tape, magnetic disk drive, and the like), optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, paper card, paper tape and the like) and other types of program memory.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a haptically enabled gun controller for use with a video game in accordance with an embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1 , thecontroller 100 includes abody 102, ahandle 104, atrigger 106, an input/output port 108 which may be wired, as shown, or wireless using any appropriate known technology. It should be noted that the gun controller shown inFIG. 1 is only an example and any other design of gun is contemplated. For instance, the controller may be designed to look like a semi-automatic or automatic rifle, shotgun, grenade launcher, and the like. - The
particular controller 100 shown inFIG. 1 includes one or more directional-pad controllers 110 as well as one ormore buttons 112 to operate various features during game play. In an embodiment, thecontroller 100 may include aslidable barrel 114 which the user may slide back and forth (as shown by the arrow) to load a virtual bullet into the chamber after the weapon is loaded. In addition, thecontroller 100 includes one ormore actuators 122 located within various locations of the controller. More details regarding the different actuators are discussed below, although the same reference numeral is referred to for all actuators for clarity purposes. - In an embodiment, the
gun controller 100 is reconfigurable to allow the user to expand thesame base controller 100 into a rifle, shotgun or semi-automatic/automatic gun, as shown inFIG. 2 . In particular, thecontroller 100 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 includes anexternal component port 124 at the end of thebarrel 124A, under thebarrel 124B, and at the rear side of thehandle 124C, althoughcomponent ports 124 may be located elsewhere. It is also contemplated that any number of component ports (if any) are configured on thecontroller 100. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2 , thecontroller 100 may be configured to engage removable stock and barrel components which would allow the user to use the controller like a rifle. In particular, the controller inFIG. 2 is shown to have an extendedbarrel 126 coupled to thecontroller 100 atport 124A, an additional handle (or cartridge) 116 coupled to thecontroller 100 atport 124B, and astock butt 128 coupled to the controller atport 124C. It is preferred, however, that the center of mass of thecontroller 100 changes as external components are attached or removed from thebase 102, whereby the change in the center of mass may adjust the weight and/or control of the controller (e.g. heaver when in a rifle configuration, lighter when in a regular pistol configuration). The detachable components may be hollow or made of a material which allows haptic effects from the base to be sufficiently felt at the attached component, which will be discussed in more detail below. - In an embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2 , any or all of thedetachable components more actuators 122 therein, whereby the component is electrically connected to the base 102 when attached thereto to allow theactuators 122 to operate in conjunction with thecontroller 100. Theactuators 122 within the detachable components would thus preferably be connected to thebase 102 and would receive respective control signals to activate thoseactuators 122 to output various haptic effects to the user. For example, thebutt 128 of the stock may be designed to include one ormore actuators 122 which activate in response to receiving a control signal from the processor (seeFIG. 3 ). Upon receiving the control signal, theactuator 122 in thebutt 128 would be configured to output a haptic effect which is directly felt in the user's arm (i.e. simulate recoil). It is contemplated that the handle (or cartridge) 116 also includes anactuator 122 therein electrically coupled to thecontroller 100, whereby theactuator 122 may output a vibration or pulse upon thecontroller 100 being “fired” by the user. Similarly, theextended barrel 126 may include anactuator 122 therein that is electrically coupled to thecontroller 100, whereby theactuator 122 may output a vibration or pulse upon thecontroller 100 being fired by the user. Although not shown, thecontroller 100 may be configured to engage a tri-pod and/or scope to use thecontroller 100 as a sniper rifle. - The
controller 100 is preferably configured to provide the user with the physically satisfying experience of simulating the act of reloading the weapon. As mentioned, theport 124 of thecontroller 100 may be a cartridge bay which allows the user to insert and remove a cartridge. Thecontroller 100 may be configured to allow the use of double sided clips, whereby the user may pull the cartridge out and then re-set it. One ormore actuators 122 of thecontroller 100 be programmed to output a haptic effect, such as a pulse, to indicate that the cartridge has been engaged. In an example, thecontroller 100 may utilizebutton 112 which the user presses, whereby a spring-like haptic effect may be output by theactuator 122 onto thebutton 112 to simulate the weapon being cocked. Additionally or alternatively, thecontroller 100 may be configured to allow the simulation of loading shotgun shells. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the gun controller in accordance with an embodiment. As shown inFIG. 3 , thecontroller 100 preferably includes alocal processor 118 which communicates with a video game console 99 (hereinafter referred to as well as the “host computer”). In an embodiment,transceiver port 108 connects thecontroller 100 to thehost computer 99 via a wire. In another embodiment, thetransceiver port 108 wirelessly connects thecontroller 100 to thehost computer 99. Thehost computer 99 is preferably coupled to adisplay 98 which displays the graphical environment of the video game. Thecontroller 100 may be alternatively configured to not include thelocal processor 118, whereby all input/output signals from thecontroller 100 are handled and processed directly by thehost computer 99. - The
local processor 118 is preferably coupled to thecontroller trigger 106, the directional-pad controller(s) 110 (if any), the button(s) 112 (if any), one ormore sensors 120, one ormore actuators 122 as well as one or more optionalexternal component ports 124. Theprocessor 118 may also be coupled to other components, such as ashape changing material 130 of the body, one or more light emitting devices 132 on the exterior of the body and anair jet mechanism 134. It should be noted that the schematic shown inFIG. 3 is an example and not all of the components need to be incorporated into thecontroller 100. - With regard to the one or
more actuators 122 of the controller, thelocal processor 118 provides haptic effect signals to theactuators 122 based on high level supervisory or streaming commands from thehost computer 99. In the streaming embodiment, the voltage magnitudes and durations are streamed to thecontroller 100 where information is provided by thehost computer 99 to theactuators 122. In operation, thehost computer 99 may provide high level commands to thelocal processor 118 such as the type of haptic effect to be output (e.g. vibration, jolt, detent, pop, etc.) by one or more selected actuators, whereby thelocal processor 118 instructs the actuator as to particular characteristics of the haptic effect which is to be output (e.g. magnitude, frequency, duration, etc.) The haptic effects thereby provide the user with the feeling that thecontroller 100 has come alive during game play, as would a real gun when used. - In an embodiment, the
controller 100 is weapon-shaped, whereby thelocal processor 118 is preferably housed within thecontroller 100 and is not easily removable from the body of the controller 100 (e.g. XBOX, PLAYSTATION 3, etc.). In an embodiment, thelocal processor 118 is within a dedicated video game controller (e.g. WII remote control), whereby theweapon controller 100 is a shell which is configured to receive the dedicated video game controller therein. It is also contemplated that thecontroller 100 shell may include a dedicated local processor in addition to theprocessor 118 in the video game controller, whereby processing duties, communications and instructions are efficiently routed between the multiple processors to achieve greater speed, bandwidth, and flexibility. - The
sensor 120 preferably monitors position and/or movement of the controller 100 (e.g. accelerometer) to track the position of the gun and provides sensor signals to theprocessor 118. Theprocessor 118 preferably transmits these sensor signals to thehost computer 99 to dynamically operate the user's character and/or gun shown on thedisplay 98 during game play. Additionally or alternatively, thesensor 120 may be configured to provide sensor signals directly to the host computer (shown by line 120A). More details of thesensor 120 are discussed below. - The
trigger 106 is coupled to theprocessor 118 whereby the trigger, when depressed, preferably outputs a trigger signal to theprocessor 118 to indicate that the user intends to shoot the weapon. Theprocessor 118 and/orhost computer 99 preferably determines whether the user is pointing to a designated target on the screen when thetrigger 106 is pressed, and if the determination is affirmative, the target will be shown on thedisplay 98 as being hit. In contrast, if the determination is negative, the target will be shown on the display as not being hit. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3 , thecontroller 100 includes one ormore actuators 122 coupled to the trigger 106 (hereinafter referred to as a “trigger actuator”). In an embodiment, thetrigger actuator 122 is configured to output a haptic effect upon receiving a control signal from theprocessor 118, whereby the haptic effect provides the user with a realistic sensation of what the trigger of a real gun would feel like when operated. In an embodiment, asensor 127 is coupled to the trigger to measure the distance that the trigger is moved by the user's finger. Such measured data is preferably used to utilize haptic effects having position-based and/or time-based components. - The actuator may output a haptic effect which incorporates any waveform having a position-based component and a predetermined time-based component. In other words, the position-based component is utilized to track the position of the trigger, whereby the predetermined time-based component is played when the position of the trigger has been reached. The predetermined time-based component can be based on a predefined waveform that is output as a function of time (i.e., defined before it is output). A predetermined time-based component, for example, can be stored in a processor-readable medium for retrieval by the
processor 118 or other controller. For example purposes only, a predetermined time-based component can be a pulse waveform that has a maximum force and a duration of 75 ms. This waveform may be stored in, for example, amemory 119 and retrieved by aprocessor 118 when theprocessor 118 receives an indication that the trigger is at a desired position. - The position-based component can include, for example, a base-line waveform. In an embodiment, the position-based component can be a physical or a virtual spring force. In an embodiment, the position-based component of the haptic effect can be a sinusoidal detent profile, such as a series of pulses imparted onto the
trigger 106. Any base-line waveform in which the output force is a function of the position of the trigger may be used as the position-based component. - It is contemplated that the predetermined time-based waveform of the haptic effect can include a waveform having characteristics that are alterable based on detectable conditions. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the predetermined time-based waveform may be changed based on a detected instantaneous velocity of the
trigger 106 as it is being moved. In an alternative embodiment, the duration of the predetermined time-based waveform can be changed based on a detected instantaneous velocity of thetrigger 106. In an embodiment, the duration and the magnitude of the predetermined time-based waveform can be changed based on a detected instantaneous velocity of the trigger. The controller can acquire a predetermined time-based waveform having different magnitudes depending on the detected velocity of the trigger. More details regarding time-based and position-based haptic effects are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,283,120, assigned to Immersion Corporation. - As such, the
trigger actuator 122 is programmable, whereby theactuator 122 can be set to output the haptic effect based on the sensed distance that the trigger is pressed by the user. For example, if the user is operating a revolver in the game, thetrigger actuator 106 may be programmed to output a click or other haptic effect when the user presses the trigger past a desired position along the entire permitted distance of movement. In another example, if the user is operating an automatic rifle in the game, thetrigger actuator 122 may be programmed to output a series of clicks or other haptic effects when the user presses the trigger only a slight distance from the neutral position. In yet another example, thetrigger actuator 122 may be configured to output a resistive force toward the neutral position based on the type of gun the user is supposed to be handling. For lighter guns, such as pistols, the resistive force would be relatively less than with a heavier gun (e.g. Magnum) which would have a higher resistive force applied to the user's finger. In an embodiment, the user may choose through thecontroller 100 or the software to customize and set the threshold distance upon which thetrigger actuator 122 will activate and/or the type of haptic effect which thetrigger actuator 122 will output. In some embodiments, a simulated weapon may include modifications that may be taken into account when generating the resistive force. For example, a user may operate a handgun having a silencer in the game. The effects of the silencer, such as weight, shape, or other effect of the silencer may be taken into account when generating the resistive force. Thus, when the handgun, for example, includes a silencer, the resistive force may be different as compared to when the handgun does not include the silencer. - In an embodiment, the
controller 100 includes one ormore actuators 122 in the body, whereby theactuator 122 outputs a haptic effect to thebody 102 to provide the user with a feeling that the weapon is actually discharging. It should be noted that theactuators 122 are shown inFIG. 2 in the body, althoughmultiple actuators 122 are contemplated at different locations on the body. In an embodiment, thebody actuator 122 is programmable, whereby theactuator 122 is set to output varying haptic effects to thebody 102 and/or handle 104 based on the type of the gun being simulated (e.g. semi-automatic, automatic, laser, etc.) Additionally or alternatively, theactuator 122 may be programmable to output varying haptic effects based on the weight and/or caliber of the gun being simulated. For example, if the user is operating a revolver in the game, thebody actuator 122 may be programmed by the software to output a single pulse when the user presses the trigger. In another example, if the user is operating an automatic or semi-automatic rifle in the game, thebody actuator 122 may be programmed by the software to output a series of pulses to thebody 102 when the user presses the trigger, thereby mimicking an automatic or semi-automatic rifle. The magnitude of the haptic effect output by the actuator may be varied depending on what type of the gun is being simulated (e.g., revolver vs. shotgun) as instructed by the software. In an embodiment, the user may choose through thecontroller 100 or the software to customize and set the type of haptic effect which thebody actuator 122 will output. - The
actuator 122 may be programmed by the software to output distinctive haptic effects for different kinds of weapons. For instance, the acceleration and/or frequency of the haptic effect may vary depending on mass, caliber, use (one hand vs. two) of the weapon. The trigger actuator and/orbody actuator 122 may also output a distinctive haptic effect click when the user is firing an empty weapon. This empty click could also differ based on the type of weapon being operated by the user. - In an embodiment, the
controller 100 includes anactuator 122 within thehandle 104 or stock butt, whereby theactuator 106 is configured to output a haptic effect which represents a recoil effect (hereinafter referred to as a “recoil actuator”). It is preferred that therecoil actuator 122 is programmable by the software to output a recoil force which differs based on the type of weapon that the user is operating. For example, if thecontroller 100 is configured to have a stock butt which sits against the user's arm or shoulder, arecoil actuator 122 in the body and/or the butt output a force, vibration, or other haptic effect which is felt as a shaking or moving of the user's arm or shoulder to give the recoil effect. It is possible to adjust the recoil to cause the butt or handle to move upward relative to the user's body, whereby the user's body is used as leverage to cause the handle or butt to move upward. The system may be configured such that thesensor 120 provides a sensor signal of the location where the barrel is pointed immediately after the recoil is output. This would provide the user with a more realistic experience of the difficulty of successfully hitting a target when the weapon has a substantial recoil effect. - As mentioned above, the
controller 100 may include aslider 114 in an embodiment, whereby the user may slide theslider 114, as with a real weapon, to ready the weapon for firing. Thecontroller 100 may include anactuator 122 coupled toslider 114, whereby the actuator outputs a haptic effect to be felt by the user as theslider 114 is slid along thebody 102. In an embodiment, theactuator 122 is programmed by the software to output different haptic effects based on the direction which theslider 114 is moved. For example, as theslider 114 is moved toward thehandle 102 of the weapon, theactuator 122 may be programmed by the software to output a resistive force much like a real slider mechanism. Theactuator 122 may also be programmed to output a haptic effect (e.g., a click or pulse) when theslider 114 is moved a predetermined (or maximum) distance, such as to represent that the weapon is cocked. In the same example, as theslider 114 is moved back toward its default position, theactuator 122 may be programmed to output a same or different haptic effect (such as an assistive force) which is felt by the user. Additionally or alternatively, a spring or other urging member may be coupled to theslider 114, whereby the spring applies the resistive and/or assistive forces to theslider 114 as it is moved. - In an embodiment, all or a portion of the
controller 100 may be made of materials which react based on the amount ofcontroller 100 use during game play. In particular, the materials of thecontroller 100 may be configured to change color and/or its exterior dimension based upon receiving a signal from theprocessor 118. For example, excessive rate of fire could cause result in the barrel heating up as a precursor to a weapon jam. In this example, theprocessor 118 receives the amount of times the trigger is activated (or held down) in a set amount of time. Upon theprocessor 118 determining that the number of trigger activations exceed a predetermined threshold, theprocessor 118 sends a signal to the controller coupled to the material, whereby the material expands/contracts and/or changes color. The material is preferably configured to gradually expand/contract and/or change color as the trigger activations continue after exceeding the threshold. In an embodiment in which the body changes color, thebody 102 may include a series of light emitting diodes (LED) or other light emitting devices 132 which gradually illuminate as the weapon “heats up”. In some embodiments,actuator 122 is a temperature actuator that regulates the temperature ofcontroller 100. For example, the temperature actuator may provide heat to the weapon to mirror the temperature of the virtual weapon in gameplay. In an embodiment, the trigger actuator may receive a signal from the processor to output a hard stop haptic effect onto the trigger after a maximum number of trigger activations are tracked in the set amount of time. This hard stop haptic effect would simulate the weapon seizing due to overheating. - In an embodiment, the
controller 100 includes one ormore air jets 134 in the body and/or in a detachable component to provide the user with a different type of haptic effect when an event occurs during game play. The air jet is preferably positioned near the rear of the controller and faces back at the user, although the air jet may be placed anywhere else and/or positioned at any desired direction on the controller. The air jet can be used to expel air at the user when the weapon jams or a virtual bullet gets stuck in the chamber. In an embodiment, the air jet may expel air when the user's character on thedisplay screen 98 takes a hit or is damaged. It is contemplated that other media besides air may be expelled, such as water, electrical charge (for electrotactile stimulation), etc. In an embodiment, an air compressor or cartridge is positioned within thebody 102 whereby the compressor or cartridge discharges air when operated into a nozzle which expels the air out of the body (and towards the user). The compressor or cartridge may decrease in air pressure as the air is discharged, thereby giving a feeling of the weapon becoming effectively lighter. This effect could represent the weapon becoming lighter as the bullets are discharged. - In an embodiment, the
controller 100 may include an accelerometer, gyroscope or other position-sensing technology which provides additional sensing capability of thecontroller 100 as it is moved during game play. In an embodiment, the user's character or gun displayed on thedisplay screen 98 may adjust the position and/or orientation of the displayed weapon based on the sensed position of thecontroller 100 in the user's hands. For example, the displayed weapon would be shown in the proscribed vertical fashion when the accelerometer senses thecontroller 100 held vertically. In contrast, the displayed weapon would be shown to be held horizontally (e.g., an orientation used by gangsters and other villains in popular culture) when the accelerometer senses the user orienting thecontroller 100 horizontally. The haptic effects output by any or all of the controller's 100 actuator(s) may also change depending on sensed orientation of thecontroller 100. In another example, the software may be enabled to operate with the accelerometer to show the user's character twirling the gun on the display in response to the user twirling thecontroller 100. It is contemplated that the accelerometer may be used to shake loose a weapon jam (by shaking the controller), unlock the weapon for a secondary mode (e.g. using the grenade launcher), or to reload the weapon. In an embodiment in which thecontroller 100 simulates a shotgun, the accelerometer may track the user's quick upward movement of the controller to close the displayed shotgun after it is loaded. In an embodiment, thecontroller 100 is used with the software to play a quick draw game in which the user is duels with another player or the computer, whereby whoever draws from their holster and hits the opponent first wins the match. In this embodiment, the accelerometer tracks the speed at which the user's controller is moved from a downward position (such as in being in the user's holster) to pointing at the displayed opponent. - In an embodiment, the accelerometer in the
controller 100 may be used to further influence game play. For example, the user may move thecontroller 100 after shooting a bullet to cause the bullet to alter its trajectory, such as curving around corners or imparting lateral acceleration of the bullet. In particular, the software run on the host computer changes the path of the bullet upon receiving sensor signals from the controller's accelerometer. For example, after the user pulls the trigger (and the bullet is along its trajectory), the user may move the controller upward, whereby the accelerometer, tracking such motion of the controller, sends sensor signals to the processor and ultimately to the host computer. The software program, upon receiving such sensor signals, causes the displayed bullet to move upward. - In an embodiment, the signals transmitted by the accelerometer may be used to measure and incorporate a user's ‘steady-handedness’ with the weapon when playing a game. For example, if the accelerometer may be configured to be extremely sensitive to the movements of the
controller 100 when the user is operating thecontroller 100 as a sniper rifle in the game. - In an embodiment, the
controller 100 may be used with a foot pad in which the foot pad includes one or more actuators which output haptic effects in response to receiving corresponding control signals from thehost computer 99. For example, the user standing on the foot pad may feel vibrations or individual pulses through the user's feet to simulate the feel of shells dropping around the user depending on the rate of fire and the caliber of the weapon. In particular, theprocessor 118 provides control signals to the actuator in the foot pad in response to thecontroller 100 providing signals to the host computer indicating that the user is operating thetrigger 106. It is preferred that the actuators in the foot pad output the haptic effects in delayed response to thetrigger 106 being operated to simulate the time that the bullet falls from the weapon to the ground. It should be noted that the foot pad may output haptic effects in response to other events occurring during game play (grenade explosion near the user, etc.). The foot pad can further comprise a force actuator that shifts the balance of the user, to further simulate the recoil forces of the firearm. In some embodiments,controller 100 and/or the foot pad may provide gaming effects to communicate information such as game events that are unrelated to the weapon. The gaming effects may be haptic effects, audio effects, and/or visual effects. In an embodiment,controller 100 may simulate an advanced weapon that communicates alerts to the user such as when entering a hostile area during a combat game. When entering the hostile area, for example,controller 100 may provide a haptic effect or other gaming effect to alert the user. - In an embodiment, the
controller 100 may include one or more pressure sensors, touch screens, capacitive buttons or like technology to track how the user is holding the controller. For clarity, pressure sensors will be referred to, although any other appropriate technology is contemplated. The pressure sensor may be used with the software program to gauge the consistency of the user's action and whether the user would likely hit the target. For instance, the pressure handle may indicate that the user is holding a shotgun or larger caliber gun with one hand. The host computer and software program, upon receiving this information, may be less likely to reward the user with a confirmed hit. The host computer may also show the user's character holding the displayed weapon with one or two hands (along with accurate representations of where the hands are on the displayed weapon) depending on whether the pressure sensors indicate the user holding the controller with one or two hands. -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of arecoil actuator 400 that generates a recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to various embodiments of the invention,recoil actuator 400 includes, among other things, acavity 401, acoil 402 coupled tocavity 401, a movingmass 404, and anend stop 406.Cavity 401 may include be any shaped cavity through which movingmass 404 may travel such as, for example, cylindrical, oval, square, curvilinear, and/or other shaped cavity. As illustrated inFIG. 4 ,coil 402 may be wrapped aroundcavity 401 or otherwise coupled to a surface ofcavity 401.Recoil actuator 400 may include, for example, a linear voice coil actuator or other actuator configured to move moving mass404 towardend stop 406. - In some embodiments,
recoil actuator 400 may cause movingmass 404 to move in a first direction illustrated inFIG. 4 as arrow A throughcavity 401 towardend stop 406. In some embodiments, movingmass 404 may be composed of metal or otherwise have magnetic properties.Recoil actuator 400 may apply a current throughcoil 402, thereby generating a magnetic field, which causes movement of movingmass 404 in the first direction.End stop 406 may be directly coupled to a housing or other component of a controller. Thus, impact of movingmass 404 withend stop 406 may generate the recoil effect to the controller. - In some embodiments, moving
mass 404 may include different materials that provide different recoil effects depending on the material used. In some implementations, for example, movingmass 404 may be made from different materials that provide different impact sensations, thereby generating different recoil effects. In some implementations, at least a portion of movingmass 404 may include rubber (or other material), which changes the recoil effect as compared to when rubber is not used. For example, at least a portion of movingmass 404 may include a rubber portion that impactsend stop 406 and changes the recoil effect as compared to without the rubber portion. In some embodiments, end stop 406 may likewise include different materials that provide different recoil effects depending on the material used. Thus, in some embodiments, movingmass 404 and/or end stop 406 may include different materials that varies the haptic perception of the recoil effect. - In some embodiments, moving
mass 404 is positioned at an origin position toand is moved toward a position t1. At position t1, movingmass 404 is released and travels to position t2, where movingmass 404 impacts end stop 406, thereby causing the recoil effect. In some embodiments, movingmass 404 is released by reducing the current applied tocoil 402. In some embodiments, the current is reduced to zero. In some embodiments, movingmass 404 is released when movingmass 404 moves beyond a range ofcoil 402. For example,coil 402 may terminate at a position at or before position t1. Thus, movingmass 404 is released when moved beyond position t1. - In some embodiments, after impact with
end stop 406, movingmass 404 may move from position tto position tor other position, where movingmass 404 is recaptured. Upon recapture, moving mass 494 may be moved in a second direction opposite the first direction toward position for other position. Thus, once the recoil effect is delivered via impact between movingmass 404 and end stop 406,recoil actuator 400 may recapture movingmass 404 in order to suppress unintended subsequent recoil effects. For example,recoil actuator 400 may provide a countering force that gradually increases over time to movingmass 404 after impact with end stop 306 in order to prevent undesirable or otherwise unintended recoil effects. In some embodiments,recoil actuator 400 may recapture movingmass 404 after a predefined period of time and/or number of impacts between movingmass 404 and end stop 306. Thus, movingmass 404 may impact end stop 406 a number of times before being recaptured byrecoil actuator 400. - In some embodiments, the speed at which moving
mass 404 is moved in the first direction may be varied to output different magnitudes of recoil. For example, movingmass 404 may be moved in the first direction at a higher speed to simulate a larger recoil for a larger simulated gun compared to a smaller simulated gun and vice versa. In some embodiments, different speeds are achieved by varying the current applied tocoil 402. - In an example operation, a trigger signal indicating that a trigger (or other user interface input) has been actuated may be received. In response to the trigger signal,
recoil actuator 400 may move movingmass 404 from position t0 to position t1, at whichpoint recoil actuator 400 may release movingmass 404. Once released, movingmass 404 moves from position t1 to position t2 using momentum fromrecoil actuator 400. At position t2, movingmass 404 impacts end stop 406, thereby causing the recoil effect. In some embodiments,recoil actuator 400 may recapture movingmass 404 at position t1 (or other position). In some embodiments, upon recapture, recoilactuator 400 may return movingmass 404 to position t0 or other position. -
FIG. 5a is a block diagram of acontroller 500, which includesrecoil actuator 400 a that generates a recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention.Controller 500 may include, among other things, adischarge end 510 a, arecoil actuator 400 a, and ahandle end 520 a. In some embodiments,controller 500 is configured to resemble a gun.Recoil actuator 400 a may be positioned substantially parallel along a gun shaft ofcontroller 500. - In some embodiments, a user may point discharge end 510 a away from the user toward a screen or other interface in order to simulate a shot. Handle
end 520 a may be positioned toward the user. Thus, whencontroller 500 is grasped by the user to simulate a shot at a screen or other interface, discharge end 510 a may be positioned away from the user whilehandle end 520 a may be positioned toward the user. In these embodiments, the first direction described above inFIG. 4 may be from discharge end 510 a to handle end 520 a. -
FIG. 5b is a block diagram of acontroller 500, which includesrecoil actuator 400 b that generates a recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention.Controller 500 may include, among other things, adischarge end 510 b, arecoil actuator 400 a, and ahandle end 520 b. In some embodiments,controller 500 is configured to resemble a gun.Recoil actuator 400 a may be positioned at a recoil angle offset from a gun shaft ofcontroller 500. In some embodiments, the positioning of recoil component causes a recoil effect force vector having a direction substantially perpendicular with a direction illustrated by the arrow A of motion of a moving mass, such as movingmass 404 illustrated inFIG. 4 . Thus, by varying the recoil angle, a recoil effect force vector may be varied. In some embodiments, a user may pointdischarge end 510 b away from the user toward a screen or other interface in order to simulate a shot. Handleend 520 b may be positioned toward the user. Thus, whencontroller 500 is grasped by the user to simulate a shot at a screen or other interface,discharge end 510 b may be positioned away from the user whilehandle end 520 b may be positioned toward the user. In these embodiments, the first direction described above inFIG. 4 may be fromdischarge end 510 b to handleend 520 b. -
FIG. 5c is a block diagram of acontroller 500, which includesrecoil actuator 400 c that generates a recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention.Controller 500 may include, among other things, adischarge end 510 c, arecoil actuator 400 a, and ahandle end 520 c. In some embodiments,controller 500 is not shaped as a gun. In these embodiments,recoil actuator 400 c may be positioned in a manner similar to those illustrated inFIGS. 5a and 5b . In other words, recoilactuator 400 c may be positioned substantially parallel along a plane that spans a length ofcontroller 500 or offset to intersect the plane. In some embodiments, the first direction may be fromdischarge end 510 c towardhandle end 520 c. - In some embodiments,
controller 500 may include one or more of arecoil actuator 400 a and/or arecoil actuator 400 b. Thus, althoughFIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c illustrate asingle recoil actuator 400, those having skill in the art will appreciate that different numbers, combinations, and/or configurations ofrecoil actuator 400 may be used. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of acontroller 600 that generates a user-grounded recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to various embodiments of the invention,controller 600 may include, among other things, anactuator 602, acontroller base 610, alinkage 612, acontroller anchor 614, agrounding base 620, alinkage 622, agrounding anchor 624, and auser engaging component 626.Controller base 610 may be movably coupled to groundingbase 620. In some embodiments,controller base 610 is coupled to groundingbase 620 via a hinge (not illustrated inFIG. 6a ). In some embodiments,actuator 602 may be coupled tocontroller anchor 614 andgrounding anchor 624 vialinkage 612 andlinkage 622, respectively.Linkage 612 may be any rigid structure such as a wire through which actuator 602 imparts a force oncontroller anchor 614. Similarly,linkage 622 may be a rigid structure through which actuator 602 imparts a force on groundinganchor 624.User engaging component 626 is a structure forfastening grounding base 620 to a body part of a user such as a forearm. For example,user engaging component 626 may include a VELCRO strap, string, fabric, and/or other structure forfastening grounding base 620 to a body part of the user. In some embodiments,user engaging component 626 wraps around a body part ofuser 650. For example,user 650 may slide a forearm throughuser engaging component 626, then graspcontroller 600. In other embodiments, the engaging component sits naturally against the forearm in such a way that force can be applied to the forearm when the handle is gripped. - In some embodiments,
actuator 602 is configured to impart a force oncontroller anchor 614 vialinkage 612. In some embodiments, the imparted force is a pullingforce 632 that results in aforce vector 634.Force vector 634 causescontroller base 610 to move in a direction offorce vector 634 relative to a body part of user 650 (illustrated inFIG. 6b ) thereby causing the recoil effect. In some implementations,controller anchor 614 may be positioned at a discharge end ofcontroller 600. Thus,force vector 634 may cause the recoil effect in a direction from the distal end ofcontroller 600 toward auser grasping controller 600. - In some embodiments,
force vector 634 may cause aforce vector 644 to be imparted on groundingbase 620. For example,actuator 602,linkage 612 andlinkage 622 may be coupled to a wound spool such that pullingforce 632 causesforce vector 634 andforce vector 644. Thus, pullingforce 632 may urge togethercontroller base 610 andgrounding base 620 according toforce vector 634 andforce vector 644. - When
controller 600 is configured to be grasped byuser 650 as illustrated inFIG. 6b ,user engaging component 626 may fasten groundingbase 620 touser 650. Otherwise, in these embodiments,controller 600 may not be grounded and may not generate the recoil effect. Thus, instead of existing systems that may use a wall, desk, or other object apart fromuser 650,controller 600 may be grounded using a body part ofuser 650. - In some embodiments,
actuator 602 is configured to impart a force on groundinganchor 624 vialinkage 622. In some embodiments, the imparted force is a pullingforce 642 that results in aforce vector 644.Force vector 644causes grounding base 620 to move in a direction offorce vector 644 relative to a body part of user 650 (illustrated inFIG. 6b ). - In some embodiments,
actuator 602 imparts a combination offorce vector 634 andforce vector 644 to thereby impart the recoil effect. In some embodiments, the magnitude of forces generated byactuator 602 may be varied to simulate different levels of recoil effects, such as a greater recoil effect for a larger simulated gun as compared to a smaller simulated gun. -
FIG. 6b illustrates acontroller 600 that generates a user-grounded recoil effect as grasped byuser 650, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to the embodiments illustrated byFIG. 6b , grounding base 620 (as illustrated inFIG. 6a ) is positioned such thatvector force 644causes grounding base 620 to move away from a body part ofuser 650. For example, groundingbase 620 may be positioned above a forearm ofuser 650 whencontroller 600 is grasped in an upright position as illustrated.User engaging component 626 fastenscontroller 600 touser 650, thereby holding grounding 620 substantially in place relative touser 650 as the recoil effect is delivered bycontroller 600. Thus, by couplingcontroller 600 to a body part ofuser 650 viauser engaging component 626,vector force 644 is opposed by the body part of the user. -
FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional illustration of acontroller 700 that generates a user-grounded recoil effect, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to various embodiments of the invention,controller 700 may include, among other things, a recoil actuator 702, acontroller base 710, alinkage 712, acontroller anchor 714, agrounding base 720, alinkage 722, and agrounding anchor 724.Controller base 710 may be movably coupled to groundingbase 720. In some embodiments,controller base 710 is coupled to groundingbase 720 via a hinge (not illustrated inFIG. 7a ). In some embodiments, recoil actuator 702 may be coupled tocontroller anchor 714 andgrounding anchor 724 vialinkage 712 andlinkage 722, respectively.Linkage 712 may be any rigid structure such as a wire through which recoil actuator 702 imparts a force oncontroller anchor 714. Similarly,linkage 722 may be a rigid structure through which recoil actuator 702 imparts a force on groundinganchor 724. - In some embodiments, recoil actuator 702 is configured to impart a force on
controller anchor 714 vialinkage 712. In some embodiments, the imparted force is a pullingforce 732 that results in aforce vector 734, thereby causing the recoil effect.Force vector 734 causescontroller base 710 to move in a direction offorce vector 734 relative to a body part of user 750 (illustrated inFIG. 7b ). In some implementations,controller anchor 714 may be positioned at a discharge end ofcontroller 700. Thus,force vector 734 may cause the recoil effect in a direction from the distal end ofcontroller 700 toward auser grasping controller 700. - In some embodiments,
force vector 734 may cause aforce vector 744 to be imparted on groundingbase 720. For example, recoil actuator 702,linkage 712 andlinkage 722 may be coupled to a wound spool such that pullingforce 732 causesforce vector 734 andforce vector 744. Thus, pullingforce 732 may urge togethercontroller base 710 andgrounding base 720 according toforce vector 734 andforce vector 744. - When
controller 700 is configured to be grasped byuser 750 as illustrated inFIG. 7b , groundingbase 720 may contact a body part ofuser 750 when urged upward byvector force 744. Thus, the body part ofuser 750 blocks a path ofgrounding base 720 and therefore a user engaging portion may not be needed. In some embodiments, controller may nonetheless include a user engaging portion (not illustrated inFIG. 7b ). - In some embodiments, recoil actuator 702 is configured to impart a force on grounding
anchor 724 vialinkage 722. In some embodiments, the imparted force is a pullingforce 742 that results in aforce vector 744.Force vector 744causes grounding base 720 to move in a direction offorce vector 744 relative to a body part of user 750 (illustrated inFIG. 7b ). - In some embodiments, recoil actuator 702 imparts a combination of
force vector 734 andforce vector 744 to thereby impart the recoil effect. In some embodiments, the magnitude of forces generated by recoil actuator 702 may be varied to simulate different levels of recoil effects, such as a greater recoil effect for a larger simulated gun as compared to a smaller simulated gun. -
FIG. 7b illustrates acontroller 700 that generates a user-grounded recoil effect as grasped byuser 750, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to the embodiments illustrated byFIG. 7b , grounding base 720 (as illustrated inFIG. 7a ) is positioned such thatvector force 744causes grounding base 720 to move toward a body part ofuser 650. For example, groundingbase 720 is positioned below a forearm ofuser 750 when controller is grasped in an upright position as illustrated. In these embodiments, a body part ofuser 750 is positioned in a path that opposes movement ofgrounding base 720 whenvector force 744 is applied, thereby resisting motion of groundingbase 720 in a direction ofvector force 744. Thus, the body part ofuser 750 may be used as a ground to impart the recoil effect. -
FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate acontroller 800 that generates a user-grounded recoil effect as grasped byuser 850, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to various embodiments of the invention illustrated byFIGS. 8a and 8b ,controller 800 may be shaped in the form a rectangle or other shape not resembling a gun. In these embodiments,controller 800 may include components described above with respect tocontroller 600 andcontroller 700 to provide the recoil effect. -
FIG. 9 is a block diagram ofsystem 900 for providing recoil effects, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to various embodiments of the invention,system 900 may include, among other things, acontroller 902, acomputer 904, and arecoil device 906.Controller 902 may be communicably coupled tocomputer 904 and to recoildevice 906 vialinks Recoil device 906 may be communicably coupled tocomputer 904 vialink 905.Links controller 902 may control an application such as a game running oncomputer 904, which may be a gaming console. In some embodiments, although illustrated inFIG. 9 as separate devices,controller 902 andcomputer 904 may include an integrated device such as a handheld gaming device (e.g., SONY PSP). - In some embodiments,
recoil device 906 includes an actuator (not illustrated inFIG. 9 ), such asactuator 122 described above, configured to output haptic feedback. In some embodiments,recoil device 906 is remote fromcontroller 902. In other words,recoil device 906 may be a standalone device that generates recoil effects to a user. In some embodiments,recoil device 906 may be coupled to the user. For example,recoil device 906 may be worn on a body part of the user, contacted by a foot of the user such as by the user standing onrecoil device 906, or otherwise be coupled to the user. - In some embodiments,
recoil device 906 responds to input fromcontroller 902. In these embodiments,recoil device 906 is coupled tocontroller 902 and receives an input signal, such as a trigger signal, fromcontroller 902. The trigger signal may be generated in response to a gun shot being simulated such as when a user manipulates a user interface member (not illustrated inFIG. 9 ) ofcontroller 902 to simulate pulling a trigger of a gun. In response to the input signal received fromcontroller 902,recoil device 906 may impart a haptic effect to the user, thereby generating a recoil effect to simulate a recoil of a gun. - In some embodiments,
recoil device 906 responds to input fromcomputer 904. In these embodiments,recoil device 906 is coupled to and receives an input signal fromcomputer 904. For example,computer 904 may receive a trigger signal fromcontroller 902 in response to whichcomputer 904 transmits the input signal to recoildevice 906. In response to the input signal received fromcomputer 904,recoil device 906 may impart a haptic effect to the user, thereby generating a recoil effect to simulate the recoil. -
FIG. 10a illustrates asystem 1000 a for providing recoil effects using arecoil device 906 a configured as a foot pad, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to various embodiments of the invention, auser 1010 may graspcontroller 902 while interacting withcomputer 904 such as when playing a game.User 1010 stands onrecoil device 906 a, which is configured as a foot pad or other device on whichuser 1010 stands. In these embodiments,recoil device 906 a may generate haptic force such that a balance ofuser 1010 shifts. For example,recoil device 906 a may include one or more force actuators (not illustrated inFIG. 10a ) that move in response to a trigger signal. Movement of the one or more force actuators may contact a foot ofuser 1010, altering the balance ofuser 1010, thereby simulating a recoil effect. -
FIG. 10b illustrates asystem 1000 b for providing recoil effects using arecoil device 906 b configured as a wearable body device, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to various embodiments of the invention,user 1010 may graspcontroller 902 while interacting withcomputer 904 such as when playing a game.User 1010 may wearrecoil device 906 b on and/or around a body part ofuser 1010. For example,recoil device 906 b may be configured as a vest to be worn around a torso ofuser 1010, a backpack to be worn around a back ofuser 1010, or other wearable device. In these embodiments, a haptic effect may be imparted to the body part ofuser 1010 whilerecoil device 906 b is worn byuser 1010. In this manner,user 1010 may feel the recoil effect at one or more parts of the body ofuser 1010. -
FIG. 10c illustrates asystem 1000 c for providing recoil effects using arecoil device 906 c configured as a wearable arm device, according to various embodiments of the invention. According to various embodiments of the invention,user 1010 may graspcontroller 902 while interacting withcomputer 904 such as when playing a game.User 1010 may wearrecoil device 906 c on and/or around at least a portion of an arm ofuser 1010. In some embodiments,recoil device 906 c may generate haptic effects to the arm ofuser 1010. In some embodiments,recoil device 906 c may include anactuator 1020 that imparts movingforces user 1010 similar in action to actuators 602 and 702 described above inFIGS. 6 and 7 , respectively, thereby generating the recoil effect directly on an arm ofuser 1010. - Although
FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c illustrateuser 1010 graspingcontroller 906,user 1010 may interact withrecoil device controller 906. For example,user 1010 may stand onrecoil device 906 a configured as a foot pad without graspingcontroller 902. In these embodiments, simulated recoil effects may respond to a trigger signal originating fromcomputer 904 and/or fromrecoil device 906 a, such as whenrecoil device 906 a includes a user interface member that acts as a trigger. Furthermore,recoil device 906 may be used with other devices and/or controllers disclosed herein as would be apparent to those having skill in the art. - While embodiments and applications have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.
Claims (21)
1-27. (canceled)
28. A game controller comprising:
a body having a handle adapted to be grasped by a user;
a trigger coupled to the body adapted to be operated by the user's finger;
a directional-pad control coupled to the body, the directional-pad control adapted to be operated by the user;
a processor within the body and configured to receive a trigger signal from the trigger when the trigger is activated by the user and to receive a pad signal from the directional-pad control, the processor configured to communicate with a computer running a software program; and
an actuator coupled to the body, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the body in response to receiving a control signal from the processor.
29. The game controller of claim 28 , further comprising a position sensor coupled to the body, the position sensor configured to track the position and/or orientation of the controller and provide sensor signals to the processor and/or the computer regarding the position of the controller.
30. The game controller of claim 29 , wherein the position sensor is an accelerometer or a gyroscope.
31. The game controller of claim 29 , wherein the sensor signals from the position sensor are configured to be used by the processor and/or the computer to adjust the position and/or orientation of a character of the user in the software program.
32. The game controller of claim 29 , wherein the sensor signals from the position sensor are configured to be used by the processor and/or the computer to adjust the position and/or orientation of an object held by a character of the user in the software program.
33. The game controller of claim 28 , wherein the directional-pad control is configured to operate various features during game play.
34. The game controller of claim 28 , further comprising a touch sensor configured to track how the user is holding the controller, wherein the touch sensor is further configured to communicate touch sensing information to the computer.
35. The game controller of claim 34 , wherein the touch sensor is configured to track where and/or with how many hands the user is holding the controller.
36. A game controller comprising:
a body having a handle adapted to be grasped by a user;
a trigger coupled to the body adapted to be operated by the user's finger;
a processor within the body and configured to receive a trigger signal from the trigger when the trigger is activated by the user and to receive a pad signal from the directional-pad control, the processor configured to communicate with a computer running a software program; and
a trigger actuator coupled to the trigger, the trigger actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor, wherein the trigger actuator is configured to output a resistive force toward a neutral position of the trigger.
37. The game controller of claim 36 , wherein the resistive force is varied depending on the control signal received from the processor.
38. The game controller of claim 37 , wherein the resistive force is varied based on selections made by the user.
39. The game controller of claim 36 , further comprising a body actuator coupled to the body, wherein the body actuator is configured to output a haptic effect to at least a portion of the body in response to receiving a control signal from the processor
40. A game system comprising:
a computer configured to operate a software program; and
a controller including;
a body having a handle adapted to be grasped by a user,
a trigger coupled to the body adapted to be operated by the user's finger,
a directional-pad control coupled to the body adapted to be operated by the user,
a processor within the body and configured to receive a trigger signal from the trigger when the trigger is activated by the user and to receive a pad signal from the directional-pad control, the processor configured to communicate with the computer, and
an actuator coupled to the body, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the body in response to receiving a control signal from the processor.
41. The game controller of claim 40 , further comprising a position sensor coupled to the body, the position sensor configured to track the position and/or orientation of the controller and provide sensor signals to the processor and/or the computer regarding the position of the controller.
42. The game controller of claim 41 , wherein the position sensor is an accelerometer or a gyroscope.
43. The game controller of claim 41 , wherein the sensor signals from the position sensor are configured to be used by the processor and/or the computer to adjust the position and/or orientation of a character of the user in the software program.
44. The game controller of claim 41 , wherein the sensor signals from the position sensor are configured to be used by the processor and/or the computer to adjust the position and/or orientation of an object held by a character of the user in the software program.
45. The game controller of claim 40 , wherein the directional-pad control is configured to operate various features during game play.
46. The game controller of claim 40 , further comprising a touch sensor configured to track how the user is holding the controller, wherein the touch sensor is further configured to communicate touch sensing information to the computer.
47. The game controller of claim 46 , wherein the touch sensor is configured to track where and/or with how many hands the user is holding the controller.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/356,185 US20170065881A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2016-11-18 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
US15/874,517 US20180140945A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2018-01-18 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14286409P | 2009-01-06 | 2009-01-06 | |
US12/652,599 US8506369B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2010-01-05 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
US13/964,628 US9504914B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2013-08-12 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
US15/356,185 US20170065881A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2016-11-18 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/964,628 Continuation US9504914B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2013-08-12 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/874,517 Continuation US20180140945A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2018-01-18 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170065881A1 true US20170065881A1 (en) | 2017-03-09 |
Family
ID=42312057
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/652,599 Active 2031-05-09 US8506369B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2010-01-05 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
US13/964,628 Active 2030-02-24 US9504914B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2013-08-12 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
US15/356,185 Abandoned US20170065881A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2016-11-18 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
US15/874,517 Abandoned US20180140945A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2018-01-18 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/652,599 Active 2031-05-09 US8506369B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2010-01-05 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
US13/964,628 Active 2030-02-24 US9504914B2 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2013-08-12 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/874,517 Abandoned US20180140945A1 (en) | 2009-01-06 | 2018-01-18 | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US8506369B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010080766A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200086212A1 (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2020-03-19 | Ka Yan WONG | Easy-to-store Combined Wireless Gun-shaped Simulation Game Controller |
Families Citing this family (55)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170176127A1 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2017-06-22 | Bob Ferris | Simulated firearms entertainment system |
US20100192442A1 (en) * | 2008-07-07 | 2010-08-05 | Matthew Morman Carmel | Proprioceptively determining a relative orientation of a firearm and firearm providing for same |
JP5520457B2 (en) | 2008-07-11 | 2014-06-11 | 任天堂株式会社 | GAME DEVICE AND GAME PROGRAM |
CN101829428B (en) * | 2010-04-14 | 2013-05-08 | 深圳市腾阳机电设备有限公司 | Computer game magnetic gun |
ES2392531B1 (en) * | 2010-12-01 | 2013-10-23 | José Vicente AYLLÓN ALCÁZAR | MULTIFUNCTION CONTROL FOR VIDEOCONSOLA. |
US8740708B2 (en) * | 2011-05-27 | 2014-06-03 | Performance Designed Products Llc | Gun handle attachment for game controller |
US8480491B2 (en) * | 2011-06-17 | 2013-07-09 | Ironburg Inventions Ltd. | Game controller |
US8894491B2 (en) * | 2011-12-09 | 2014-11-25 | Microsoft Corporation | Multi-stage variable resistance trigger |
US9146069B2 (en) | 2012-05-22 | 2015-09-29 | Haptech, Inc. | Method and apparatus for firearm recoil simulation |
US10852093B2 (en) * | 2012-05-22 | 2020-12-01 | Haptech, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for haptic systems |
DE102012107132B4 (en) * | 2012-08-03 | 2014-09-04 | Löwen Entertainment GmbH | Game machine |
CN104107539B (en) * | 2013-04-22 | 2019-12-03 | 伊默森公司 | The game station of trigger is enabled with sense of touch |
US10234240B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2019-03-19 | Shooting Simulator, Llc | System and method for marksmanship training |
US10274287B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2019-04-30 | Shooting Simulator, Llc | System and method for marksmanship training |
US10584940B2 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2020-03-10 | Shooting Simulator, Llc | System and method for marksmanship training |
US10030937B2 (en) * | 2013-05-09 | 2018-07-24 | Shooting Simulator, Llc | System and method for marksmanship training |
DE102013106658A1 (en) * | 2013-06-25 | 2015-01-08 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Driving tool for driving fasteners into a workpiece |
DE102013106657A1 (en) * | 2013-06-25 | 2015-01-08 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Driving tool for driving fasteners into a workpiece |
EP2902082A1 (en) | 2013-10-16 | 2015-08-05 | Paul Weatherstone | Video games input device |
US9393493B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2016-07-19 | Immersion Corporation | Gaming device with haptic effect isolated to user input elements |
US9164587B2 (en) | 2013-11-14 | 2015-10-20 | Immersion Corporation | Haptic spatialization system |
US9619029B2 (en) * | 2013-11-14 | 2017-04-11 | Immersion Corporation | Haptic trigger control system |
US20150205352A1 (en) * | 2013-12-29 | 2015-07-23 | Immersion Corporation | Distributed control architecture for haptic devices |
US10675532B2 (en) | 2014-04-21 | 2020-06-09 | Steelseries Aps | Variable actuators of an accessory and methods thereof |
US10022622B2 (en) | 2014-04-21 | 2018-07-17 | Steelseries Aps | Programmable actuation inputs of an accessory and methods thereof |
US9866149B2 (en) | 2014-07-28 | 2018-01-09 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for enabling floating touch screen haptics assemblies |
JP6434769B2 (en) * | 2014-09-30 | 2018-12-05 | アルプス電気株式会社 | Game controller |
JP6220083B2 (en) * | 2014-11-04 | 2017-10-25 | アルプス電気株式会社 | Operating device |
US9174134B1 (en) | 2014-11-12 | 2015-11-03 | Immersion Corporation | Peripheral device with haptic diminishment prevention component |
US10185396B2 (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2019-01-22 | Immersion Corporation | Haptic trigger modification system |
US10234247B2 (en) * | 2014-11-14 | 2019-03-19 | Latts, Llc | Projectile weapon training apparatus using visual display to determine targeting, accuracy, and/or reaction timing |
US10254838B2 (en) * | 2014-12-23 | 2019-04-09 | Immersion Corporation | Architecture and communication protocol for haptic output devices |
US10508882B2 (en) * | 2015-03-23 | 2019-12-17 | Ronnie VALDEZ | Simulated hunting devices and methods |
US10613629B2 (en) | 2015-03-27 | 2020-04-07 | Chad Laurendeau | System and method for force feedback interface devices |
CN104815436B (en) * | 2015-04-30 | 2016-05-11 | 山东大学 | With the interaction shooting movie theatre gun-simulation system and method for recoil reponse system |
US10152132B2 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2018-12-11 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for enabling heavy floating touchscreen haptics assembles and passive braking system |
US10518172B2 (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2019-12-31 | Htc Corporation | Accessory management of virtual reality system |
US10556175B2 (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2020-02-11 | Immersion Corporation | Rendering a haptic effect with intra-device mixing |
US20170354864A1 (en) * | 2016-06-11 | 2017-12-14 | Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. | Directional Interface Object |
US10569165B2 (en) * | 2016-08-18 | 2020-02-25 | Activision Publishing, Inc. | Tactile feedback systems and methods for augmented reality and virtual reality systems |
US10384123B2 (en) | 2017-06-01 | 2019-08-20 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Motor-driven adjustable-tension trigger |
US10737172B2 (en) | 2017-06-01 | 2020-08-11 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Input device with force sensor feedback trigger |
US10226697B2 (en) | 2017-06-01 | 2019-03-12 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Input device with sector geared feedback trigger |
US10773159B2 (en) | 2017-06-01 | 2020-09-15 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Input device with linear geared feedback trigger |
US10850190B2 (en) | 2017-06-01 | 2020-12-01 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Input device with clutched force-feedback trigger |
CN108446063B (en) * | 2018-02-09 | 2021-07-27 | 腾讯科技(深圳)有限公司 | Object processing method and device, storage medium and electronic device |
FR3086185B1 (en) * | 2018-09-20 | 2023-06-16 | Protubevr | MECHANICAL FORCE FEEDBACK DEVICE DESIGNED TO SIMULATE A PHYSICAL IMPACT DURING A VIDEO GAME EVENT. |
JP2020160680A (en) * | 2019-03-26 | 2020-10-01 | キヤノン株式会社 | Electronic apparatus, control method for controlling electronic apparatus, computer program and storage medium |
JP7314324B2 (en) | 2019-07-02 | 2023-07-25 | ブイ・エー・アール ライブ インターナショナル リミテッド | Gun vibration structure used for motion sensing game |
US11491623B2 (en) | 2019-10-02 | 2022-11-08 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Fastener driving tool |
US11882813B2 (en) | 2020-10-15 | 2024-01-30 | Ronnie A Valdez | Wildlife tracking system |
USD920436S1 (en) * | 2021-01-21 | 2021-05-25 | Dongguan Chokway Co., Ltd. | Handgun shaped game board |
IT202100032486A1 (en) * | 2021-12-23 | 2023-06-23 | Fabbrica Darmi Pietro Beretta S P A | TRAINING SYSTEM |
WO2023214292A1 (en) * | 2022-05-03 | 2023-11-09 | Janis Andersons | Gun-shaped game controller |
US11921930B1 (en) * | 2023-01-04 | 2024-03-05 | Dell Products L.P. | Systems and methods for adjustable haptic damping positioning |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6545661B1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2003-04-08 | Midway Amusement Games, Llc | Video game system having a control unit with an accelerometer for controlling a video game |
US6569019B2 (en) * | 2001-07-10 | 2003-05-27 | William Cochran | Weapon shaped virtual reality character controller |
US20050130739A1 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2005-06-16 | Argentar Eric J. | Control apparatus for use with a computer or video game system |
US20080070686A1 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2008-03-20 | Namco Bandai Games Inc. | Storage medium and game device |
US20080143895A1 (en) * | 2006-12-15 | 2008-06-19 | Thomas Peterka | Dynamic parallax barrier autosteroscopic display system and method |
US20080293491A1 (en) * | 2007-05-25 | 2008-11-27 | Asustek Computer Inc. | Game Controller |
US20090079696A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2009-03-26 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Method for inputting user command and video apparatus and input apparatus employing the same |
Family Cites Families (30)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4050166A (en) * | 1976-09-30 | 1977-09-27 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Recoil simulator |
US5631861A (en) * | 1990-02-02 | 1997-05-20 | Virtual Technologies, Inc. | Force feedback and texture simulating interface device |
US5629594A (en) * | 1992-12-02 | 1997-05-13 | Cybernet Systems Corporation | Force feedback system |
JP2856036B2 (en) * | 1993-07-12 | 1999-02-10 | 株式会社セガ・エンタープライゼス | Gun unit for game machine provided with slide type vibration mechanism and game device |
JP3379193B2 (en) * | 1994-01-12 | 2003-02-17 | 株式会社セガ | Combined gun unit for game consoles |
US5691898A (en) | 1995-09-27 | 1997-11-25 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Safe and low cost computer peripherals with force feedback for consumer applications |
US6147674A (en) * | 1995-12-01 | 2000-11-14 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for designing force sensations in force feedback computer applications |
JP2998664B2 (en) * | 1996-11-20 | 2000-01-11 | コナミ株式会社 | Simulated volley gun |
US6020876A (en) | 1997-04-14 | 2000-02-01 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback interface with selective disturbance filter |
DE69928751T2 (en) * | 1998-05-13 | 2006-09-14 | Sega Corp. | Pistol-shaped regulator |
JP3791221B2 (en) * | 1999-01-21 | 2006-06-28 | 株式会社ソニー・コンピュータエンタテインメント | Resistance generator and operating device equipped with the same |
US6328651B1 (en) * | 1999-02-03 | 2001-12-11 | Toymax Inc. | Projected image target shooting toy |
US20020010021A1 (en) | 1999-08-03 | 2002-01-24 | Mccauley Jack Jean | Method and device for optical gun interaction with a computer game system |
US20020010026A1 (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2002-01-24 | Keith York | Multiplayer video game enhancer |
US7182691B1 (en) * | 2000-09-28 | 2007-02-27 | Immersion Corporation | Directional inertial tactile feedback using rotating masses |
US6641480B2 (en) * | 2001-01-29 | 2003-11-04 | Microsoft Corporation | Force feedback mechanism for gamepad device |
US6785996B2 (en) * | 2001-05-24 | 2004-09-07 | R.A. Brands, Llc | Firearm orientation and drop sensor system |
US6902483B2 (en) * | 2002-04-01 | 2005-06-07 | Xiao Lin | Handheld electronic game device having the shape of a gun |
EP1533678A1 (en) * | 2003-11-24 | 2005-05-25 | Sony International (Europe) GmbH | Physical feedback channel for entertaining or gaming environments |
JP3971397B2 (en) * | 2004-03-16 | 2007-09-05 | 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント | Mock gun |
US20060217197A1 (en) * | 2004-12-17 | 2006-09-28 | Jason Biheller | Video game controller with light feedback mechanism |
EP2380640A3 (en) * | 2005-06-27 | 2011-12-28 | Coactive Drive Corporation | Synchronized vibration device for haptic feedback |
WO2007030603A2 (en) * | 2005-09-08 | 2007-03-15 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Gaming machine having display with sensory feedback |
US20070215137A1 (en) * | 2006-03-14 | 2007-09-20 | Danial Jones | Pneumatically actuated clip for a paintball gun |
WO2008011098A1 (en) * | 2006-07-19 | 2008-01-24 | Procaps Lp | Paintball gun loading methods and apparatus |
US8668585B2 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2014-03-11 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Location based gaming system |
US9317110B2 (en) * | 2007-05-29 | 2016-04-19 | Cfph, Llc | Game with hand motion control |
US8072418B2 (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2011-12-06 | Disney Enterprises, Inc. | Tactile feedback mechanism using magnets to provide trigger or release sensations |
US7817162B2 (en) * | 2008-02-11 | 2010-10-19 | University Of Northern Iowa Research Foundation | Virtual blasting system for removal of coating and/or rust from a virtual surface |
US20100077959A1 (en) * | 2008-09-29 | 2010-04-01 | University Of Northern Iowa Research Foundation | Airless spray gun virtual coatings application system |
-
2010
- 2010-01-05 US US12/652,599 patent/US8506369B2/en active Active
- 2010-01-05 WO PCT/US2010/020143 patent/WO2010080766A2/en active Application Filing
-
2013
- 2013-08-12 US US13/964,628 patent/US9504914B2/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-11-18 US US15/356,185 patent/US20170065881A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2018
- 2018-01-18 US US15/874,517 patent/US20180140945A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6545661B1 (en) * | 1999-06-21 | 2003-04-08 | Midway Amusement Games, Llc | Video game system having a control unit with an accelerometer for controlling a video game |
US6569019B2 (en) * | 2001-07-10 | 2003-05-27 | William Cochran | Weapon shaped virtual reality character controller |
US20050130739A1 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2005-06-16 | Argentar Eric J. | Control apparatus for use with a computer or video game system |
US20070167232A1 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2007-07-19 | Argentar Eric J | Control apparatus for use with a computer or video game system |
US7510477B2 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2009-03-31 | Argentar Eric J | Control apparatus for use with a computer or video game system |
US7736230B2 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2010-06-15 | Argentar Eric J | Control apparatus for use with a computer or video game system |
US20080070686A1 (en) * | 2006-09-20 | 2008-03-20 | Namco Bandai Games Inc. | Storage medium and game device |
US20080143895A1 (en) * | 2006-12-15 | 2008-06-19 | Thomas Peterka | Dynamic parallax barrier autosteroscopic display system and method |
US20080293491A1 (en) * | 2007-05-25 | 2008-11-27 | Asustek Computer Inc. | Game Controller |
US20090079696A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2009-03-26 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Method for inputting user command and video apparatus and input apparatus employing the same |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200086212A1 (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2020-03-19 | Ka Yan WONG | Easy-to-store Combined Wireless Gun-shaped Simulation Game Controller |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010080766A3 (en) | 2010-12-02 |
US20130331157A1 (en) | 2013-12-12 |
US9504914B2 (en) | 2016-11-29 |
US8506369B2 (en) | 2013-08-13 |
WO2010080766A2 (en) | 2010-07-15 |
US20180140945A1 (en) | 2018-05-24 |
US20100173686A1 (en) | 2010-07-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20180140945A1 (en) | Programmable game-based haptic enabled gun controller | |
US8698736B2 (en) | Handheld computer interface with haptic feedback | |
US10155159B2 (en) | Tactile feedback systems and methods for augmented reality and virtual reality systems | |
KR101962081B1 (en) | System and method for providing complex haptic stimulation during input of control gestures, and relating to control of virtual equipment | |
US10569165B2 (en) | Tactile feedback systems and methods for augmented reality and virtual reality systems | |
JP5138520B2 (en) | Program and game device | |
US20160184698A1 (en) | An interactive laser tag system and a method of using the same | |
US20110092290A1 (en) | Wireless video game controller | |
US10458758B2 (en) | Electronic audible feedback bullet targeting system | |
US20190126135A1 (en) | Interactive laser tag system and a method of using the same | |
CN109126128A (en) | The management system and method for weapon in a kind of VR game | |
JP2021532326A (en) | Firearm simulation placement configuration for virtual reality systems | |
KR102361694B1 (en) | Drone-based survival shooting game provision system | |
JP4153939B2 (en) | Game device | |
US11759717B2 (en) | Extended-reality projectile-firing gaming system and method | |
EP2829839B1 (en) | Game weapon device | |
KR101928059B1 (en) | Archery for survival game | |
EP2783182B1 (en) | Weapon | |
Diaz et al. | Development of a first person shooter game controller | |
US20230356095A1 (en) | Smart target co-witnessing hit attribution system and method | |
KR20150128428A (en) | Firing system for bb gun | |
WO2024015238A1 (en) | Smart target co-witnessing hit attribution system and method | |
JP2024039732A (en) | Program, information processing method, and information processing device | |
JP2024039731A (en) | Program, information processing method, and information processing device | |
KR20210060103A (en) | survival game system with archery |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |